Space Man Petroglyph - Joshua Tree National Park

I spent a lot of time in Joshua Tree last week, trying to tie up some loose ends. Also, looking for rock art that I either haven't seen for a long time, or that was almost invisible last time I saw it.

The single little petroglyph in this post falls into the first category, and is one of my all time favorites. To me, it looks like a spaceman.

These first three photos are only here because I like them. They may, or may not be anywhere near this petroglyph site.

I've searched for this little site twice, and came away empty handed both times. This time, my wife walked right up and said, "what's that?" See the little depression just to the right and near the top of the the yellow flowers?

 A closer look at the depression. Do you see the little white figure on the right side? It's about 10 inches high.

 Here is a close up of it. This photo isn't mine and is about 45 years old.

I took this photo about a week ago. As you can see, the granite is decomposing and taking the petroglyph with it.

DStretch isn't really meant to enhance petroglyphs, but it does allow us to see this one better because of the contrast.



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Not Hidden or Fantastic, but Rarely Seen Rock Art - Joshua Tree National Park

These petroglyphs and pictographs are very close to what may be the busiest part of Joshua Tree National Park. They aren't hidden at all, but people just don't see them. I've been to the park more times than I can remember and I've never heard of them being vandalized.

At the rate these rocks are naturally disintegrating, I don't think these petroglyphs will last more than a few more decades.  The pictographs are already pretty much invisible to the naked eye. I don't understand why spots like these need to be kept secret. Pretty soon, nobody will EVER be able to seem them again. Just who are they saving them for? That question is usually answered with "our grandchildren" or "future generations." Well, I'm here to tell you, that those answers are nonsense. Without DStretch, these pictographs are already gone...

Almost invisible

Even after being enhanced with DStretch, there isn't much left

Not much left

Not much left to enhance either

Not much left of the petroglyphs either

This pictograph isn't visible at all

I don't know what it is, but I'm glad it is visible via DStretch. I recently read something about these brain like looking symbols, but I don't recall what it was.

I'll be sharing several more of these sites...

Sorry it took me so long to get a post out (if anybody cares). Much to post, but not much time to do so right now.

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