RDR2
Aug 22, 2025
RDR2 Rock Carvings: Hidden Monuments in the Wild West
Explore the hidden rock carvings in Red Dead Redemption 2. This friendly, clear guide helps everyone find the 10 ancient carvings easily and enjoy the quest. Photo by: GamesRadar
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the mysterious rock carvings lie around to be discovered under your horse’s hooves. They’re part of the Geology for Beginners mission, given by the enigmatic Francis Sinclair.
Unlike many quests in the game, this one encourages slow exploration, drawing players into hidden details and layers of intrigue within an already rich world.
How to Begin the Rock Carving Hunt
To start, visit a small hut northwest of Strawberry; this is Sinclair’s cabin. He’ll ask you to report each carving’s location by mailing letters at any post office. The quest can be tackled at any time, even after finishing the main story, and in whatever order you prefer.
Where to Find the Ten Carvings
The carvings are tucked away across a wide range of environments: snowy peaks, riverbanks, cliffsides, and lakeshores. You’ll find them near places like Mount Hagen, Bacchus Station, Whinyard Strait, Moonstone Pond, the Roanoke area, Elysian Pool, the hills around Flatneck Station, Owanjila Lake, and several other striking spots. Each one is marked by a faint image etched into stone.
RDR2 Rock Carvings Locations
Rock Carving | Location (Region) | Detailed Description |
|---|---|---|
1. Mount Hagen | Ambarino | On the northern face of Mount Hagen, south of the letter "A" in "Ambarino" on the map. Look near the mountain trail. |
2. Mount Shann | Big Valley, West Elizabeth | At the peak of Mount Shann, southwest of Strawberry. The carving faces outward on the rocks. |
3. Whinyard Strait | Ambarino | North of Window Rock, just west of the Dakota River. You’ll find it along the cliff edge. |
4. Cumberland Forest | Cumberland Forest, New Hanover | East of Bacchus Station, on the eastern edge of the cliffs overlooking the Dakota River. |
5. Roanoke Ridge (Deer Cottage) | Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover | Northeast of Brandywine Drop, on a rock ledge close to a small cabin. |
6. Roanoke Valley (Kamassa River) | Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover | On the cliffs west of the Kamassa River, across from the railroad tracks. |
7. Bacchus Station | Cumberland Forest, New Hanover | West of Bacchus Station, near a railroad bridge that crosses the Dakota River. |
8. Donner Falls | Ambarino | Southeast of Bacchus Station, above Donner Falls waterfall. Look near the cliff face. |
9. Elysian Pool | Roanoke Ridge, New Hanover | On the rock wall above Elysian Pool, east of Annesburg. Look for it above the cave entrance. |
10. Lake Owanjila | West Elizabeth | West of Strawberry, on the cliff side overlooking Lake Owanjila. Accessible via the ridge. |
Rewards Worth the Journey
Every letter you mail brings a reward: first, some Kentucky Bourbon and cash, then a rock statue, and finally a special invitation back to Sinclair’s cabin.
As you go inside, you will get to claim the Old Brass Compass, which can be used to craft the Raven Claw Talisman, a powerful upgrade that reduces weapon wear by 20%.
Why the Rock Carvings Are Special
Hunting down those carvings is like a bonus wonder to an already beautiful landscape, inspiring curiosity and reflection. The mission blends exploration into narrative mystery, even teasing you with hints of time travel through its unreal conclusion. Whether you are a casual explorer or chasing 100% completion, the carvings reward you with not just useful gear but also moments of story and beauty.
