BLYTHE, California — About 15 miles north of Blythe, near California State Route 95, lies a cultural site unlike the familiar roadside stops along Interstate 10. The Blythe Intaglios are large designs in the desert surface with deep connections to Native communities of the Lower Colorado River.
What the federal land agency says
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s official visitor page describes six figures at three locations. The collection includes human figures and animal forms; the largest human figure measures approximately 171 feet. The designs are difficult to appreciate in full from ground level because of their size.
BLM reports that Mohave and Quechan traditions associate the human images with Mastamho, the Creator of life, and animal figures with Hatakulya. These are culturally significant places, not simply outdoor photo props. Visitors should respect the site, any protective barriers and tribal connections to the landscape.
Getting there and knowing your limits
The BLM identifies the location as approximately 15 miles north of Blythe on Highway 95 and provides a dynamic map. Road surfaces and travel conditions may vary. Drivers should verify their route, bring drinking water, and allow for desert heat and limited reception. Do not drive onto the figures or outside lawful designated access routes.
Protecting irreplaceable cultural resources
- Stay outside barriers and follow all posted directions.
- Do not move rocks, carve or scratch the ground, remove artifacts or fly equipment over the site without confirming applicable restrictions.
- Avoid climbing on or walking through geoglyph designs.
- Leave photographs and observations, not tracks or damage.
- For questions about access or management, contact the BLM Yuma Field Office at 928-317-3200.
Although BLM’s page is labeled under its Arizona administrative organization, the visitor directions place the geoglyphs north of Blythe, California. The title refers to the managing field office, not a relocation of the cultural site.
Primary source: Bureau of Land Management — Blythe Intaglios.
For road construction in the same wider area, read the Blythe-area Interstate 10 project report. More from Blythe News.
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