Here in Southern California, it is not every day that we are able to see anything really, truly old – not outside of a museum anyway. That being said, if you know where to look, there are some amazing glimpses into the past to be found. In fact, just outside of a tiny town on the Arizona border is a mysterious ancient man-made wonder – a grouping of giant desert figures in Blythe, California.

The Blythe Intaglios, also called Blythe Geoglyphs, are located down a dirt road 16 miles north of Blythe, just west of the Colorado River.
Jack Morris/Google Reviews
As noted on a plaque, the giant figures are a National Historical Landmark and one that remains a huge mystery.
Perkadventures/TripAdvisor
The Intaglios are a group of massive drawings (for lack of a better term) created by scraping away the top layers of ground - consisting of darker earth and pebbles - to expose the lighter soil underneath. These figures are so massive and flat that many of them were not seen by non-natives until the 1930s.
JoDee Hunter/Google Reviews

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Geoglyphs have been discovered around the world, with the most famous being found in Peru. There are over 200 of these figures in the Colorado Desert and this particular grouping in Blythe are the most well-known of these.
drdroad/TripAdvisor
From the air, you can clearly see the details of the huge desert figures, as well as the reason for the fencing that now exists around them. In 1932, off-roading vehicles damaged the intaglios, as seen by the circular tracks in the dirt.
drdroad/TripAdvisor
The Blythe Intaglios include three human-like figures, two four-legged animal figures, and an elaborate spiral. The smallest figure at this location is 95 feet long and the largest is 171 feet long.
Esty666/TripAdvisor
The only thing truly known about the Intaglios is that humans made them. No Native American group has laid claim to them and their age is uncertain, though many are believed to be from the prehistoric period. While some assume the figures are ceremonial in nature, there is no way to know for sure - their meaning has been completely lost to history.
Rsfinlayson, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

There are several theories about the age and meaning of the Blythe Intaglios, what they represent, and who created them. We may never know the answers, but these ancient figures are fascinating to see. Have you ever seen these giant figures in the desert? If so, we would love to hear about your experience. If you’ve never seen them, the trail to the Intaglios is open year-round and lovely to explore any time.

From historic landmarks to natural wonders to museums and more, there are endless attractions in Southern California to enjoy. Check out some of our favorites! 

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