The land and mountains surrounding Smugglers’ Roost have a rich human history dating back thousands of years to a number of Native tribes that once inhabited the area.

The Apache, Mogollon, Anasazi, Patayan and Hohokam all either lived or traveled on trade routes through this region.

Remnants of the time that these inhabitants once spent in this area are evident in the artifacts such as pottery shards, stone tools, pictographs, petroglyphs and arrowheads often found throughout this vicinity. Searching for such artifacts on private property is a frequent pass-time for much of the area residents.

Discovery of such small pieces of history can give even the most hardened urbanite pause to appreciate a long-forgotten way of life.