The Great Gallery is one of the most famous and significant rock art sites in the Canyonlands National Park in Utah, USA. Known for its large and intricate pictographs, this site provides a window into the ancient cultures that once inhabited the region.
Situated in Horseshoe Canyon, which is now part of Canyonlands National Park, the Great Gallery was discovered by Doris Durrant in 1966. The canyon was later annexed into the park in 1971 due to the significance of the rock art found there.
The art in the Great Gallery dates from 1500 BCE to 750 CE, aligning with the Archaic Period of the American Southwest. This period saw the transition from a predominantly hunter-gatherer lifestyle to the beginnings of agriculture among the indigenous peoples. The rock art is believed to be associated with the Barrier Canyon Style, a distinctive art form found in the region, characterized by its ghostly figures.
Due to the fragility of the rock art:
Access to the Great Gallery involves a challenging hike of about 7 miles round trip with a significant elevation change. Visitors are encouraged to come prepared with ample water, food, and sun protection, as there are no facilities in the canyon.