Ancient Ruins and Rock Art
Here you'll find a linked list of the ancient ruins and rock art sites that we've visited over the years.
Canyon country is home to an amazing collection of archaeological sites, including villages, camps, hunting sites, petroglyphs, and pictographs. It seems that we are just scratching the surface in our understanding of those who came before us. And as we hike through this amazing landscape it seems that we are always encountering more evidence of the ancient ones. This page offers links to our featured sites where archaeological discovers are the focus, or where we have had the pleasure to discover the wonders of ancient rock art.
A Few Notes of Caution
The modern Pueblo people, as well as other Native American groups, view prehistoric sites as the homes of their ancestors. Historic sites connect pioneer descendents with their own, more recent, history. When visiting either, be as respectful as you would be when visiting anyone's home.
Leave No Trace
- Minimize the number of people and vehicles at trailheads and sites.
- Camp at least 100 yards from sites.
- Keep pets away from sites.
- Take all trash and waste with you.
- Leave only footprints, take only photos.
We can understand past cultures only by studying their remains in place. As soon as artifacts are moved, removed, or changed, most information is lost. American public lands are for all of us. We can use and enjoy them in our different ways without destroying what they contain. The American people value cultural resources so much that Congress has established several laws to protect them. To learn more, visit the following Web sites:
- American Antiquities Act of 1906
- American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978
- Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Restrictions and Regulations
- Executive Order 13287: Preserve America (2003)
- Historic Sites Act of 1935
- National Historic Preservation Act (1966)
- National Park Service Restrictions and Regulations
- Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990)
- US Forest Service Restrictions and Regulations
If you witness someone breaking any of these laws, call:
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act Hotline: 800-227-7286
