Horseshoe Canyon
5 galleries
Horseshoe Canyon houses the most remarkable collection of 'Barrier Canyon' style artwork. It is administered as a forth part of Canyonlands National Park and is west of the better know districts. It is a canyon 50 miles down a dirt road from Green River, Utah. Though seeming remote, the canyon feeds directly into the Green River - a natural highway of antiquity.
There are four major galleries along the four mile hike down into the canyon. Each is unique in artistic style, subject matter and scale. I've produce a video that shows them all in order of appearance, north to south.
https://bit.ly/Horseshoe2023
There are four major galleries along the four mile hike down into the canyon. Each is unique in artistic style, subject matter and scale. I've produce a video that shows them all in order of appearance, north to south.
https://bit.ly/Horseshoe2023
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7 imagesHigh Gallery could be missed if you are hiking in a hurry. It's the only one on the east side of the canyon, and very high up above the canyon floor. A National Park volunteer guide led us to High Gallery and provided context for the art. According to legend, this art in on a sacred panel, created by the breath of a blowing spirit. That might be speculation, but the scene has a remarkable impact. -
25 imagesUnder a sweeping overhang, Horseshoe Shelter features artwork of a most remarkable and distinctive style in its main gallery. It is also flanked with images of many different styles and eras, each artist being respectful not to overpaint earlier work. Some petroglyphs and wear marks from sharpening tools are also visible. -
19 imagesUnder a massive alcove ceiling are panels of art in many different styles. Very little is known about these ancient works, but it is clear that they span many different cultures over a vast span of time. -
16 imagesGreat Gallery is the iconic presentation of Barrier Style art. Arguments about age and culture and meaning abound, but it is clear that these were spiritual people who put immense effort into their artwork. Figures range to ten feet tall. A ghostly faded image high on the wall is thought to be the oldest. There is so much left to learn about these images. -
8 imagesA scenic BLM campground provides an enjoyable overnight stay near the Horseshoe Canyon trailhead. And with a pit toilet - amenities are complete!