Book Cliffs Rock Art V | Saturday, February 3, 2018
After spending the previous weekend exploring the Coyote Buttes in Arizona, it was time for me to stay a little closer to home and take things easy for a change. When Diane and I had visited the San Rafael Reef a few weekends ago we were hoping to stop by a very cool pictograph of an owl in the Book Cliffs on our way home, but we ran out of time and daylight and didn’t get the chance. I guess we spent too much time in Chute Canyon! I had visited this owl pictograph back in 2011 and have wanted to return for a while and Diane was very interested in seeing it for the first time, so I figured that checking it out and exploring the surrounding canyon would make for a nice half-day adventure.
Heading into the Book Cliffs on our way to the owl pictograph.
A red horned shield pictograph we stopped at along the way. These horned shields seem to be a common theme in this part of the Book Cliffs.
Following a sage-lined road deeper into the canyon.
Finally we reached the amazing and colorful owl pictograph.
Here’s a closer look…
We went on a short hike to see what else we could find.
All we found was this red splotch of paint and a few faded petroglyphs.
Diane hikes ahead of me while searching the canyon walls for rock art.
Did you go in through the big wooden gate or some other way?
Yes I did. It’s a public road.
Can you say more about where it is? You can send it via email if you prefer
Hi, Randy! Fred Palombi from Boulder, Colorado we were supposed to hike together in the Needles area but it did not work out for some reason. I was wondering if you could at least give me a hint of which exit off I-70 for the Owl pictograph. Thanks, Fred.
Hello, I spent the second half of a day searching in the canyon I thought this was in but was unable to find it. Stonewalled by a locked “private property” gate. Would be happy to share more details in private but was hoping maybe you’d be willing to offer some assistance! I’d rather not spend another day driving around the book cliffs to see nothing! My email is xxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Very impressive art!
We (older couple, one with mobility issues) would like to see the owl ourselves. How far off the road is it?
If possible, can you email directions? And are there private property issues we need to know about?
Thanks