geoglyphs

Yuma BLM

I noticed a pair of mysterious fences near the road while traveling back from one of my hikes. I stopped to read the sign of the nearest, which provided an explanation, and have returned today to actually see what they encompass.

That most ephemeral and uncertain bit of ancient art: the geoglyph.

And past the sign, narrow and long within the fence boundaries, is the preserved geoglyph. I rather suspect that without the sign, the fence would have been cut by now. As advertised, there are lines where the rocks have been removed from the generally flat and rock strewn surface of the plain.

The first geoglyph from end to end.

A closer view of what is just behind the sign.

And from the other end. One can see where water or a set of tires has cut through it.

My general suspicions upon seeing petroglyphs is that it might not be quite so old as all that. They are just doubled with these to add in the wondering of if it is just something water might have done. There is a prospect at one end of the fence, which is downright worrisome for its preservation in the long term. The second is maybe a tenth of a mile further along, so I walk over to see it too. It is shorter and also has the sign explaining why the fence is there.

Looking over the length of the second geoglyph.

Looking over the second geoglyph from anther angle.

These don't come with a map. I've chopped away distant landmarks. Unlike the rest, they are not geotagged. To find them, you'll have to visit the area and wander a little.




©2019 Valerie Norton
Written 5 March 2019