Deluge Shelter Petroglyphs

In places where overhanging rocks shade the pictographs, pigments remain vibrant despite their age.

NPS / Molly Swindle

Quick Facts

Location:

Jones Hole Trail

Significance:

Cultural Site

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Approximately 800 to 1,400 years ago, this area was home the ancestral indigenous people of the region. They left evidence of their presence in the form of petroglyphs, patterns chipped or carved into the rock, and pictographs, patterns painted on the rock. For a thousand years, this rock overhang has shaded these pictographs from the strong midday sun. This limited exposure to sunlight may have helped to preserve the vibrant colors in these ancient images.

Few permenant structures remain, but known dwelling sites range from natural shelters, such as rock overhangs or shallow caves, to small villages. Because these people moved according to the availability of water and food, they occupied many of the dwelling sites for only part of the year. They may have used this site, Deluge Shelter, in the same manner.

Don't touch! Petroglyphs and pictographs are fragile, irreplaceable records of the past that many still hold sacred. Touching them can leave skin oils behind and tracings or rubbings can ruin the designs. Federal law protects all artifacts, including these sites. Do your part to respect and protect the past and report any vandalism you find.