Join local archaeologists from the Bureau of Land Management – Scott Thomas and Carolyn Temple – for a rock art tour that focuses on the center of the basin. Explore different types of rock art made in ancient times by the first people to live in southeastern Oregon. Visit pictograph sites where the rocks were painted in different color pigments and have survived for millennia. Petroglyph sites – where the designs were made by grinding or pecking the boulders with hammer and stones – are viewed as well. The tour loops from near Harney Lake to Diamond, and then back to Burns through New Princeton and Crane. There is a short stop to visit the Round Barn Visitor Center, and – if time permits – a look at the historic Pete French Round Barn. Family friendly.
HARNEY BASIN ROCK ARE | Friday 4.8.18 | 8 AM - 12 PM
Full refunds before March 23. No refunds on or after March 23.
All tours depart from Burns High School. TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED – no caravanning or driving your own vehicles except for the llama tours and the overnight Sage-Grouse excursion that begins in Frenchglen. Please arrive early, check in at Bird Central (located in the gymnasium at Burns High School), and be prepared with your own amenities. Most tours travel to remote areas. Bring snacks, lunch and water, and dress for changing weather conditions - “fowl” weather gear and sturdy shoes or boots are advised. There may be long stretches between restroom stops and the birds will only be as visible as they choose! Tours depart at the scheduled time.
Participants with limited mobility should contact the Harney County Chamber of Commerce prior to booking tours to assure accessibility and accommodations. Must be 10 years or older to participate unless otherwise noted in the tour description as “family friendly." Pre-registration is REQUIRED.