Horseshoe Canyon

The Great Gallery is one of the best-preserved installations of Barrier-Canyon-style rock art in the United States. The rugged beauty and archaeological significance make The Great Gallery of Horseshoe Canyon a bucket-list item for many people. It’s the largest panel within Horseshoe Canyon, measuring 200 feet long and 15 feet tall, and is estimated to be between 2,000 and 8,000 years old, predating even the Fremont and Ancestral Puebloans, dating back to the prehistoric Desert Archaic culture. This finely detailed panel draws eyes to the dozens of limbless humanoid figures, symbols from another time.

Scenic Horsehoe Canyon

To view these panels up close, start on the west rim of Horseshoe Canyon. This portion of Canyonlands National Park is located north and west of the Island in the Sky ranger district. A well-marked trail drops 750 feet into the canyon below. The Great Gallery is approximately three miles from the canyon floor. Along the way, you will encounter three other art panels, most of which are identified by signs. Alongside the rock art, numerous blooming wildflowers line the trail in the spring. In autumn, the turning leaves of the large cottonwoods accompany the art.

Preparing to Hike Horsehoe Canyon

This is a remote area, so be prepared with water, snacks and gas. Find the nearest gas stations to Horseshoe Canyon in Hanksville or Green River, Utah, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours away. Be sure to fill the tank before traveling on the remote dirt access roads. Spring and Fall offer moderate temperatures, making them the best seasons to visit to avoid excessive heat.

Depending on staffing, guided ranger walks through the canyon are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays during spring and fall. Be sure to visit the Horseshoe Canyon website beforehand if you would like a guided tour.

Horseshoe Canyon Access and Camping

Most visitors access Horseshoe Canyon from the west off of Highway 24, just south of the Goblin Valley turn-off, down a 30-mile graded dirt road. You may also access the trailhead from Green River for a 47-mile journey on a rougher dirt road. Several signs are directing you to the trailhead. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Moab or 1.5 hour drive from Green River. Be prepared. Unexpected weather could cause a sudden change in the drive, requiring an AWD vehicle to navigate.

Camping in Horsehoe Canyon

Camping in Horseshoe Canyon and this area of Canyonlands is prohibited. However, visitors may camp in areas throughout the bordering BLM land to the west. Primitive camping at the trailhead is permitted, ideal for those who arrive late the night before and plan to adventure in Horseshoe Canyon early the next morning. If you’re not the kind to rough it, explore sites throughout the many spurs that splinter from the dirt road ahead of the trailhead. Goblin Valley State Park also offers glamping.

Step Back in Time in Horsehoe Canyon

Horseshoe Canyon is the ideal destination to explore prehistoric cultures and fall in love with the southwestern desert. The round-trip journey is achievable for people of all ages with a base level of fitness, agility and endurance. A day spent exploring Horseshoe Canyon is a step back in time, leaving you to wonder about the forgotten cultures of the world.