Page 50 - Culture Mag
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Horseshoe Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon contains some of the most signi2icant rock art in North America. The Great Gallery, the best known panel in Horseshoe Canyon, includes well-preserved, life-sized 2igures with intricate designs. Other impressive sights include spring wild2lowers, sheer sandstone walls and mature cottonwood groves along the intermittent stream in the canyon bottom.
Horseshoe Canyon was added
to Canyonlands in 1971. Most
visitors access Horseshoe
Canyon from the west. Visitors
should be prepared for
unpredictable weather (such as
rain or sand-shifting wind) that
can quickly change road
conditions. Horseshoe Bend’s
rock walls have a variety of
minerals, including hematite,
platinum, and garnet. The
overlook is 4,200 feet above sea
level, and the Colorado River is
3,200 feet above sea level,
which gives this scenic view a
breathtaking 1,000 foot drop.
Horseshoe Bend is also just a 3⁄4 mile hike from US Route 89. The trail is steep in some areas, and has some areas of deep sand, so be prepared for a challenge despite the short distance. Bring along your camera – you’ll want to capture this view for posterity.
