Greater Roadrunner
ParkCalifornia, US
Calico Early Man Site
The Calico Early Man Site is a highly significant archaeological site that continues to spark debate and fascinate visitors.
About
The Calico Early Man Site is a highly significant archaeological site that continues to spark debate and fascinate visitors. Located in the central Mojave Desert, it offers a unique glimpse into ancient landscapes and the enduring quest to understand early human presence in the Americas.
This sprawling site, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, is nestled within the ancient sediments of what was once Pleistocene Lake Manix, an expansive freshwater body that sustained diverse flora and fauna during the Ice Age. Visitors can explore former excavation areas, where chipped stone objects were discovered in layers dating back potentially hundreds of thousands of years. The landscape itself, with its unique geological formations, tells a story of profound environmental change, transforming from a lush lake basin to the arid desert we see today.
A visit to the Calico Early Man Site is a journey through deep time, offering both educational enrichment and a chance to contemplate some of archaeology's most enduring mysteries. While the debate surrounding the age and human origin of many finds continues, the site provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the scientific process and witness the stunning, stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
The Calico Early Man Site gained prominence after amateur geologists in the 1940s discovered what appeared to be primitive stone tools embedded in the ancient shoreline sediments of Lake Manix. This attracted the attention of California archaeologist Ruth DeEtte Simpson, who later presented these findings to the renowned paleoanthropologist Louis S.B. Leakey in 1959. Convinced of the site's importance, Leakey secured funding from the National Geographic Society and began formal excavations with Simpson in 1964, continuing his involvement until his death in 1972. Leakey and his team uncovered thousands of chipped stones and flakes from deep "master pits," interpreting them as human-made tools dating back potentially 100,000 to 200,000 years, a claim that challenged the then-accepted timeline for human arrival in the Americas. This sparked a significant scientific debate, with critics arguing that many of the objects were "geofacts"—naturally formed stones shaped by geological processes rather than human activity. Despite the ongoing controversy, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and continues to be a focal point for discussion and research into early human prehistory.
What to do here
Take a self-guided tour through the excavation areas to see the various layers of sediment and former dig sites. Walk the Dorothy Bowers Nature Trail to learn about the geological formations and the ancient environment of Lake Manix. Keep an eye out for interpretive signage that explains the history and ongoing research.
Seasonal info
Summers are extremely hot, making outdoor exploration challenging. Winters are generally mild, but can have cool mornings and evenings. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and potential for wildflowers in the surrounding desert.
Accessibility
While specific details on accessibility aren't widely publicized, visitors should anticipate uneven terrain typical of an archaeological site. Some sources mention self-guided tours are available, suggesting paths may be manageable, but it is best to contact the Bureau of Land Management Barstow Field Office for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Don't miss
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The main attraction is the archaeological dig site itself, particularly the "Master Pits" where significant finds were made. The Dorothy Bowers Nature Trail offers interpretive information about the local landscape and geology. The visitor center, when open, provides context and displays.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Bring plenty of water
The Mojave Desert climate is arid; stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Wear appropriate footwear
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking on uneven desert terrain and around excavation sites.
Protect yourself from the sun
A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential due to the intense desert sun.
Respect the site
The Calico Early Man Site is an archaeological and historic location; do not disturb or remove any objects or natural features.
Check for current status
As the site has undergone remediation and reopening, confirm current operating hours and any potential access restrictions by contacting the BLM Barstow Field Office before your visit.
Visit nearby attractions
Combine your trip with a visit to the Calico Ghost Town, located nearby, for a different historical perspective on the region.
Frequently asked questions
- The Calico Early Man Site is a highly controversial but important archaeological locality in California's Mojave Desert, known for discoveries of chipped stone objects that some researchers, most notably Louis Leakey, interpreted as human-made tools potentially dating back 100,000 to 200,000 years. If proven, these findings would significantly push back the timeline for human presence in the Americas.
- Currently, the Calico Early Man Site offers self-guided tours after reopening following remediation work for public safety. Historically, the site has provided opportunities for guided tours and even volunteer archaeological excavations. For specific tour availability, it is recommended to contact the Bureau of Land Management Barstow Field Office.
- Visitors to the Calico Early Man Site can observe the "Master Pits," which are deep excavation areas revealing layers of Pleistocene-age sediments where stone objects resembling tools were found. Key artifacts of interest include pieces of the Lake Manix Lithic Industry, which consist of various chipped stone objects, and the "Rock Wren Biface," a larger tool dated to approximately 14,400 years ago. The site also features petroglyphs and offers a chance to explore the geological formations of the Calico Hills and the remnants of ancient Lake Manix.
Recent snaps at this place
Nov 24, 2024
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Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Nov 24, 2024
i
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Dec 19, 2023
i
Photo attribution
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Mar 30, 2026
Mar 30, 2026
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