San Rafael Swell Rock Art V

Saturday, July 23, 2011

 

I spent Saturday in the Swell visiting some new and old rock art sites…it was pretty hot out and the bugs were out in force during my first hike……but it was still a great day! I’ll let the photos do the speaking…

 

Rainbow & Dotted Anthropomorph
Rainbow & Dotted Anthropomorph

 

Large Shield
Large Shield

 

Broken-Hearted Man
Broken-Hearted Man

 

Arm in Arm
Arm in Arm

 

Cowboy’s Secret
Cowboy's Secret

 

Observing
Observing

 

Secret Site
Secret Site

Also known as the Observer Panel.

 

Funky Rainbow
Funky Rainbow

One of the most colorful rainbows that I have come across.

 

Funks Cave Figures
Funks Cave Figures

Lined up next to the rainbow above.

 

Fading Shields
Fading Shields

 

Red & Yellow Paint
Red & Yellow Paint

Some of the more interesting pictographs I have seen.

 

Quail Panel
Quail Panel

Called the Quail Panel because the figures resemble quail. Certainly the most Fremont ‘shield’ figures I have seen in one place. These figures are pretty small, at around 6 inches in height.

 

Alcove Panel
Alcove Panel

Of course I made a stop at the Buckhorn Wash Panel on the way home.

 

Black Dragon Creature
Black Dragon Creature

Before grabbing dinner at Ray’s in Green River, I also stopped at the Black Dragon Panel. The road was a bit rougher than the last time I was here….probably because of the recent flash floods in the area. One other thing I noticed while visiting the panel is just how well the alcove collects heat from the sun. The temperature outside was close to 100, and while I climbed up into the alcove it must have been at least 10-20 degrees warmer. I could feel the heat radiating off of the sandstone. It was pretty uncomfortable, so I didn’t stick around long. I’m sure it would feel much nicer in the colder winter months 😉