Archaeology Club Visits Carizzo Plains Painted Rock

Archaeology Club Takes First Field Trip of 2023-2024 to Painted Rock on Carrizo Plain

Cal Poly’s Archaeology Club visited Carrizo Plains Painted Rock for the first trip of the 2023-2024 school year! This was the club’s second time venturing out to Painted Rock, which is about an hour and a half east of San Luis Obispo. Students drove through the expansive, rural landscape spotting cattle, deer, and even some foxes before arriving at the monument. After a brief 0.5 mile hike from the rest stop, students arrived at the rock and were awed by its presence among the rolling hills. The club was captivated by the Chumash rock art motifs around the rock’s interior, while layers of historical graffiti dating back to 1885 could also be observed. The club’s return to Painted Rock on Carrizo Plain was a huge success, and with plans to have more field trips throughout the year, please reach out to club president, Alex Amundsen at acamunds@calpoly.edu if you are interested in joining!