Phoenix resident turns rock stacking into an art form

In Arizona, few topics are as hotly debated as whether it’s okay to stack rocks on public lands.

As far as stacking rocks on your own property goes, I have no problem with it. Especially after seeing how one Phoenix resident turned cairn creation into an art form. He didn’t stop with rocks though.

Impressive display of rocks stacked in yard of Phoenix home.
Impressive display of rocks stacked in yard of Phoenix home.

I find it particularly impressive that he integrated other materials into the stacks. Stools, bricks and logs to name a few. It’s as if he ran short on rocks and decided to use anything he had sitting around.

Closer view of rocks and other materials stacked in yard of Phoenix home
Closer view of rocks and other materials stacked in yard of Phoenix home

When I stumbled on to this spectacle in the vicinity of 48th & Broadway, I was running late for an appointment, so I only had time to grab a few pics. Wish I’d had time to get some close ups.

Just look at how many stacks there are and what an impressive display of balance the artist pulled off.

Rocks stacked on stools along side of Phoenix home
Rocks stacked on stools along side of Phoenix home

What’s behind the debate about rock stacking?

Some people are of the frame of mind that stacking a few rocks to create a trail marker, or cairn, can help prevent getting lost and potentially save lives. Leave no trace purists argue that moving rocks from their natural spot can cause damage to the environment.

While I have personally benefited from cairns on trails I’ve traveled, I can see both sides of the discussion.

The people of Arizona, like the natural wonders contained within its borders, never cease to amaze me.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.