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| Landmark #101 | Riverside County | Visited: March 5, 2014 | Plaque? NO. 🙁 |
| What is it? | A group of 6 giant human and animal shapes scratched into the desert soil and visible from the sky! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Times of origin and meaning of these giant desert figures, the largest of which is 167 feet long and the smallest 95 feet, remain a mystery. There are three figures, two of animals and one of a coiled serpent, and some interesting lines. (Sandstone pebbles glazed on one side with “desert varnish,” strewn over the surface of the mesa, have been moved away, leaving the earth forming the figures, the pebbles were placed in windrows about the edge as an outline.)
OTHER TIDBITS: These figures are also known as the Blythe Intaglios and were made in the same way as Peru’s Nazca lines! In fact, they are among 300 known intaglios in the American Southwest and Mexico! They were probably made between 450 and 2,000 years ago but weren’t re-discovered until 1932 when pilot, George Palmer, spotted them when he was flying from Las Vegas to Blythe! It is believed that at least one of the human figures represents Mastamho, the Creator, and his two mountain lion assistants! I don’t know about you, but I think it would be pretty cool to have mountain lion assistants! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: On Hwy 95 (P.M. 15.3) 16 mi N of Blythe, CA 92225 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~240mi (387km) — 4hrs |
| When should I go? | Whenever the mood strikes you! |
