Here’s a nearby outing you might enjoy – Canyon Pintado just south of Rangely. This a preserved, historic district that includes “rock art” created many years ago by Native Americans and others recording some of their history and beliefs.
The term “rock art” means human made markings on natural stone. More correctly, the images include pictographs and petroglyphs. The first refers to images created by using pigments and the second means carving or scraping into the rocks.
These images reflect the culture and religious lives of the Barrier Canyon culture 3000 BC – 100 AD, the Fremont culture roughly 100 – 1300 AD, and the Ute occupation, approximately 1300 – 1881.
Each image is unique and a few are even in color. Although fairly small, they tell an interesting story and preserve a part of our local history.
This area is managed by our local White River Field Office Bureau of Land Management. Signs along the main roads mark the driving route to see the rock art and at most stops, signs help explain what you are seeing. Along highway 139 there are eight sites and off of County Road 23 are four more.
Both routes include small parking areas with short hikes to see the images. Several sections are on fairly rough dirt roads, so vehicles that can handle the tough areas are best. Also, keep in mind these are very remote and dusty areas so gas up before you start and take drinks.
As a minimum you should get a brochure including a map from the White River Field Office at 220 East Market Street. If you stop at every site, this is a full day trip, depending on fast you hike.
Because it can be challenging to see the actual images or just determine which rock face they are on, I strongly recommend a tour with the BLM archaeologists based in the Meeker office. They offer a wealth of knowledge including more about the history than the signs explain. I truly appreciated that they can help you find the rock art in every location that seems obvious once you know where to look but otherwise there’s a lot of rock out of there to search.
Please be respectful of this historic place that has endured hundreds of years. Don’t touch the images as oil from our hands can damage the images. Don’t add your own scratchings or drawings and do not harm these one-of-a kind sites.
Here’s another hidden treasure of northwest Colorado!
By KAYE SULLIVAN – Special to the Herald Times
