Horseshoe Canyon, Ancient rock art canyon in Canyonlands National Park, United States
Horseshoe Canyon is a desert canyon known for its collection of ancient rock paintings on sandstone walls. The most significant artworks appear in a section called the Great Gallery, where large human figures and other designs cover the rock surfaces within a drainage that cuts through the landscape.
The rock art in this canyon was created by indigenous peoples during the late Archaic period, with some paintings dating back several thousand years. Over time, the pigments have endured on the sandstone, preserving a record of ancient artistic expression.
Indigenous artists used these rock surfaces to express their understanding of people, animals, and the spiritual world through red ochre pigments. The paintings remain visible today as a direct connection to how people once lived in this desert region.
Reaching the rock art requires a round-trip hike that takes several hours and involves descending into the canyon on a challenging trail. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes, as the path crosses rocky ground and the return climb is steep.
The human figures in the Great Gallery rank among the largest known prehistoric artworks of this type in North America and create a striking impression. These oversized representations continue to intrigue visitors, raising questions about their meaning and purpose.
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