Unlike the dramatic canyon walls at White River Narrows a few miles away, the rock art at Pocketed Rocks requires more careful observation and exploration. The petroglyphs are more scattered here and, more interestingly, on unusual volcanic tuff formations surrounding tinajas (natural rock basins).
The volcanic tuff is riddled with thousands of small holes, creating the distinctive pocketed appearance that inspired me to name this place. And though only a few miles from the highway, the area feels like a true wilderness set in an almost otherworldly landscape amid the sagebrush.
The rock art here belongs to the Great Basin Abstract Style of the Basin and Range tradition. Dating from the Archaic Period (8,000-1,500 years ago) to the Late Prehistoric Period (1,500-150 years ago), the petroglyphs are mainly abstract patterns, bighorn sheep, and human figures.
The site consists of two areas. The first is adjacent to the campsite and trailhead. Wander around to find all the petroglyphs scattered among the rocks. After you are done there, hike up the wash into an unnamed canyon to find the unusual tuff formations of hoodoos and tinajas. I'm only giving the GPS waypoint for the trailhead and campsite below. You will have to wander around to find all the petroglyphs but they are fairly easy finds if you have a keen eye. Seeing both sites takes about two hours and covers no more than three miles round trip.
As usual, please respect and leave these places better than you found them.
