Indian Grinding Rock

Having spent the morning at nearby Daffodil Hill we decided to stop at Indian Grinding Rock State Park on our way home. The park is located just Northeast of the town of Jackson right off of Highway 88. It preserves the largest collection of marbleized limestone with mortar holes in North America, hence it's name "Grinding Rock". After paying the $8 fee we parked in the large day use parking lot. We started at the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum which showcases various Native American artifacts and information. There was a Native American version of a drill to try out which was fun. Souvenirs and books were available for sale as well. After visiting the museum we walked behind it to the main path in the park. We passed a sculpture of a Miwok dancer and three bark houses before getting to the grinding rock and petroglyphs. We had trouble finding the petroglyphs on the rock and had been told earlier by a museum volunteer that they are difficult to see. Continuing on the path we saw a large game field that is still used by Native American youth groups and a large picnic area that is open to the public. Next came the Ceremonial Roundhouse which is used several times a year by local Native Americans. We were only able to catch a glimpse inside since the entrance had a gate keeping people out. At this point we could have continued on to the South Trail but decided to head back. The South Trail is a half-mile long self-guided nature trail. There is also a North Trail which is a one mile loop that starts near the museum. It passes through an old farm site, crosses a creek and continues to a reconstructed Miwok village. Indian Grinding Rock State Park also has a campground. Sites are available on a first come first serve basis for $25 a night. Since the park is in the lower Sierra foothills it does get some snow so the 22 site campground is not open year round. There are flush toilets and shower facilities available at the campground. We plan on returning to the park to camp and to explore the trails.

Indian Grinding Rock