Tag Archives: Indian Wells Canyon
Owens Peak Trail Pictographs (Indian Wells Canyon)
This impressive pictograph site is located along the Owens Peak Trail in Indian Wells Canyon. Keep in mind while hiking the Owens Peak Trail, this same trail that we hike today was most likely a Native American Trail long before the white settlers came to the west. While no official agency or organization is making that information available today, the evidence is there. During my hike at various points along the way we found over fifty obsidian chips, and three arrowheads. It is likely that they had been brought to the surface due to the unusual amount of rainfall the area received this summer (2012).
Like the other set of pictographs that can be found in Indian Wells Canyon, they were discovered in 1968 by Grant, Baird and Pringle during field reconnaissance in the Southern Sierra Nevada. The attributes of these pictographs tie them to “Coso” style rock art. It is believed that these pictographs are linked to historic times which is unusual because it was previously believed that no “Coso” style rock art was created during this time period.
Due to the sensitive nature of these sites locations are no longer available via the website. If you are interested in visiting this or any other sensitive sites I recommend that you utilize my guide service.
There are two grinding holes located on the boulder directly behind the pictographs. These two grinding holes are most likely where the berries had been ground up to create the paint for the paintings.
The view looking out from the cave, over Owens Valley and Indian Wells Canyon.
From the Owens Peak Trail, you are looking for this side trail.
Indian Wells Canyon Pictographs
The pictograph site in Indian Wells Canyon is not a well documented site thus there is no visible vandalization, and the site is well-preserved.
The Indian Wells Canyon pictographs were discovered in 1968 by Grant, Baird and Pringle during field reconnaissance in the Southern Sierra Nevada. The attributes of these pictographs tie them to “Coso” style rock art. Based on the images depicted it would date these pictographs to historic times which is unusual because it was previously believed that no “Coso” style rock art was created during this time period.
Below you will find a number of photographs of the pictographs, as well descriptions of what I believe I see in them. I am not an expert on rock art, so take my descriptions with a grain of salt. You may see something completely different.
Due to the sensitive nature of these sites locations are no longer available via the website. If you are interested in visiting this or any other sensitive sites I recommend that you utilize my guide service.
Pictographs – Near the bottom you will see two men on horse back, wearing hats. This would date these pictographs to a time period when white settlers have already been in the area. It was previously believed that all “Coso” style rock art was created in prehistoric times.
Pictograph – What appears to be a man
Pictographs – What would appear to be a blanket, as well you can see a number of circular designs. There is also a large up and down line that runs across the length of the bolder that these pictographs are painted on.
Pictographs – A second pictograph that is appears to be almost identical to the man pictograph above, however extremely faded.
Pictographs – The two men, both with a swirly circle above their heads.
Pictographs – Two stick figures
Cave at the pictograph site. Shows smoke suite on the top of the cave.
Cave – View from inside of the cave looking out over the Indian Wells Valley.
A bone of some sort that I accidentally kicked up from underneath the ground.
Pictographs – A full view of the surrounding site.
Wildflowers Blooming in Indian Wells Canyon (3/4/12)
View 2012 Wildflower Sightings in a larger map
Wildflowers are beginning to bloom in Indian Wells Canyon near the trail head to Owens Peak. While there is not an abundance of them, they are beginning to cover some hills quite well.
Broad-flowered Gilia Gilia latiflora ssp. davyi
Bigelow Coreopsis Coreopsis bigelovii
2013 Guided Tour Option
Books by Death Valley Jim
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Secret Places in the Mojave Desert Vol. III
Analyzing Rock Art of the Mojave Desert Vol. I: Pictographs
Secret Places in the Mojave Desert Vol. 1
Secret Places in the Mojave Desert Vol. II
Rock Art of the Upper Mojave Desert
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