Horseshoe Canyon
A trip down into Horseshoe Canyon to view ancient pictographs.
Statistics
| Total Distance: |
7.5 mi (return) |
| Estimated Time: |
5 hours |
| Average Grade: |
3.5% |
| Structure: |
Linear - Return |
|
|
Elevation Loss:
|
-689 ft |
| Start Elevation: |
5348 ft |
| Min Elevation: |
4659 ft |
|
Directions
From I-70, take exit 160 for Green River. Turn eastbound on Main Street. In 2.4 km (1.5 miles) turn south on S. Long Street. In a block and a half, turn left at the "T" on Green River Avenue. Then take the first right, 500 Street South. The road continues under the interstate, and out of town southbound, becoming an unpaved road.
Follow this road, staying on the main track, for about 62 km (39 miles). Pay attention to signs for Horseshoe Canyon. Turn left onto another dirt road, signed for Horseshoe Canyon. Follow this road to the trailhead (2.8 km or 1.75 miles).
Details
This remote hike is a fabulous opportunity to view ancient pictographs - estimated at anywhere from 2000 to 7000 years old. There are 4 main art sites in this section of the canyon, including the world famous Great Gallery - a 100 foot long panel of ghostly figures.
The hike starts with a descent into the canyon from the parking lot, then follows the river gently upstream. The first panel, the High Gallery, is encountered after about 3 km, on the left side of the canyon. About 200m further, on the other side of the canyon, is the Horseshoe Shelter and Gallery site. Another 1 km brings you to the majestic Alcove Gallery. Finally, 1.8 km further, about 6 km from the trailhead, is the haunting Great Gallery.
This is a pleasant hike in a beautiful canyon, with some incredible rock art to boot.
Photographs
GPS Waypoints
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