Snaking through winding passes in the jagged Tucson Mountains, we had a breathtaking view of the desert valley that is home to the museum.

But the best petroglyphs are in the western unit, about a half-hour drive from downtown, and tucked in the folds of the Tucson Mountains.

A three-quarter moon puddled cacti shadows on the desert floor and outlined the clefts of canyons in the nearby Tucson Mountains.

In about half an hour you will be in the Tucson Mountains, rolling desert foothills that, as you climb, become thicker with saguaros.

These layers once extended out west towards the Tucson Mountains and east into the Tucson Basin, where the city is now.

The Tucson Mountains are a minor mountain range west of Tucson, Arizona.

The Tucson Mountains, including Wasson Peak, are one of four notable mountain ranges surrounding the Tucson valley.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is located on the west flank of the Tucson Mountains.

Old Tucson Studios are located just west of the Tucson Mountains.

The Tucson Mountains and the western half of Saguaro National Park are located to the south.