Cow Canyon Petroglyph Site

The Cow Canyon Petroglyph Site at Canyon Pintado National Historical District south of Rangely, Colorado is an easy roadside walk that leads to ancient Fremont and Ute petroglyphs.

Walk
This is not a hike but rather a very short walk that leads to a viewing area of ancient Fremont and Ute petroglyphs, carved into the side of the Cow Canyon cliffs. Visitors will find the Cow Canyon Site located ~1-mile off of CO-139, so you must first drive to 39.89907,-108.736607 before driving east along a dirt road, then take a right-hand turn to follow Cow Canyon Road south. Eventually you'll reach the Cow Canyon Site at the parking coordinates provided. The small trail leads in ~100-feet from the parking lot to reach the petroglyph viewing area. At the fence, you'll find several different types of petroglyph with an interpretive sign explaining the potential difference between the Fremont and Ute petroglyphs. The Ute were familiar with horses and flintlock pistols by the 1700s, which some evidence of the petroglyphs depict -- so those were likely carved by the Ute people. The other petroglyphs were likely carved by the Fremont as they didn't have knowledge of horses or flintlock pistols by the time these carvings were made.

Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided, located on the east side of CO-139. The lot is large enough to fit about a dozen vehicles.

Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.

Warning
Ancient petroglyphs: This trail leads beyond the recorded route provided to ancient petroglyphs and pictographs that were created hundreds of years ago. Please do not touch or attempt to disturb in any way. Only take photos and appreciate the ancient artwork from behind the barriers.

Sun exposure: This trail has very little shade and no water sources. Pack-in all water and wear sun screen and a hat to protect against sun exposure. It's smart to hike either in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense sun.

No water: This trail has no water sources so you must pack-in all water. A general rule of thumb in the desert is 1 gallon of water per person per day.

Rattlesnakes: This trail leads through rattlesnake territory, so be on the lookout and give any rattlers you find plenty of space.