Background

Rock House Cave: Ancient Art and Natural Shelter

Explore ancient Native American rock art and unique rock formations on an easy trail at Petit Jean State Park's Rock House Cave.

4.9

Rock House Cave in Petit Jean State Park isn't a true cave, but a large rock shelter with Native American rock art dating back over 500 years. The short, easy trail also features unique geological formations known as Turtle Rocks.

A brief summary to Rock House Cave

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring a flashlight or headlamp to better view the ancient pictographs inside the rock shelter.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the short but somewhat uneven trail to the cave.
  • Combine your visit with other Petit Jean State Park attractions, such as Cedar Falls and Mather Lodge.
  • Be aware that the parking lot is small and can fill up quickly during peak season.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From the Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center, head west on AR-154 W/Petit Jean Mountain Rd. Turn left onto Red Bluff Dr. Continue for approximately 1 mile. The Rock House Cave Trailhead will be on your left. Parking is free, but the lot is small. During peak season, parking may be limited.

  • Walking

    From Mather Lodge, follow the paved path towards Red Bluff Drive. Turn left onto Red Bluff Drive and walk approximately 0.7 miles. The Rock House Cave Trailhead will be on your left. This is a moderate walk with some inclines.

Unlock the Best of Rock House Cave

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Rock House Cave

Rock House Cave, located in Petit Jean State Park, near Morrilton, Arkansas, offers a glimpse into the past with its Native American rock art and unique geological features. Despite its name, Rock House Cave is not actually a cave, but rather a large rock shelter or bluff shelter. This natural overhang has provided shelter for humans for approximately 8,000 years. The easy, 0.25-mile Rock House Cave Trail leads to the shelter, showcasing the "Turtle Rocks," interesting geological formations that resemble turtle shells. The main attraction is the rock art, or pictographs, created by Native Americans between 500 and 2,000 years ago. These images, painted with mineral pigments mixed with animal fat, depict geometric shapes, animal forms, and other figures. Archaeologists theorize that Rock House Cave may have been a sacred site for the Tanico people, who possibly used the shelter for rites and rituals. Visitors should bring a flashlight or headlamp to view the pictographs, as they can be faint and difficult to see. The park advises that the cave is under video surveillance to prevent vandalism.

Popular Experiences near Rock House Cave

Popular Hotels near Rock House Cave

Select Currency