The Blythe Intaglios are desert figures best seen with respect

North of Blythe, the desert holds figures that are easy to miss from ground level and hard to forget once you understand them. The Blythe Intaglios are large geoglyphs made by clearing darker desert pavement so lighter soil shows through.

There are six distinct figures in three locations. Each location includes a human figure, and two locations also include an animal figure. The largest human figure measures 171 feet from head to toe.

Their age is estimated in a wide range, from about 450 to 2,000 years old. Lower river Native tradition connects the human figures with Mastamho, creator of all life. The animal figures are tied to Hatakulya, one of two mountain lions or persons who helped in Creation.

That is why this is not a casual scramble-around stop. The place is open desert, but the figures are cultural resources. They deserve the same care you would give a museum object, even though there are no museum walls around them.

If you go, stay on established access routes, keep off the figures, and bring desert basics like water, sun protection, and a full tank plan. The wonder here is quiet. You are looking at a vast handmade mark in the desert, still sitting near the river country that gives it meaning.