"Painted Rock" McKittrick Things to Do Tip by Yaqui

I wanted to see Painted Rock and was not disapointed. You need to be prepared to hike down a 2/3rd mile trail, so make sure you have water, dressed accordingly and STAY ON THE TRAIL, for your safety. This rock is my heritage and yours preserved within the walls. Painted Rock is a monolith that is in the shape of a horseshoe-shaped marinee rock that juts out 250 feet across and 45 feet tall from the ground.

The inside is adorned with many beautiful pictographs created by the Chumash, Salinan and Yokut peoples over many thousands of years. Sadly some of the paintings are fading do to time, elements and people. Yet, many are still very visible and precious. The Native People must have chose this place due to it's accessiblity, unique shape, and locality. Plus, there are caves and cruves that must had offered a safe haven from the elements and predators. The cave walls are blackened to those past settlers who camped here. What my son called settlers graffitti, are such carvings left behind of "Geo. Lewis 1908", who founder of Atascadero, California and there are more signatures of others left behind. We enjoyed our time exploring the rock and hope others continue to venture here.

Note: Access to Painted Rock is limited during March 1 through July 15. During the months of March through May, guided tours are offered to view this magnificent representation of a time and civilization that is little known to us. Other unique features within the National Monument will also be part of the tour. From July 16 through February 28, access will be available to Painted Rock without the need of a tour guide.

Before you head down the trail , there is an interpretive sign that has been erected at the entrance of Painted Rock trailhead. It's beautifully down, and gives you a glimpse of what Painted Rock might have looked like during when the Native inhabitants frequent this area before the arrival of the Europeans.

When visiting, come prepared for extreme weather conditions and watch out for natural hazards such as rattlesnakes or biting and stinging insects.

Carrizo Plain National Monument
Bureau of Land Management
3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391.6000

Directions: Take the Hwy 33 North to Hwy 58 West turn left at the fork at Seven Mile Road (Dirt Road) good during summer, may be muddy during winter. If so continue on Hwy 58 to Soda Lake Road and turn left.
Phone: (661) 391-6000
Website: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/carrizo.html