Painted Rock, Ancient pictograph site in Carrizo Plain, California.
The horseshoe-shaped sandstone formation measures 250 feet across and 45 feet tall, featuring numerous paintings in red, black, white, yellow, green, and blue colors.
Native Americans began creating pictographs at this location between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago, with multiple tribes contributing to the artwork over generations.
The rock art reflects religious practices of the Chumash, Salinan, and Yokuts peoples, who used rodent tail hair brushes and finger painting techniques for their creations.
Access requires advance reservations through recreation.gov, and visitors must follow strict preservation guidelines, maintaining distance from the rock surfaces.
The sandstone alcove contains layered artwork from different periods, including markings from early settlers such as George Lewis, founder of Atascadero, in 1908.
Location: California
GPS coordinates: 35.14610,-119.86200
Latest update: May 11, 2025 07:26
Neverland Ranch
49.2 km
Mission Santa Inés
66.3 km
Knapp's Castle
69.6 km
Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge
69.1 km
Figueroa Mountain
46.2 km
San Rafael Wilderness
37.3 km
Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge
51.4 km
OstrichLand USA
66.5 km
Santa Margarita Lake
58.9 km
Twitchell Reservoir
46 km
Lake Cachuma
63.2 km
Wasco Union High School
68.5 km
Dana Adobe
56.8 km
Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
66.2 km
Bradbury Dam
63.6 km
Caliente Mountain
15.3 km
The Fort
36.1 km
Los Alamos Ranch House
60.7 km
Chapel of San Ramon
47.9 km
Shafter Research Station
68.2 km
Little Pine Mountain
61.8 km
Arroyo Grande IOOF Hall
65.2 km
Madulce Peak
56.4 km
Elverhøj Museum of History and Art
66.8 km
Fort Preservation Society
36.1 km
Solvang Park
66.3 km
Solvang Festival Theater
66.5 km
Zaca Creek Bridge No. 1
62.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes