Graffiti Mesa: Valley of the names, California
California is by far one of the top U.S. destinations. One of the treasures it holds, is commonly known as Valley of the Names. It is well-preserved monument created during the Second World War. Located in Winterhaven, california, the place consists of a 1,200 acres of land filled, with signatures, dates, messages and drawings.
It all started, when soldiers trained in the area of Yuma, Arizona, expressed their feelings by placing stones on a piece of deserted land. They hoped that, even if they may never return home, their loved ones would get to see their message.
Although, the tradition started decades ago, people still leave their special note to a loved ones today. The Valley of the Names is covered in white sand, which creates a strong contrast against the dark-colored rocks. Due to the fact, that the land is barren for miles, each person must bring their rocks from the outlying desert.
Those curious enough to visit this outstanding spot need a four-wheel drive vehicle, as they have to cross a couple of hills and valleys. Even so, the place offers an incredible view including endless hills of messages, feelings and history.
Location:
Barney Oldfield Road
Winterhaven, California
United States
Coordinates:
32.8733
-114.6844
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Valley of the Names (Graffiti Mesa), BLM public land near Winterhaven, Imperial County, California, USA (area marker; not an entrance)
- Coordinates
- 32.880667, -114.688571
- Access
- The Valley of the Names spans a large area of BLM public land and is reached by remote desert roads from Picacho Road and Barney Oldfield Road. The marker shows the attraction area, not a road entrance or parking stop. Use a current BLM route map and stay on signed/designated routes; road surfaces include gravel, loose sand and off-camber sections, and washes can flood. Conditions can make access unsuitable for ordinary cars, so confirm routes and weather, carry water and turn back if unsafe. Do not add, move, remove or disturb rocks or existing designs.
- Admission
- No entrance fee or staffed gate was listed in the reviewed sources for this BLM public-land area. Check current BLM restrictions and route notices before travel.
- Time needed
- No standard visit duration is published. The rock-art landscape covers a broad area and the remote approach and road conditions affect travel time; do not treat the map centroid as a trailhead or plan to cross-country drive.
- Best season
- No official preferred visitor season was found. Smithsonian reporting warns of extreme summer desert heat; cooler weather is generally more practical, but check current weather and road conditions before setting out.
- Opening hours
- No staffed gate schedule or site-specific opening hours were found. Temporary land, fire, weather or route restrictions may apply; check current Bureau of Land Management notices before travelling.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-11
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-11
Location
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It’s not graffiti. It started in the 1800’s with miners. Then a general came with his men and they did they same. Now public does it. It’s quite interesting