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Thread: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

  1. #1
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    How close can you physically get to the rock art panel these days? Can you still get right up next to it as in this picture?
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  2. #2
    Kevin Kolosky
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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    I don't know the answer to that, but one would hope that those who do go close tread lightly!

  3. #3

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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    I believe you can, but only when staff are present. Even then, I think it depends on the whims of the staff. Try calling the Hans Flat Ranger Station (435) 259-2652.
    Peter Y.

  4. #4
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    I'll give them a call. Thanks.
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  5. #5
    austin granger's Avatar
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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    When I was there (2005 I think) you could. I will say though that it is a pretty tough trek to get there if it's a hot day and you're carrying a lot of weight and are in fairly poor shape (eh-hem). It's absolutely worth it though! Even though I didn't come home with a spectacular photograph, I look back on that day as one of my favorites spent in Utah (and that's saying a lot).



    http://www.flickr.com/photos/austingranger/

  6. #6
    austin granger's Avatar
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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    To be clear, when I wrote "poor shape" I wasn't implying you Kirk but me.

  7. #7
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    Well I "assumed" you meant me and you would have been right. Although I did some serious day hiking this spring at Canyon of the Ancients with my full 4x5 kit and survived and actually made some decent images too.

    The Barrier Canyon Style rock art at the Great Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon is something I want to get to before I get much older. It is perhaps the best rock art site in the country. The BCS rock art at Buckhorn Wash just wet my appetite for Horseshoe Canyon. Some of my faaaar distant ancestors came over the Bering Strait about 11,000 years ago and I am fascinated by early man in the Americas. Some of the Barrier Canyon Style rock art is Early Archaic and perhaps as old as 8,000 years (most likely these are closer to 4,000 t0 2000 years old). But never-the-less they probably represent the first great artistic expression on this continent.
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  8. #8
    austin granger's Avatar
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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    While this might be odd to say on a photography forum, I have yet to see a picture that does justice to the Great Gallery. Standing beneath those giant figures (they're much larger than you think), one can't help but be overcome with a feeling of awe, of vast time and mystery and shared humanity. There were a lot of people on the day that I was there, and I think it's safe to say that all of us experienced a deep sense of wonder.

    Good luck Kirk. I look forward to seeing what you bring back.

  9. #9
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    Austin, Do you remember the orientation of the alcove. IE does it run north to south and get morning or afternoon light etc.?
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  10. #10

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    Re: The Grand Gallery in Horseshoe Canyon Utah

    I did not have a compass with me in the canyon, but it largely faces west. Thus, it gets morning light, but I'm not sure how early. If you enter from the west rim, you can camp at the trailhead. I would advise a really early start. I think the hike is about 3.5 mi. each way, but it is primarily on sand, and takes a bit of time. Entering from the east rim, the hike is much shorter, but the roads to the trailhead are rougher.

    You can download a PDF from the NPS that gives a great overview of the archaeology. http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisi...shoecanyon.htm

    I agree with Austin, I have not seen a photo that does this site justice. Good luck Kirk!
    Peter Y.

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