Rock carvings made thousands of years ago by prehistoric artisans are called “petroglyphs.”  “Petro” means “rock” and “glyph” means “etched symbol.” 

Archeological evidence indicates that the rock carving tradition flourished between 2000 B.C. and 500 A.D.

The rock carvings provide intriguing reminders of the ancient ancestors of Maidu, Miwok, and Washoe Indians who inhabited the Sierra Nevada centuries ago.