This site is located in the middle of some suburban sprawl to the west of Tehachapi. The site was brought public attention by 14-year old Jennifer Dellons in the 1970’s, via a letter she wrote to UCLA because she was concerned that the site might be damaged or destroyed by the development springing up around it. Her letter helped made sure that the site was recorded and preserved.
The petroglyphs at Steam Wells are well worth a visit. You’ll have to drive in on a dirt road that turns rough and sandy, and then hike about 3/4 of a mile up a wash to see them. Don’t try driving to this site in a 2WD vehicle or a passenger vehicle! Parts of the road are very rough, across sharp bedrock, or very sandy, and you will get stuck for sure. You’ll need 4WD, or else the ability to hike in from the nearest paved road – a journey of many miles.
This site is in the desert portion of Kawaiisu territory and is mostly made up of abstract Rectilinear petroglyphs, although there are also some Representational bighorn sheep and shaman figures.