The local historical people know that these petroglyph are somewhere between 3,000 and 8,000 years old, but as usual we know nothing about what message the symbols represent. We can t warn anyone not to walk on them or suggest that people be careful where they walk because that would draw more attention to them and they would get vandalized, which has happened so many other times in other places. On my wall is a sketch of another petroglyph on Donner Pass that few people know about. The location is kept a secret for fear that they might be vandalized. Someone tried to steal one of the boulders that made up part of that site s petroglyph, but was unsuccessful, thank God.
People are funny that way.
I ve heard of petroglyphs in Yosemite but know nothing of their whereabouts. History does paint a more vivid picture when you can tell a little about an area like you intend to do with your friends this summer. Sounds like you could be a Ranger Naturalist in the Park with all of your knowledge. Hydration wasn't a worry in those days, you are right. The little stainless cup hanging from the belt made it easy to dip into any of Yosemite's pure creeks and streams at any time.