Overview
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills 12 miles east of Jackson, CA. The park is nestled in a little valley 2,400 feet above sea level with open meadows and large valley oaks that once provided the Native Americans of this area with an ample supply of acorns. The park was created in 1968 and preserves a great outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes -- the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. The Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum, featuring a variety of exhibits and an outstanding collection of Sierra Nevada Indian artifacts, is on site as well as a reconstructed Miwok village complete with a ceremonial roundhouse. Phone (209) 296-7488 for more information.

Camping
Two campsites are accessible (#7 and #13), including parking and routes. An accessible route from site #7 connects to the restroom. An accessible water station is nearby site #13. At the restrooms, the restroom toilet permits front transfers and is generally accessible. Showers are usable but assistance may be required with reach to controls. Accessible parking is available at the restrooms.

Trails
The North Trail features an accessible segment for 0.6 mile. The accessible segment begins at the main parking area near the amphitheater and ends at a seating area located near the junction of the North Trail and the Loop Trail. The accessible segment includes a trestle bridge crossing over Else Creek, views of the Historic Farmhouse, and a hike through a mixed hardwood forest.

Exhibits/Programs
Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum: The museum is generally accessible. Most of the exhibit areas are accessibly designed and located. The museum restrooms are on an accessible route to the lower floor on the exterior of the building and are usable. An accessible paved path leads from the museum and its restrooms to the picnic area and some of the exhibits, including the Bedrock Mortar and Petroglyphs, and toward the Ceremonial Roundhouse.

Bedrock Mortar and Petroglyphs: Visitors may view the mortars and petroglyphs from an accessible wood observation deck a few feet above the rocks.

Ceremonial Roundhouse: The roundhouse is located approximately 30 feet from the accessible trail, along a firm, dirt path with slopes up to 10%. The exhibit is normally viewed only through a barred door.