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Accessible Features in State Parks > Indian Grinding Rock

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

Overview
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills 12 miles east of Jackson, CA. The park is nestled in a little valley 2,400 feet above sea level with open meadows and large valley oaks that once provided the Native Americans of this area with an ample supply of acorns. The park was created in 1968 and preserves a great outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes -- the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. The Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum, featuring a variety of exhibits and an outstanding collection of Sierra Nevada Indian artifacts, is on site as well as a reconstructed Miwok village complete with a ceremonial roundhouse. Phone (209) 296-7488 for more information.

Camping
Two campsites are accessible (#7 and #13), including parking and routes. An accessible route from site #7 connects to the combination restroom/shower building. An accessible water station is nearby site #13. The combo building is accessible and includes dedicated accessible parking.

Trails
The North Trail ‘out-and-back’ accessible that is 0.62 miles each way. The accessible segment begins at the main parking area near the amphitheater and ends at a seating area located near the junction of the North Trail and the Loop Trail. The accessible segment includes a trestle bridge crossing over Else Creek, views of the Historic Farmhouse, and a hike through a mixed hardwood forest. The surface is compacted soil. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 11%. Accessible parking is located at the parking area.

Accessible Trail Data
Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface
North Trail 4% Average 4 FT Average Soil
11% Maximum 5% Maximum 4 FT Minimum

Exhibits/Programs
Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum: The museum is generally accessible. Most of the exhibit areas are accessibly designed and located. Accessible restrooms are located on the exterior of the museum, on the lower floor. An accessible paved path leads from the museum and its restrooms to the picnic area and some of the exhibits, including the Bedrock Mortar and Petroglyphs, and toward the Ceremonial Roundhouse.

The campfire center, adjacent to the museum, is on an accessible route and includes seating for wheelchairs.

Bedrock Mortar and Petroglyphs: Visitors may view the mortars and petroglyphs from an accessible wood observation deck a few feet above the rocks.

Ceremonial Roundhouse: An accessible path constructed of compacted aggregate extends to within 50 feet of the roundhouse. Native soil connects the accessible path to the threshold of the roundhouse. The roundhouse serves as the focus of traditional dances and ceremonies held by local Miwok and other California tribes, and is only open to the public twice a year during certain celebrations. The remainder of the year the interior may be viewed only through a barred door.


Get maps and more information on this park.
For more information: access@parks.ca.gov | Phone: (916) 445-8949 | Fax: (916) 449-8966
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