Overview

The Crystal Wash Main Archeological Site (or "Rock Story" site) is an area of desert-varnished, volcanic boulders along a sandy wash and on a gently sloping hillside above the wash. Above the wash, ancient people stayed in the area for long periods of time, probably living here during winters. While here, they flaked stones, built fires, broke ceramic vessels, and etched the rocks with representational (e.g., bighorn sheep and human figures) and abstract images. Back in their time, Crystal Creek probably flowed past the village.

Site 5 includes bedrock boulders with petroglyphs "on the ground." Be careful walking here and avoid stepping on the petroglyphs. For details of the hike and the other numbered sites here, see Crystal Wash Main. Note that the route backtracks from here to Site 4, then continues around the corner to the left to Site 6.

For additional information about the area, download the 57-page Lincoln County brochure or just the 3 pages about Crystal Wash Main.