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Lava Arch
Aiken Arch is this really cool, natural basalt formation you can find in the Mojave National Preserve in San Bernardino County, California. It's something like 8 feet in width and makes for a pretty neat natural arch; it's also a part of Cinder Cones National Natural Landmark, which was shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years.
Under the arch, a few ancient pictographs are found: red, black, and white. The pictures have long since faded from the weather but are an important piece of culture.
Aiken's Wash area is of archaeological importance, containing several pictograph and petroglyph sites that date to the late pre-Columbian period. Also, pre-Columbian in age, the wash has habitation sites and is of special geologic interest with extinct cinder cones and areas of volcanic flow.
Most people use Aiken Mine Road to get to Aiken Arch, crossing the cinder cone field of the Mojave National Preserve. This is an unmaintained road with a high-clearance vehicle recommended, and four-wheel drive is recommended due to deep sand and sharp rocks in some sections.
When visiting Aiken Arch and the surrounding area, please respect and protect the cultural and natural resources. Avoid touching or defacing the rock art; follow the principles of Leave No Trace so that the area is not affected, and future visitors can see it exactly the same way.
