The latter option is only recommended for experienced backpackers carrying GPS and the proper equipment. At 5,980 ft (1,820 m) above sea level, Hart Mountain Hot Springs (also known as Antelope Hot Springs for reasons well get into later) is over a mile high (take that, Denver). There are about 65 petroglyph panels along the western rim of the lake. The best documented and easiest to access petroglyphs in the Greater Hart-Sheldon Region are located at Petroglyph Lake at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. The refuge was created in 1936 in order to protect the disappearing antelope species in this northeastern corner of the Great Basin. 65 or so panels of carvings adorn the rock faces around the lake bed. Learn more about structure Wear good boots and long pants, and keep your bearings. This is a great area to explore for birds, other wildlife, scenery, and native petroglyphs. One theory is that the scarcity of permanent water sources in the region gave this place spiritual meaning to local natives. Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make looking for and checking out potential gifts quick and review easy! The rock art includes etched snakes, clawed figures and chains of circles. Fish & Wildlife Service), Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge 6-26-18, Hart Mountain Refuge: Petroglyph Lake and Warner Peak, An ancient gallery: Lake County rock carvings offer a view into the past (Herald and News), Petroglyph Lake, Hart mountain, Oregon (Taddzues), https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/index.php?title=Petroglyph_Lake_Loop_Hike&oldid=112155. But then moved because it was herindinsiouly hot. Open: Year-round We continued on past Petroglyph Lake Road which was, as we suspected, closed to cars. and Frenchglen turning east onto Hart Mountain Road (County Highway 3-12). Learn how your comment data is processed. Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is managed as part of the Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Dewey, Jennifer Owens . Accommodations: Campground sites, Distance from the parking: Short We have more beautiful hot springs for you to check out and other Oregon adventures! There is NO CELL PHONE SERVICE on the refuge, so be sure to bring a paper map along, or download your Google Maps to your phone before you go. There is a vault toilet located near Hart Mountain Hot Spring. I was there recently. The article didn't use any of the photos I sent with it, opting instead for a rather dreary view of the mountain. There is an easy way to access Petroglyph Lake in the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge: Simply park at the gate on the old jeep track that leads to the lake, and follow it 1.8 miles directly your destination. Oriented just so, there was no need to get up in the morning to enjoy the sunrise either . Backcountry Camping. A permit is required for any commercial photography and video productions. Continue onto Frenchglen Road (totally 41 miles from OR-205) to Refuge Headquarters. And enjoy the bonus of the free hot springs. Pictographs are drawings that are painted on rocks. There arent as many people in the area and the weather is a bit chilly, perfect for a hot dip!