14 min
Overview
Petroglyph Point is located outside the main area of Lava Beds National Monument to the northeast. After driving east along the road that runs across the northern border of the monument, turn north on County Rd 111. Drive about one mile on County Rd 111, then turn east on County Rd 126. Drive about another mile east and then north along County Rd 126 past the parking area for Petroglyph Point Rock Art Trail. A small parking area is located on the north side of the road where the road turns east. Signs help mark the route.<br><br>Petroglyph Point was once an island in the middle of Tule Lake. Along its base are examples of Modoc rock art. Petroglyph Point Rock Art Trail provides views of the rock art. The summit trail ascends to the top of Petroglyph Point and provides views of Medicine Lake Volcano and the surrounding basin.<br><br>A social trail has developed that leads from the west side of Petroglyph Point to the summit. However, the park service discourages people from taking this trail as it has created severe erosion and passes too close to nesting birds so please be respectful and stay on the designated trails.
Trail Stats
0.4 km
58 m
1305 m
1247 m
—
Photos
The trail climbs steeply up the hillside.
The trail climbs steeply up the hillside.
The trail as it departs the road to the top of the trail.
The trail as it departs the road to the top of the trail.
Rock formations at the top of the hill.
Rock formations at the top of the hill.
The trail ends at this point due to the area being ecologically fragile and holy ground for the people who use to live here.
The trail ends at this point due to the area being ecologically fragile and holy ground for the people who use to live here.
You can get views of the Tulelake National Wildlife Preserve and private lands that are being farmed. You can see the irrigation pattern in the field to the right.
You can get views of the Tulelake National Wildlife Preserve and private lands that are being farmed. You can see the irrigation pattern in the field to the right.
Views of the Tulelake National Wildlife Preserve spread out before you.
Views of the Tulelake National Wildlife Preserve spread out before you.
The view is excellent from the trail.
The view is excellent from the trail.