Unlike the dramatic canyon walls at White River Narrows a few miles away, the rock art at Pocketed Rocks requires more careful exploration. The petroglyphs are more scattered here and, more interestingly, on unusual volcanic tuff formations surrounding tinajas (natural rock basins).
The volcanic tuff is riddled with thousands of small holes, creating the distinctive pocketed appearance that inspired me to name this place. And though only a few miles from the highway, the area feels like a true wilderness set in an almost otherworldly landscape amid the sagebrush.
History
The rock art here shares the same Great Basin Abstract Style and cultural tradition as nearby White River Narrows, dating from the Archaic Period (8,000-1,500 years ago) to the Late Prehistoric Period (1,500-150 years ago). The petroglyphs are mainly abstract patterns, bighorn sheep, and human figures, but what makes this site unique is how the artists incorporated the natural pocketed texture into their designs.
The Site
The site consists of two areas. Start at the campsite and trailhead where petroglyphs are scattered among the pocketed formations. I spent about an hour systematically checking the rock faces before finding all the panels in this area.
From there, hike up the wash into an unnamed canyon to reach the most dramatic tuff formations with their hoodoos and tinajas. These formations are the result of volcanic ash deposits that cooled with gas bubbles trapped inside, creating the distinctive pocketed texture. You'll need a keen eye and patience to find them. Plan two hours for both areas covering no more than three miles round trip.
As usual, please respect and leave these places better than you found them.
