Petroglyph Canyons

Petroglyph Canyons Review

The two canyons, commonly called Big Petroglyph and Little Petroglyph, are in the Coso Mountain range on the million-acre U.S. Naval Weapons Center at China Lake. Each of the canyons holds a superlative concentration of ancient rock art, the largest of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere. Thousands of well-preserved images of animals and humans are scratched or pecked into dark basaltic rocks. The military requires everyone to produce a valid driver's license, Social Security number, passport, and vehicle registration before the trip (nondrivers must provide a birth certificate).

Maturango Museum. The only way to see the amazing Petroglyph Canyons is on a guided tour conducted by the Maturango Museum. Tours ($40) depart from the museum February-June, and September or October-early December; call for tour times. Children under 10 are not allowed on the tour. The museum's interesting exhibits survey the area's art, history, and geology. 100 E. Las Flores Ave., at Hwy. 178, 93555. 760/375-6900. www.maturango.org. $5. Daily 10-5. Tours Feb.-June and Sept. or Oct.-early Dec.; call for tour times.