OTE - Oregon Travel Experience

Aspen Arborglyph Trees

Posted on: September 23rd, 2011 in Heritage Tree Details |

Populus tremuloides

The carvings on the trees in this aspen grove are called “arborglyphs.” Most of the arborglyphs here were carved by Basque sheepherders who worked the top of the Steens Mountain in the early-to-middle 20th century.

These historic carvings were lightly etched into the bark to make notes about the sheep and leave drawings or as a means of letting one another know who had passed by each place.

Tree facts

  • Approx. height: 50′
  • Trees date to: Approx. 1900
  • Circumference: 44″
  • Crown: 15′

Visit these trees

From the North Steens Loop Rd., turn north onto Moon Hill Dr. Travel 0.2 mile. Turn west off Moon Hill Rd. and travel less than 0.1 mile to a small lake (sometimes dry) Aspens are about 200 ft. to the west of the lake.