The Kyburz Petroglyph is located north of Truckee, California, though the rocks past the sign were fully snow-covered.  The area around Kyburz Flat was an important travel area in the 1850s by emigrants migrating west.  From this sign:

Kyburz Petroglyph

Scattered throughout the northern Sierra Nevada are many ancient symbols carved by Native Americans into rock.  These images are called petroglyphs.  This petroglyph is made up of small round pits (cupules) that have been ground into the rock's surface.  Cupule petroglyphs are found all over the world and particularly in California.  

Cupules have been linked with ceremonial activities performed by Native Americans such as fertility rituals, weather control, and as places to leave special offerings.  

This petroglyph cracked into three sections.  The illustration depicts how it looked before it cracked.  The cupules are best viewed with low angle lighting in the late afternoon.

Some researchers believe that the petroglyphs in this area were made by people who lived here as early as 2,000 years ago and may be the ancestors of the Washoe.

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California considers this site and others like it an important part of their heritage.

Please treat this special area with respect.

Do not make any castings or rubbings or put chalk on the petroglyphs.  These procedures will damage the rock surface over time.