Petroglyphs of the Eastern Sierra

The petroglyphs of the Eastern Sierra, including those near the Bishop Paiute Reservation, are ancient rock carvings that offer a window into the spiritual and cultural life of the Indigenous Paiute and Shoshone peoples. Etched into volcanic rock and granite over thousands of years, these sacred images depict animals, celestial patterns, and spiritual motifs.

Sites like the famed Sky Rock showcase intricate designs, possibly linked to astronomical observations, while symbols like the 13 moons reflect a lunar calendar central to Native traditions. These petroglyphs are not just art—they are sacred texts, deeply tied to Native cosmology and history. Today, the Bishop Paiute Tribe works to protect these remarkable sites, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations.

To see these amazing petroglyphs, see the Calipiddler blog or visit the Bishop Paiute Tribe’s website.

The cool 13 moons are often associated with traditional Native American calendars, which follow a lunar cycle of 13 moons within a year. This cycle is tied to agricultural practices, spiritual observances, and a deep understanding of natural rhythms.

Sky Rock, near Bishop, California, is one of the most famous petroglyph sites in the area. An unusual location on a tilted, horizontal rock face, rather than a vertical surface.