Blythe Intaglios
Archaeological Site Ancient geoglyph figures etched into desert ground
Giant geoglyphs etched into the Colorado Desert near Blythe, the Blythe Intaglios attract archaeologists and road-trippers; visitors view the human and animal figures from nearby overlooks and explore surrounding desert tracks.
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The Blythe Intaglios are a group of large ground geoglyphs on the Colorado Desert floodplain near Blythe, California, created by Native American peoples and regarded as prehistoric cultural features. They include human and animal figures produced by removing surface gravel to reveal lighter soil beneath.
The site is compact and low to the ground so the figures are easiest to appreciate from the air or from elevated viewpoints; several distinct figures survive across the flat alluvial plain. There are no large visitor facilities on site and access is by unpaved road.
Archaeologists attribute the intaglios to Native American communities; estimates for their age vary and the origin and purpose remain subjects of study. The figures have been documented and protected in the 20th and 21st centuries as archaeological assets.
The intaglios lie just outside the town of Blythe on the western bank of the Colorado River in southeastern California, on Bureau of Land Management-managed land in the Colorado Desert.
- Viewing: Best viewed from low-flying aircraft, balloons, or nearby ridges because the figures are shallow ground-cut lines and difficult to read from the ground.
- Protection: Located on public Bureau of Land Management land and protected for their archaeological value.
How to Get to Blythe Intaglios #
From Interstate 10, exit into Blythe, California, and head toward local access roads that lead to the intaglio viewing area; the site is near the Colorado River Indian Tribes lands southeast of town. The Bureau of Land Management recommends viewing from the designated pullout or by arranging an aerial tour for the clearest perspective.
Tips for Visiting Blythe Intaglios #
- The intaglios are best seen from the air-local air tours operate from Blythe for a short flight that places the figures in context.
- If visiting by road, go in the cooler morning hours; the desert heat can be extreme and there is no shade or facilities at the site.
- Respect tribal and federal notices: the Blythe Intaglios sit near tribal lands and are fragile; do not walk on the figures and obey posted signage.
Best Time to Visit Blythe Intaglios #
The cooler months make ground approaches and aerial viewing far more pleasant; summer is possible only for properly prepared visitors.
Weather & Climate near Blythe Intaglios #
Blythe Intaglios's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 5°C to 42°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 42°C and lows of 27°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 26°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 23°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
