Most people come here for the ancient rock art. The above pictographs are located in Fate Bell Shelter, a moderate hike from park headquarters. Visitors are not allowed into any of the shelters or the canyon without a guide.
We took a longer, much more difficult tour. Eight miles of hiking took us to some amazing rock art. This is not a tour for anyone not in very good physical condition as parts of the route (I would say trail, but there's not one) require wading through waist-high water, climbing boulders, and bush-whacking through some very mean plants. It is worth the effort if you're up for the challenge.
We were able to see many birds, as well.
The Cactus Wren paid a visit to our campground on Sunday morning.
White-Throated Swifts provided entertainment during our lunch stop on the tour, twittering loudly as they flew in and out of cavities in the canyon wall.
A Red-Tailed Hawk observed from the rim as we made our way along the canyon floor.
Also seen this visit: Northern Cardinal, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Flicker, Pyrrhuloxia, Roadrunner.
A Canyon Wren was heard but not seen.
The park and campgrounds are wheelchair accessible, but the canyon is not.
I'm linking up to Wild Bird Wednesday. Visit to see more birds or to post your own.
10 comments:
oh wow...seeing the rock art would have been amazing...and that hawk...what a trip!
I have to say that sound like a good trip - but even my crazy kids may baulk at parts of it!
The rock art is great - I got to see some the last time I was in Northern Australia.
Cheers and thanks for the link to WBW.
Stewart M - Melbourne
My older son really digs ancient sites. I'll have to put this hike on our list of to-dos when he are down that way.
Its amazing how long pictographs can survive the elements.
The canyon provided you some fantastic photo ops. Love all the birds you captured, Jen.
Waist deep water, huh? Definitely worth it to see these beautiful birds and the rock art would have been just incredible to see. Thanks for posting!
Pink was on Storytellers...think its on VH1 but i caught it on Palladia
would love to see a cactus wren someday!
Wading through waist-high water?! Another exciting hike for you!
If I had the opportunity to visit that park, I would.
Thanks for your comment on my "animal" post. I try to write in a way that will invite people to give their honest, informed, and varied opinions, and you always do.
I can understand why no one can go there without a guide. What a treat to see this.
That hawk is certainly giving you a good investigation there Jen.Looks like a great place to visit.
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