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 8 is a primarily a single rock wall covered with a remarkable collection of human-like figures. Archaeologists suggest that this might have been an elevated platform from which village elders addressed the residents. For details of the hike and the other numbered sites here, see Crystal Wash Main. Remember that flaked stones and pot sherds are protected by law: leave what you find.

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