Near Lee Vining in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bloody Canyon
Photographed by Emerson Taylor, July 26, 2024
1. Bloody Canyon Marker
Lt. S. Treadwell Moore (Co. B, 2nd Infantry-USA) and his detachment are credited as being the first white men to traverse Bloody Canyon (west to east) in 1852. His reports would later influence others to explore this region of the Sierra Nevadas.
Reportedly, it was named because of the dark red rocks that compose the canyon walls and surface of the rugged steep trail. Those jagged and sharp rocks mercilessly lacerate the feet, ankles and legs of unprepared animals and humans.
One legend has it the rocks were stained red by the bloodshed during a fierce battle between warring local Native American tribes many years ago.
During its heyday, many explorers, prospectors and settlers braved the riggers of Bloody Canyon and forever established this as a landmark of Mono County.
Erected 2018 by E Clampus Vitus Bodie Chapter No. 64.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 37° 52.673′ N, 119° 6.554′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Grave of the Unknown Prospector (approx. 1.2 miles away); West Portal (approx. 3.3 miles away); Mono Lake (approx. 4.8 miles away); Lee Vining (approx. 5.4 miles away); Upside-Down House (approx. 5.6 miles away); Navy Beach (approx. 5.8 miles away); Legend of June Lake Slot Machines (approx. 6 miles away); Mandated Mono Lake Level (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lee Vining.
More about this marker. There is a typo in the last sentence of this marker -- "riggers" are people that perform rigging, while "rigors" means harshness.
Photographed by Emerson Taylor, July 26, 2024
2. Bloody Canyon Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
3. Bloody Canyon Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
4. Top of Bloody Canyon Marker
Reilly and Ormsby, Stockton (courtesy New York Public Library), circa 1870
5. In the Far Famed Bloody Canyon, Sierras, Cal. (stereoscopic view)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2024, by Emerson Taylor of Inyo, California. This page has been viewed 625 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2024, by Emerson Taylor of Inyo, California. 2. submitted on July 27, 2024, by Emerson Taylor of Inyo, California. 3, 4. submitted on November 10, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on July 26, 2024. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
