Hemet Maze Stone, Ancient petroglyph site near Hemet, California, United States
Hemet Maze Stone is a protected area in California containing an ancient rock carving with an intricate maze pattern. The pattern consists of two concentric rectangular boxes centered within the rock surface.
A rancher discovered the rock carving in 1914, and research showed it was at least 500 years old. The dating is based on artifacts found nearby that help establish when the carving was made.
The pattern on the stone shows geometric forms that differ markedly from typical Native American petroglyphs, which usually depict animals or natural elements. This unusual design invites visitors to think about the intentions and meaning behind the ancient artists' work.
The site is located at the end of California Avenue north of Highway 74 and is easy to find. Protective fencing surrounds the carving to prevent damage and preserve this ancient work for future visitors.
Only about 50 similar carvings exist within a radius of about 100 miles (160 kilometers) around this stone. This makes the site a rare find among prehistoric art in the region.
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