Blythe Intaglios

The Blythe Intaglios are prehistoric ground drawings in the desert of Riverside County, California, created by scraping away dark stones to reveal lighter soil beneath. The designs show human figures and animals, with some shapes reaching over 170 feet (52 meters) in length and best viewed from an elevated perspective.

A pilot flying between Blythe and Las Vegas spotted the figures in 1932, though they were likely created hundreds of years earlier by indigenous communities. The site later received protection to prevent erosion and damage from vehicles crossing the desert floor.

The figures represent human and animal shapes created by Native American tribes, reflecting their ceremonial traditions and creation narratives.

Visitors should drive about 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of Blythe along Intake Boulevard and then follow a dirt road to reach the parking areas. Early morning or late afternoon visits work best to avoid extreme heat, and bringing plenty of water is necessary since no facilities exist on site.

Some figures show life-sized human forms with outstretched arms, possibly representing spiritual beings or mythological characters from indigenous stories. The technique of removing dark desert pavement reveals a lighter pattern that remains visible despite centuries of wind and weather.