TRAVELOGUE - ROCK ART TOUR
NORTH EAST UTAH, NORTH WEST COLORADO
STARTED SEPTEMBER 6, 2007
We left southwest Utah on September 6 on a self-guided tour to major Rock Art sites of Northeast Utah and Northwest Colorado. Some of the results are shown below.
Escalante River Petroglyphs
Although these are some real nice petroglyphs, zoomorphs mostly, on this ridge high above the Escalante River, there are two that have saw marks around the periphery. Some unknowns had tried to remove these for their private collection. I will encourage BLM – Escalante to post signs saying these acts are criminal and there will be prosecution of individuals attempting to damage the petroglyphs.
To view these petroglyphs requires a climb of about 200’ including one ledge that is difficult.
Hundred Hands Panel
Also high above the Escalante River is the Hundred Hands panel, well preserved and easily visible, not so easily approached so that the viewer can be in close proximity to the panel. Take at least a medium length telephoto lens.
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Calf Creek Falls
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Fish Cove Rock Art
In the Teasdale Valley area, there is a tremendous site with both pictographs (zoomorphs and a shield) and older well-aged petroglyphs. This may be the site of the Headless Elk that I have been searching for, but will have to check the pictures and do more research when I return from the trip.
Wildhorse Canyon
Close to Goblin Valley is an alcove in a canyon that has these petroglyphs. The hike to the site includes fairly heavy sand to walk in and a 300’ long narrow slot canyon. A better picture can be obtained by climbing up to the alcove and more adventuresome explorers would be encouraged to do so.
Three Fingers Canyon
Following the directions give by publicly available information can cost a lot of time in searching for this site. The site is very good with petroglyphs, some well preserved, on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. The drive to the site is difficult, the hike easy.
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McConkie Ranch Upper
A nice hike up to numerous panels accompanied by welcoming kittens who were a lot of fun.
McConkie Ranch Lower
Another hike up to many more panels followed by a flat hike to the noted Three Kings Panel. Taken with a 300mm. lens.
Little Brush Creek
A difficult panel to find but worthwhile if the sun is right. We were there mid afternoon and expect the morning light (shadow) to be better. But Sue did find the panel. Taken with a 300 mm lens.
And then – some play –
Remember the Maine, Fantasy Canyon, Antelopes at Ouray
Cub Creek
Three very nice sites are in the Cub Creek area. Two of the sites require climbing and a little rock scrambling. This picture is from the Lizard site, stop 14.
McKee Springs
This site also requires a climb, but is well worth it. A premiere site.
Jones Hole
A major disappointment for us. Only found 1 group of panels, so will have to go back and record the other two, which are the better panels. We found the poorer panel, not a good effort on our part.
We also did not make it to Irish Canyon, largely because of rains, so that is next on our list too.
Canyon Pintado
South from Rangely, Colorado on Route 139 there are 7 Rock Art sites, all well marked and all essentially free of recent graffiti (some Pioneer Work). A few examples are:
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A very pleasurable trip, one which any Rock Art enthusiast would enjoy.