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Blythe, California: Great Blythe Intaglios

Huge ground drawings of humans and animals -- the largest human is 176 feet long. Believed scratched into the hardpan in prehistoric times, a site known by indigenous peoples for centuries. First noticed by white people and put on their tourism maps in the 1930s. Best viewed from the air, but plaques at the site show that view.

Address:
US Hwy 95, Blythe, CA
Directions:
I-10 exit onto US 95/Intake Blvd just west of the California/Arizona state line. Drive north 15.5 miles. You'll see a small stone cairn on the right. On the left is a fenced dirt road that quickly leads to the Intaglios.
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Visitor Tips and News About Great Blythe Intaglios

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Great Blythe Intaglio.

Great Blythe Intaglios

Took a Scion IQ up the dirt to the sites. Little cars can make it there no problem.

[April, 11/11/2016]
Great Blythe Intaglios

The Blythe Intaglios dirt road lead back past first two near each other, then the 3rd by itself. Most average cars will handle the dirt road, as we saw a VW bug go up and down fine. Just observe the road and it'll be fine. Not for anything lowered. Also leaving your car and walking from the paved road will be a bit of a walk, especially in the summer months. Beautiful views though!

[MyPoisonHeart, 11/09/2012]

Intaglio.

Great Blythe Intaglios

Pretty cool. Couldn't find the animal but saw the two humans. Just like Nazca, only smaller and without the Spanish accent.

[Mike, 05/01/2011]

Blythe intaglios.

Blythe Intaglios

One of the few redeeming features of Blythe, California, these giant carvings in the desert pavement a few miles north of town are worth the minor detour, though they are not quite as impressive as the intaglios featured in that old movie "Chariots of the Gods?"

The three large drawings easily reached off of the parking area are protected by fences to deter vandals, who have still managed to add some sophomoric additions to the figures. I stop by here as travel allows, and always find it very quiet and enjoyable, even in July, but you get a nice panoramic of the Colorado River valley, which is beautiful when a storm is coming in.

[Katherine, 08/24/2010]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Underwear TreeUnderwear Tree, Blythe, CA - < 1 mi.
Japanese Internment Camp MonumentJapanese Internment Camp Monument, Poston, AZ - 15 mi.
Hi Jolly's TombHi Jolly's Tomb, Quartzsite, AZ - 19 mi.
In the region:
RV Park Metal Sculptures, Quartzsite, AZ - 20 mi.

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