Sundad is a locale in western Maricopa County. It may still appear on some atlas maps. It's not hard to find in a general sense, but actually getting there takes some homework.

This was apparently a "resort" for people suffering from tuberculosis back in the early 20th century. It did not last long. The only hints of this alleged resort are a few concrete pads where buildings once stood, and some random rusted junk.

What makes Sundad so fascinating is that someone or some people have spent presumably a long time creating rock art in the form of rock geoglyphs and scraped intaglios. The work is extremely well done. The designs are geometrical and carefully rendered. The scraping is reminiscent of the way the ancients created designs in the ground, by removing the darker top layer of rocks to reveal the lighter rocks underneath. This is not an easy task. If you've ever tried it, you discover after thirty seconds it is very difficult and tiring. Those rocks are on the ground solidly, so to remove them takes some tools and effort.

I have no idea who is responsible for this rock art. I have no idea how long it's been here. I have no idea if people sometimes come here to refresh the art, or add new ones. It may have been awhile, because in a few spots, a mature creosote bush lies right on the design.

I won't be revealing exactly how to get there. It took me some investigation, and even when there, I wasn't sure I was in the right spot, until I was mere feet from the art. Then I saw it and knew I was in the right place.

Sundad written in stones

Flower motif, broken colored glass in the centers

Flower motif

Slightly elevated view of the area

Star

A sunrise motif, I think

Star

Circular design

This one uses old metal junk as its central design

More geometry

Diamond

Arrow

Sundad spelled again

From the side now

Big old arrow

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