We are fortunate to have a variety of types of rock art in Southern California. For thousands of years this area has been a wonderful place for people to live. Rock art is a visible reminder of the people of the past. How we treat this reminder is of concern, since many rock art sites have been thoughtlessly and unnecessarily destroyed or vandalized. It is hoped that the material in this booklet will enable young people to appreciate the beauty and value of rock art. Perhaps because of this interest, rock art sites will be preserved as our culture continues to develop the land in what is now San Diego, Imperial, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties.
Study of rock art in Southern California is complex. The material in this booklet does not show rock art from all the possible cultures and time periods. There were about twenty different tribes of Native Americans living in Southern California at the time of European contact. Information in this booklet will focus on the types of rock art found in Southern California. A public place is listed where each type of rock art can be seen. A brief description of the culture of the people who may have produced the rock art at the site is included. References, museums, or places with more information are listed. A color photograph or drawing of the type of rock art is shown.
- Santa Barbara County: Painted Cave
- San Luis Obispo County: Painted Rock, Carrizo Plain
Luiseno and Tongva (Gabrielino) Culture
- Riverside County: Mockingbird Canyon
Luiseno, Serrano, Cahuilla, and Kumeyaay Cultures
- Riverside County: Lake Perris State Recreation Area
- San Diego County: Anza Borego State Park
Paleo Indians, Archaic, Shoshonean/Numic Cultures
- Kern County: Little Petroglyph Canyon
- San Bernardino County: Black Canyon, Inscription Canyon
- San Bernardino County: Surprise Tank
- Riverside County: Corn Springs
Luiseno, Serrano, and Cahuilla Cultures
