The Kokopelli Petroglyphs at Canyon Pintado National Historical District
south of Rangely, Colorado is a roadside walk that
leads to ancient Fremont petroglyphs and pictographs which includes the famous flute-playing Kokopelli.
Walk
This is not a hike but rather a very short roadside walk that leads to a viewing point of the Kokopelli petroglyphs and pictographs along the west side of CO-139. From the parking / trailhead coordinates, visitors will cross CO-139 to the west side where you'll find a ~10-foot long path that leads to the viewing platform just below the Kokopelli pictographs. Here, you can read more about the ancient artwork via the interpretive signs. Kokopelli can be found throughout the southwest US in different forms, but generally is depicted playing a flute.
Universal Access
You can enjoy the pictographs and petroglyphs from the parking area or from the road, hence this roadside stop is universally-accessible.
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 over 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.
Walk
This is not a hike but rather a very short roadside walk that leads to a viewing point of the Kokopelli petroglyphs and pictographs along the west side of CO-139. From the parking / trailhead coordinates, visitors will cross CO-139 to the west side where you'll find a ~10-foot long path that leads to the viewing platform just below the Kokopelli pictographs. Here, you can read more about the ancient artwork via the interpretive signs. Kokopelli can be found throughout the southwest US in different forms, but generally is depicted playing a flute.
Universal Access
You can enjoy the pictographs and petroglyphs from the parking area or from the road, hence this roadside stop is universally-accessible.
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 over 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.
