The Ssaoam were an Ohlone tribelet inhabiting the hills around Brushy Peak and the Altamont Pass. Their territory lay astride the main trade routes linking the Bay Area with the San Joaquin Valley. The Ssaoam acted as brokers in a regional trade network with the Volvon (Bay Miwoks) and the Tamcan (Northern Valley Yokuts).They hosted trade feasts on the northeast side of Brushy Peak. Acess to this area is controlled by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD). Call (925) 373-5707 for details about visiting this area on a ranger led tour.
Wind and water have worked their magic on the rock formations scattered below Brushy Peak’s northeast flank. This is a surreal, if not supernatural, place.
The main Ssaoam settlement was on the southwest side of Brushy Peak. It spread over the slopes of Brushy Peak on terraces and ridges. We’ve found 141 bedrock mortars here at 10 distinct sites. All of these sites are on non-restricted parkland in the Brushy Peak Regional Preserve.
There are two cupule rocks in this settlement: one has 23 cupules, the other 18.
View of Brushy Peak from near the Laughlin Ranch Staging Area. Nearly all the bedrock mortar sites we’ve found on this side of Brushy Peak are visible from here.
Windmill Overlook, Lower20 bedrock mortars and several housepits spread along the base of a rock ledge.Elevation 1355 ft.Looking out on the Livermore Valley.Afternoon shadows creep across the land as Bob walks below the rock ledge.A two-mortar rock. Note the elliptical upper section of the funnel mortar.Photograph by Bob Bardell.
Brushy Peak Loop Trail6 bedrock mortars and two probable mortarsElevation 1338 ft.We missed this rock in our earlier survey. The new Brushy Peak Loop Trail passes right by it.
Windmill Overlook, Upper2 bedrock mortarsElevation 1475 ft.There are fantastic views from this site.One of the mortar rocks caps the rock ledge above the Lower Windmill Overlook site.The other mortar rock at this site.Photographs by Bob Bardell.
Cave Camp5 bedrock mortarsElevation 915 ft.Access to this site is strictly controlled. Call LARPD at (925) 373-5707 for details
Club Moto30+ bedrock mortarsElevation 663 ft.Thanks to Adrian for turning us on to this site above the Club Moto dirt bike track.The mortars here sit on a little knob at the mouth of the Altamont Pass. Bob enjoys the spectacular view over the Livermore Valley.Many of the mortars here are huge and weathered. The sandstone […]
First Terrace31 bedrock mortars, a 23 cupule rock, and 3-4 housepits.Elevation 775 ft.This site and the Kitchen site are actually on the same terrace, separated by a creekbed, but because we discovered and named the Kitchen site first, we called this site the “First Terrace.”A view of the First Terrace. The cupule rock is near […]
Frick Lake16 bedrock mortars and anvils.This site hugs the southwestern boundary of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve. Thanks to Joel for discovering it.Looking down at the site and at Frick Lake.Photograph by Bob Bardell.The mortar rocks.A closeup of one of the mortar rocks.Another mortar rock. Note the range of mortar sizes–from the cupule/anvil through the shallow […]