Field Trips

Update from California Rock Art Foundation (CRAF)
04/14/2020
 
We regret to inform you that ALL CRAF events for this spring have been cancelled due to the requirements of the global pandemic. Registrants should have received an email with this information. In light of recent events, we imagine that this news does not come as a surprise to you. It is our hope and plan to reschedule these events for current registrants and to hold additional events next fall, but of course we will have to wait and see what happens.
 
We have also temporarily ceased sending out membership materials and fulfilling orders for products to ensure your health and safety and that of our staff. We will resume once it is deemed safe to do so.
 
We wish to thank you for your continued financial support, particularly during this unprecedented time. As a tax-exempt, non-profit [501(c)(3)], volunteer-run organization, every bit of support helps. CRAF is submitting a completed report for one project on a world class rock art complex in the Mojave Desert contracted by a governmental agency and we have two more remarkable rock art districts that will be part of CRAF’s multi-year conservation and protection efforts.  CRAF is also continuing our rock art stewardship program under another agreement performing a condition assessment for a major rock art concentration in the eastern Sierra. Your participation, membership fees, and donations sustain projects such as these that protect, conserve, and honor our rock art treasures throughout the Californias. 
 
As stated above, we plan to reschedule cancelled events in the fall. If you are already registered or are on a waiting list for a CRAF event, your place is reserved. If instead you wish to cancel your registration and be reimbursed or want to donate your registration fees to CRAF, just send a short email or text letting us know.  (We have already reimbursed ALL those who had made such requests prior to this notice today. Please allow us a few days for the credit to show on your statement. If you were expecting a reimbursement and do not receive one, please let us know.)
 
We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during this unprecedented and challenging time.  We hope you all had a Happy Easter holiday whatever your religious affiliation.
 
Best and regards,
 
The Board of Directors
California Rock Art Foundation, Inc.
a 501c(3) educational and scientific not-for-profit organization
 
Please send all inquiries to:  Christine Grimaldi Clarkson, christine.craf@gmail.com (email), (209) 201-8051 (text)
 
P.S.  CRAF is developing an on-line educational enrichment program through the Archaeology Podcast Network as live webinars and we will be providing updates on these programs through various channels.  Let us know if you have a special topic you’d like us to present and we will do our best to cover that subject matter.

CRAF regularly hosts one (1) day field trips to sites such as Little Lake, Tomo-Kahni, Rocky Hill, and Little Petroglyph Canyon.
These trips are tons of fun and offer a unique and remarkable opportunity to experience spectacular rock art sites.  
Trips can open suddenly and fill up fast. We offer as much notice as is possible. Please check here often for updated information.

Field Trip Fees:

​Rocky Hill
Tomo-Kahni
Members: $30 per person
Non-Members: $50 per person
*Plus additional Conservancy / State Park fees

Little Lake
Members: $45 per person
Non-Members: $65 per person

Little Petroglyph Canyon
Members: $50 per person
Non-Members: $65 per person

*Some trips may have additional access fees, escort fees, etc. Visits to sites not listed above may be subject to different fees. 
All fees will be clearly listed in the event registration. ​​Field trip fees do not include CRAF Membership fees. 

Site visitation dates, rules and group size limits are set by the site stewards and are to be followed by trip attendees. 

Trips may be cancelled at any time for a number of reasons. If a trip is cancelled, registrants will be notified as soon as possible via email, and refunded. Individuals can also be denied access to sites at any time for a number of reasons. In such cases, refunds may not be issued. Attendee cancellations received at least three (3) days prior to the date of trip will be refunded. Cancellations received after this deadline may not be refunded. 

If you have any questions, are having trouble registering, or need to cancel a registration, ​email Christine or (209) 201-8051.

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Little Petroglyph Canyon
Ridgecrest, CA 

It looks like spring is going to bring us
​the perfect weather for visiting the largest known concentration of petroglyphs in the western hemisphere. 
Little Petroglyph Canyon, a.k.a. lower Renegade Canyon, is the location of thousands of images left by people who populated this region in times past. Located on the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, access is limited to tours with Navy-approved guides. Join CRAF President and rock art expert Dr. Alan Gold for a extraordinary day in this ​awe-inspiring canyon.  
​
Tour dates close weeks in advance. These are the Department of the Navy deadlines. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Registration Deadline/Trip Date
Passed April 1  /  April 26 
April 22  /  May 17

Must be in good physical condition.
Disabled access is limited.
Must be a U.S. citizen, over age 10. 
No pets.
Maximum of 20 attendees. 

For more information or to register, click on the appropriate photo above.

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Little Lake
​near Ridgecrest, CA

Don't miss this rare and exciting opportunity to explore the fabulous rock art and archaeological sites at Little Lake.
​The Little Lake area encompasses 5,000 acres and contains several petroglyphs and pictographs dating to around 10,000 years ago, as well as the Stahl site exhibiting evidence of the Pinto Basin tradition dating between 5,000 and 2,000 years ago. CRAF President and rock art expert Dr. Alan Gold
​will escort attendees on a tour of Little Lake on 
​Saturday, April 25.

Little Lake is private property; trespassing is forbidden. 
​Must be registered to attend. 

This trip is moderately strenuous. 
There is minimal hiking and some uneven terrain.  
Disabled access is not possible or extremely limited at this time. Inquire for details.
No children under the age of 5.  No pets.
Maximum of 20 attendees.

It is possible for attendees to drive their own vehicles, and
​to maintain a six foot distance during this trip.
Higher clearance vehicles are better for this trip, 
​but not mandatory. ​

Sorry, this trip is full. Contact Christine to be placed on the wait list.
Those that contacted Christine prior to March 14, 2020 are on the wait list.

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Tomo-Kahni
Tehachapi, CA

Tomo-Kahni, or "Winter Village," was the site of a Kawaiisu (Nuwa) village. The Kawaiisu migrated from the Great Basin and made the beautiful area of the Tehachapi their home for two to three thousand years. They also created some remarkable rock art, including the marvelous pictographs at Tomo-Kahni.

​Entry into the area is restricted to guided tours only.  
Join CRAF President and rock art expert Dr. Alan Gold on Saturday, May 16 for a fabulous and fun escorted tour of
​Tomo-Kahni.

Additional State Parks Entrance Fee(s)
Due the Day of the Trip:
$5 adults age 17+
$3 children age 6-16
Please bring the exact amount or small bills.
Make checks payable to State of California DPR.

Moderately strenuous. 
Disabled access is not possible at this time.
Children under the age of 6 not recommended. No children under the age of 2.  No pets.
Maximum of 7 attendees.

We have been asked to reduce the number of attendees. 
It is possible for attendees to drive their own vehicles to and from the site, and to maintain a six foot distance during this trip. Higher clearance vehicles are better for this trip, 
​but not mandatory. ​

For more information or to register, click on the photo above.