Explore Arnold
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Chaw'se — a limestone outcrop with over a thousand mortar hollows worn by generations of Miwok women, in an oak meadow that is still a living cultural place. An hour from the cabins.
First things first
First things first
This is the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America: more than 1,100 hollows ground into a single limestone slab, along with hundreds of petroglyphs, worn there over centuries by Miwok women grinding acorns into meal. The Miwok name for such a place is chaw'se.
It matters that this is not a ruin. The park sits on land central to the Miwok and other Sierra tribes, ceremonies are still held in the roundhouse, and the park is run in partnership with the communities it belongs to. Visiting well means walking quietly, staying off the rock itself, and reading before photographing.
Geography
Where Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park sits
Chaw'se holds more than 1,100 bedrock mortars ground into a single limestone slab, the largest such site in North America, along with faint petroglyphs.
The park remains a living cultural place, with a ceremonial roundhouse still in use and the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum at the top of the meadow.
About an hour from Chalet Bruin and Koda Loft.
- Region
- Sierra Nevada foothills, an oak meadow below Volcano
- County
- Amador County
- Elevation
- About 2,400 ft
- Nearest town
- Volcano, ten minutes east
- Getting there
- Highway 49 north to Jackson, then east on the Pine Grove–Volcano road
What you see
The main grinding rock is fenced and viewed from a boardwalk, which is how it should be — foot traffic wears the surface and the petroglyphs are faint. From there a short loop passes a reconstructed village of cedar-bark u'macha dwellings, a ceremonial roundhouse, a granary and a hand-game field.
The Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum, at the top of the meadow, is small and very good: baskets, tools and clear explanation of the seasonal round that made acorns the staple of this whole region. Museum hours are shorter than park hours and vary — check before you go.
Visiting respectfully
The roundhouse is an active ceremonial building, not an exhibit; stay outside unless invited. Do not climb on the grinding rock or place acorns in the mortars. Ask before photographing people, and follow any signage asking you not to photograph specific areas or events.
Big Time, the park's annual gathering in late September, is a public event where dancing, games and craft are shared with visitors — go if you can, and go as a guest rather than an audience. Dates are announced each year.
Practicalities and where to stay
There is a day-use fee, picnic tables under the oaks, a short nature trail and a small campground. Summer afternoons are hot and shadeless in the meadow; spring and autumn are much better, and the oaks are beautiful in October.
Both cabins are about an hour away in Arnold, with a kitchen and a hot tub, and the grinding rock pairs naturally with Black Chasm Cavern and Volcano, both within ten minutes.
Nearby
Keep exploring
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How far is Indian Grinding Rock from Arnold?+
About an hour — Highway 4 to Angels Camp, Highway 49 north past Jackson, then east on the Volcano road.
Can you walk on the grinding rock?+
No. It is viewed from a boardwalk to protect the mortars and the faint petroglyphs. Please also stay out of the ceremonial roundhouse unless invited.
Is the museum open every day?+
Museum hours are shorter than park hours and change seasonally — check current times before you go if the museum is the main reason for your visit.
What is Big Time?+
An annual gathering in late September where dancing, hand games and crafts are shared with visitors. The park announces the dates each year.