The purpose of Western Rock Art Research is to promote and facilitate the preservation and scientific research of prehistoric and historic rock art heritage resources on private and public lands throughout the world, focusing on the western United States. This mission will be accomplished by: initiating an active inventory program to identify endangered, at risk resources followed by thorough resource documentation to current standards, significance evaluation, and resource management planning to meet the needs of private, state and federal land managers; establishing and maintaining a permanent digital and electronic archival record to be shared with appropriate land managers and recognized repositories or academic institutions; consulting with appropriate Native American and Aboriginal groups to incorporate their perspectives and concerns; engaging the services of specialists and other professionals as deemed necessary; and cooperatively working with fellow researchers, organizations, and institutions to promote the distribution of rock art research and encourage and support public education to broaden our common knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of rock art.

Increased development and recreational use has led to a similar increase in the amount of damage occurring to cultural resources on both public and private lands. Prehistoric sites that include panels of painted or carved rock art are especially vulnerable, and occur throughout the American west, yet each one is unique. It is estimated that less than 20% of the known rock art in California has been documented to current standards. Secondary purposes of the organization include consulting and cooperating with other concerned groups (Native Americans, researchers, land owners, avocational groups, etc.), and providing public education about current practices in rock art research and management.