Painted Rock provided a dwelling for the Chumash and Yokot indian tribes and was the site of indian trading. The rock is shaped  like a horseshoe so entry is from the open part of the shoe.  The various errosion compartments in the rock made for shelter for many families. Access to Painted Rock is limited during March 1 through July 15 but during the months of March through May, guided tours are offered.
Length of Trail   : Approximately 0.7 miles one way

Access Road to Trail Head -   Access to the trail head is via a road at the Guy L. Goodwin Education Center. You can get to the Center by taking Route 58 to Soda Lake Road. Go South on Soda lake road until you see the National Monument sign.. The Education Center turnoff is about 7.1 miles after the National Monument sign. The center is off on another dirt road to the right as you are driving south. See map in the Map link of this web site.
     

Trail Head

 

The Trail

 The  three quarter mile hike to Painted Rock is hot in the summer and  fall so bring water. Be sure to look at the various rock formations on the way to see evidence of grain preparation holes in the rocks.
 
        
On the trail to Painted Rock                                                                  Entrance to theInterior of Painted Rock

       

Interior sleeping area and grain grinding hole                                     Drawings on inside of  Painted Rock


 
The outside of Painted Rock is great also with paintings and small caves