21 Goats Panel, near Black Butte Dam, is a short hike and a very interesting panel to visit. The straightforward navigation, and short distance makes this a family friendly outing. Our 3-year-old enjoyed the hike as much or more than we did.

I am not sure the history of the panel. Aside from mountain goats found at much higher elevations, domestic goats were not found in North America until a few were introduced in the 1500’s by Spanish explorers. Goats would not have been widely distributed across the US until much later. My guess is, the depiction is of desert sheep, common to the area. The panel has more than 21 of the figures in the panel, with many in a line. It is interesting to note a few are facing in the opposite direction of the rest of the line. It is an extensive panel and must have been a place of frequent gathering. Maybe the area was good hunting for desert sheep? Or a group had happened upon an exceptionally large group of sheep here one time? The true meaning is something lost to time, but fascinating to ponder.

Full Details