Laatst bijgewerkt op januari 17, 2024

The Valley of the Names is a remote desert area in Winterhaven, Californië, nabij de stad Yuma. Het is een populaire bestemming voor off-roaders en woestijnliefhebbers.

De vallei is bedekt met hard aaneengepakte bentonietklei, en de vroegste namen zijn gerangschikt met behulp van zwarte lavastenen die in scherp contrast staan.

The land is barren for miles around, which means the rocks must be brought in from the outlying desert.

Een foto van de Vallei van de Namen in Californië. De vallei is bedekt met hard aaneengepakte bentonietklei, en de vroegste namen zijn gerangschikt met behulp van zwarte lavastenen die in scherp contrast staan.
Valley of Names, Californië.

What is the Valley of the Names?

The Valley of the Names is located in the Sonoran Desert, over 15 miles north of Yuma, Californië. It is a remote area, and the only way to reach it is by four-wheel drive vehicle.

The valley is named for the thousands of names that have been written in the hard-packed Bentonite clay. The earliest names were written by soldiers training in the desert during World War II.

The practice continued after the war, and the valley has become a popular place for people to leave their mark.


Drone view of the graffiti mesa at the Valley of Names near Yuma

The names in the Valley of the Names come from all over the world. There are names in English, Spaans, French, German, and many other languages.

Some of the names are simple, while others are more elaborate. There are names of people, places, and even messages.

In addition to names, de Valley of the Names is also home to a variety of other rock art. There are petroglyphs, pictographs, and even some modern graffiti.

The rock art in the valley provides a glimpse into the history of the area, and it is a reminder of the human presence in the desert.

The Valley of the Names is a unique and fascinating place to visit in the Southwest. It is a reminder of the human spirit’s ability to leave its mark on the landscape, and it is a place where people can come to connect with the past and the present.

A photo of rock art in the Valley of the Names in California.
Rock art in the Valley of the Names

Geschiedenis

The tradition of writing names in the valley began during World War II, when soldiers training in the desert north of Yuma would leave their names as a way to remember their time there.

The practice continued after the war, and the valley has become a popular place for people to leave their mark.

Vandaag, the Valley of the Names is a sprawling expanse of names, messages, and designs.

There are names from all over the world, and some of the rocks have been arranged to form elaborate patterns.

The valley is a unique and fascinating place, and it is a reminder of the human spirit’s ability to leave its mark on the landscape.


Visiting the Valley of the Names

To get to the Valley of the Names, you will need to take Picacho Road from Winterhaven, Californië.

De weg is goed onderhouden, but it is important to have a four-wheel drive vehicle in case you encounter any rough terrain.

Once you reach the Valley of the Names, you will need to park your vehicle and hike to the site.

The hike is about a mile long, and it is important to be aware of the heat and the sun when you are hiking in the desert.

The Valley of the Names is a remote area, and there are no facilities at the site. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for a rugged adventure.

Here are some additional tips for visiting the Valley of the Names:

  • Be sure to check the weather conditions before you go. De woestijn kan erg heet en droog zijn, so it is important to be prepared.
  • Neem voldoende water en snacks mee. There are no facilities at the site, so you will need to bring everything you need with you.
  • Be aware of the wildlife in the area. There are snakes, hagedissen, and other animals in the desert, so be sure to be careful.
  • Leave no trace. The Valley of the Names is a fragile ecosystem, so it is important to leave no trace of your visit.
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Lees ook: Ontdek de beste Desert Art-installaties in het zuidwesten van de VS


What is the Valley of the Names?

De Valley of the Names is een afgelegen woestijngebied in Californië, nabij de stad Yuma. Het is een populaire bestemming voor off-roaders en woestijnliefhebbers.

De vallei is bedekt met hard aaneengepakte bentonietklei, en de vroegste namen zijn gerangschikt met behulp van zwarte lavastenen die in scherp contrast staan.

The land is barren for miles around, which means the rocks must be brought in from the outlying desert.


Why is it called the Valley of Names?

The Valley of the Names got its name from the thousands of names that have been written in the hard-packed Bentonite clay.

The earliest names were written by soldiers training in the desert during World War II.

The practice continued after the war, and the valley has become a popular place for people to leave their mark.


Where is the Valley of Names?

The Valley of Names is located in the Sonoran Desert, over 15 miles north of Yuma, Californië.

It is a remote area, and the only way to reach it is by four-wheel drive vehicle.


Is the Valley of Names in California or Arizona?

The Valley of Names is located in California. It is often confused with Graffiti Mesa, which is located in Arizona.

Echter, the Valley of Names is much larger and more well-known than Graffiti Mesa.


How do you reach the Valley of Names?

To reach the Valley of Names, you will need to take Picacho Road from Winterhaven, Californië.

De weg is goed onderhouden, but it is important to have a four-wheel drive vehicle in case you encounter any rough terrain.


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