Public Rock Art Sites
Please Note:
Due to flooding in January 2005, the road through Rainbow Canyon is currently closed to public use (except locals) from just below Caliente going south to Elgin. It is expected to be reopened in the fall of 2008.
Stop #5:
Etna Cave (pictographs) are approximately 10.3 miles from Stop 4 going north (or about 5.1 miles from junction of HWY 93 and SR 317 (Rainbow Canyon Road) going south): There are two different ways to get to the site from the road:
From Parking Spot #1: This is the shortest route. Park near, but not too near the railroad tracks (see photos on detail page). You will see a trail going up and over a small hill about 200' from where you park. When you get to the top of the small hill and look down and to your right, you will see the other end of the tunnel coming from "Parking Spot #2". Continue down into the wash (about 20' below you) and stay in the wash for approximately 300' to 400'. The pictographs are on the left side of the canyon in an area of smooth rock and can be seen from the wash.
From Parking Spot #2: This is the slightly longer route, but the most common. It is the safer of the two routes as you will not have to cross over the railroad tracks. Park at the train trestle and walk under it, and follow the sandy wash to your left (south) for about 500' to the tunnel. For those who are skittish of dark places, the tunnel is only about 100' long and not very dark. You may want to take a flashlight with you if you feel more secure. Walk through the tunnel to the other side and turn right up the wash. Stay in the wash for approximately 300' to 400'. The pictographs are on the left side of the canyon in an area of smooth rock and can be seen from the wash. See map for Stop #5
Safety Note: You may want to make some noise when entering the tunnel as it could be a great place for critters during the hot days.
All mileages and coordinates given on this web sites are approximate. Use common sense and caution when following any directions.
Parking Spot #1
Left Photo: The parking area the I choose was a short distance from the road up next to the tracks. GPS coordinates for this turn is labeled as "Stop #5". Right Photo: Standing at the Jeep and looking west across the tracks you can see the beginning of the trail.
Left Photo: Standing at the tracks looking west at the trail. Right Photo: Standing at the trail head looking back towards the Jeep.
Left Photo: Heading up a small hill. Right Photo: Standing at the crest of the hill. Follow the wash to the left 300' to 400' to the Etna Pictographs. While standing at the crest of the hill, if you look down and to your right you will see the tunnel. Do not go through the tunnel using this route.
Left Photo: The tunnel will be off to your right - photo is for orientation only, you are not going through the tunnel. Right Photo: Walk up the up the wash 300' to 400' and you see an area of smooth rock.
Safety Note: You may want to make some noise when entering the tunnel as it could be a great place for critters during the hot days.
The pictographs are located here.
Parking Spot #2
You will be able to park next to the train trestle. Walk under it following the wash to the left. This is the preferred route because you do not have to cross over the railroad tracks.
Left Photo: Looking back at the train trestle after crossing under it. Right Photo: Follow the wash to the left paralleling the tracks for about 400' to the tunnel entrance.
Left Photo: The tunnel entrance. Right Photo: Go through the tunnel. After going through the tunnel, you will be in the same wash as in the trail from "Parking Spot #1"
| Description | Lat/Lon NAD 83/84 | UTM NAD 27 |
| Stop #5 | 37d 33.327' 114d 34.240' | 11S 714665E 4159068N |
| Parking Spot #1 |
37d 33.399' 114d 34.202' |
11S 714718E 4159202N |
| Parking Spot #2 | 37d 33.289' 114d 34.285' | 11S 714600E 4158996N |
| Pictographs | 37d 33.334' 114d 34.422' | 11S 714397E 4159074N |
| Map for Stop #5 | Return to Driving to Rainbow Canyon |
| Return to List of Public Sites | Return to the home page |
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