Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the customs and dwellings of the native Miwok people. The 135 acre park is dotted with 1,185 bedrock mortar holes (the largest collection of such in North America) which were once used by the native people to grind acorns and seeds into meal. It is also home to a museum, camp grounds, hiking trails and ancient petroglyphs thought to have been carved as long as 3,000 years ago. There is definitely something for everyone.
Parking and public transportation at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Like most state parks in the area, Indian Grinding Rock is located too far out of town for public transportation, but offers plenty of parking in well-maintained lots. So plan to drive, but take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Best and worst time to go to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
There really isn't a bad time of day to visit Indian Grinding Rock, as long as you stick to the posted hours of sunrise to sunset. Weather conditions fluctuate with the seasons but (as with any place where people are encouraged to bond with nature) every positive comes with some form of negative, year-round. Springtime, for example, has the added benefit of sunny weather and gorgeous wildflowers but watch out for poison ivy and ticks if you're hitting the trails.
Admission to Black Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Park fees vary from around $8 and up (with discounts offered for seniors) depending on how long you plan to stay. Obviously you can expect to pay less for day use than you would for an overnight camping trip, for example. But you can make the most of the fees by packing a picnic lunch to extend the length of your visit. There is a spacious picnic area near the grinding rock, featuring a full-shade ramada. Remember that alcohol consumption is prohibited in the park though, except in the 22 developed family campsites.
Must see/do at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
To really experience the area as the Miwok would have enjoyed it, take a hike on one of the scenic trails. The North Trail is unique in that it takes visitors on a one-mile round trip hike along the meadow, past the old farming site, across the creek and through the reconstructed Miwok village before returning to the grinding rock and museum. There are trail guides available for purchase at the beginning of the South Trail and by the Round House too, which costs mere pocket change to purchase and provides fantastic information amount the various plants in the park and how they were used by the Miwok people.
Other places to visit near Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
If you have a spare hour or so, take a drive to nearby Black Chasm Cavern for a 45 minute tour of the cave. Black Chasm is home to many rare and unusual natural formations including stalactites, stalagmites and crystals, all of which can be viewed from comfortable viewing platforms. Above ground, a Visitors Center doubles as a gift shop and houses movie props with information about the cave's surprising connection to the Matrix films as well as a few movie props. It's definitely worth the side trip.
Insider tip for visitors to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Keep your eye on the sky. Indian Grinding Rock State Park is one of the best locations to view the diverse bird population in the area. A bird list is available at the museum but consider bringing a bird book or printing informative sheets about the different species online before your trip to aid in bird-watching. The specific species vary seasonally but include California quail, hummingbirds, falcons, northern oriole, Steller's jays, turkey vultures and woodpeckers to name just a few.
Author's bio: Ann Milligan is a wife, mom, author and artist who resides in California's beautiful Gold Country. She can often be found painting the local wildflowers, singing off-pitch with her kids and nom-nom-noming.