Blythe, California 92225 - 92226 (760 Area Code)
Agriculturally based but heavily influenced by tourism, Blythe is located on the California-Arizona border where Interstate 10 crosses the Colorado River. Blythe's population more than triples during the winter months with the arrival of visitors seeking relief from their cold climate home states during that season.

In the summer, in spite of extreme high Sonoran Desert temperatures, Blythe is a center for water sports along the Colorado River. Blythe is a small town and the people are very warm and friendly. Blythe's educational system offers students facilities from pre-school through community college.

Population / Elevation
12,000 people / 207 feet above sea level

Weather / Climate
Blythe has a classic low desert climate with extremely low relative humidity and very high summer temperatures. On the average, it receives less than 4 inches of precipitation a year. Stores, shops, restaurants, theaters and homes are air-conditioned much of the year.

History
Centuries ago, prehistoric cultures living along the Colorado River created gigantic figures on the surface known to archaeologist as "Intaglios." Also known as the Blythe Geoglyphs, archaeological dating suggests that these particular features are about 1100 years old. Since then, the Colorado River-dwelling Mojave peoples occupied the area.
The city of Blythe was named for English developer/financier Thomas Blythe, who first came here in 1877 and established primary water rights on the Colorado River. It was incorporated on July 21, 1916. Blythe came to California hoping to turn the Colorado River Valley into another Nile River Valley. For the most part, he succeeded. Modern irrigation methods have allowed the desert to become a rich farming and recreational area. Some mining still occurs in the Palo Verde Valley.
Six miles north of Blythe is the site of the original Blythe Intake, where the first legal claim for Colorado River Water was made. Water was transported from here to the nearby, desert Palo Verde Valley which is now lush farmland.

Things To Do
Hiking, off-road vehicle sports, hunting, exploring ghost towns, rock hounding and prospecting are just a few of the recreational activities available in the neighboring desert around Blythe.
The Colorado River Recreation Area extends from Yuma, Arizona to Lake Powell, about 650 miles. It offers boating, fishing, hunting and other water sports. There is almost 95 miles of navigable water to use for your enjoyment between Blythe and Imperial Dam in Yuma.

Popular events, such as the Colorado River Country Music Festivals, Miss Blythe Pageant, Family Fair, Street Festivals, Fireman Fun Musters, and Stock Car Races provide year round entertainment for all ages. There are many swap meets, Gem and mineral shows in nearby Quartzite, Arizona.

Recreation & Wilderness Areas
Joshua Tree National Park: 69 miles west.
Mayflower Regional Park: 6 miles north.
McIntyre Regional Park: 8 miles south.
Lake Havasu State Park: 79 miles north.
Alamo Lake State Park: 71 miles northeast.
Imperial Sand Dunes: 56 miles southeast.
KofA National Wildlife Refuge: 35 miles east.
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge: 23 miles south.
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge: 50 miles south.
Picacho Peak State Recreation Area: 56 miles south.

Blythe Intaglios
Intaglios are gigantic human, animal and geometric figures on the ground surface.  Intaglios are known from the American Southwest, South America and New Caledonia.  There are over 300 intaglios in the American Southwest and adjacent Mexico.

The best known of these are the Blythe Intaglios, located west of the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Blythe, California.  The ground drawings are situated on two low mesas or terraces.  There are six figures in three locations.

This type of antiquity is very uncommon worldwide. The Intaglios known to exist in this continent are in the desert southwest and most of those are near the Colorado River. The best known site, the Blythe Intaglios.

Description
There are a total of six distinct figures in three locations, including a human figure at each location and an animal figure at two locations. Centuries ago Indians living in the Great Colorado River Valley created gigantic figures on the grounds surface for reasons unknown to modern man. The figures are known to archaeologist as "Intaglios" (In tal' yos), an Italian term which refers to an engraving act process. The largest human figure measures 171 feet from head to toe. Their age is in between 450 and 2,000 years old. According to the Mohave and Quechans, natives to the lower Colorado River area, the human figures represent Mastamho, the Creator of all life. The animal figures represent Hatakulya, one of two mountain lions/persons who helped in the Creation. In ancient times, sacred ceremonial dances were held in the area to honor the creation. These intaglios are best viewed from the air.

Businesses and Services

• United States Postal Service 200 E. Murphy St., Blythe, CA. 92225 800-275-8777

• Veterinarian Dr. Steve Montgomery DVM, 13165 W. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA. 92225 760-922-3136

• Colorado River Fairgrounds 11995 Olivelake Blvd., Blythe, Ca. 92225 760-922-3247

• Riverside County Agriculture Dept., 280 N. Broadway, Blythe, CA. 92225 760-921-7892

• Riverside County Superior Court 265 N. Broadway, Blythe, Ca. 92225 760-921-7981

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Local Civil Service Offices