This well -kept secret of the Anza Borrego Desert State Park
is worth the trip and exploration to find it. There are no roads, no maps, no
directions to this Kumeyaay dwelling site. Grab your 4x4, a hiking stick, some
water and be sure to bring your best investigative skills to seek out this
historical location.
High above the valley floor, the rocks and boulders look
like something out of the old Flintstones cartoons. The hike takes you back to 1500 AD when the
Kumayaay people roamed the land. We imagined walking barefoot along the sharp
rocks and vegetation as well as the cruel thought of surviving the harsh
weather conditions (extreme heat and cold). Although the site was not too far
from where we parked, every rock outcropping looked like it was the rock shelter
we were looking for. Exploring the area you can see how these rock outcroppings
must have provided a tremendous amount of shade, protection and exceptional
viewing over the entire valley for the Kumeyaay people.
When we
finally found the La Rumerosa style pictographs, we were in awe of the simple,
yet intricate details and designs. Makes you wonder what they were thinking
when they drew that picture and what they all meant. La Rumerosa style is
characterized by polychrome rectangular and curvilinear designs using red,
black, yellow and white. They used a lot of sunbursts, divided circles, bold
lines and simple stick figures. The style is linked to the Kumeyaay Indians
around 1500 AD and these pictographs can be seen in the Southern United States
and Mexico. The images were well preserved and many people who have visited are doing their part to keep them protected, by never divulging the location.
Not only were the pictographs themselves interesting, but we found
the entire surrounding area fascinating. There were overhangs and hidden
entries behind large boulders that must have been rooms and living quarters back in 1500 AD. Smoothed rocks perfectly shaped as chairs (they were actually quite comfortable and perfectly rounded for the gluteus maximus) and smooth long
rocks that would have made a perfect bed. Little one and I spent the majority
of the afternoon in our new “apartment”. We found it cozy, cool and protected and it
took a lot of convincing to get us to leave! If there was a buffet nearby, I think we would have moved in!
Totally Trailer does not recommend accessing these primitive roads with an RV or trailer. There are many RV camp options in Anza Borrego Desert State Park (many are free) as well as RV parks and campgrounds in the surrounding area. Happy Camping and Hiking!
Totally Trailer does not recommend accessing these primitive roads with an RV or trailer. There are many RV camp options in Anza Borrego Desert State Park (many are free) as well as RV parks and campgrounds in the surrounding area. Happy Camping and Hiking!
Little one found a bone and poses happily in front of the hidden pictographs
La Rumerosa style Kumeyaay Pictographs from 1500 AD- we like the long armed man!
Our favorite Where's Waldo photo of the area (can you spot hubby?)
It's hard to tell just how high up we were, but this seat was the perfect lookout
Steps up into another hidden opening
Morteros were everywhere
She looks awfully happy for getting wedged between two giant boulders!
We did not try to fit through this one. However, look how perfectly this is sliced in half and how smooth the cut was made....truly remarkable acts of nature!
Lounging in our humble abode!
Living off the grid with our solar panels and soaking up the abundant desert sunshine!
Home is where your heart is....our heart is here!
Hubby makes this spot feel nice and cozy with our own light show!
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