Native American Petroglyphs, High Plains Travel Guide

4.4 (17)

Discover ancient stories etched in stone at the Native American petroglyphs near La Junta, Colorado, a window into the past.

Home
Travel Guides
Colorado
High Plains
Native American Petroglyphs

Explore ancient Native American rock art near La Junta, Colorado, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the region's early inhabitants. These petroglyphs, etched into canyon walls, provide a tangible link to the past and a unique opportunity to connect with the cultural heritage of the area.

A brief summary to Native American Petroglyphs

La Junta, Colorado, 81050, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Native American Petroglyphs.

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as there is no drinking water available at the trailheads.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Be mindful of wildlife, including snakes, and avoid disturbing their habitat.
Do not touch or deface the petroglyphs, as they are protected artifacts.
Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Bishop Castle

Tiny Town & Railroad

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Cano's Castle

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Explore Native American Petroglyphs on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Native American Petroglyphs, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

To reach the Native American Petroglyphs at Vogel Canyon from La Junta, drive south on CO Hwy 109 for 13 miles. Turn right (west) on CR 802 and follow for 1.5 miles. Turn south (left) on Forest Service Road 505A and follow for 1.5 miles until you reach the parking lot for Vogel Canyon. From there, follow the hiking trails to the petroglyph sites. Note that County Road 802 and Forest Service Road 505A are unpaved. Parking is free at the Vogel Canyon Picnic Area.
Other

The Comanche National Grassland office in La Junta provides free maps and brochures to help plan your visit to the petroglyphs and other attractions in the area. Stop by for information on trail conditions, guided tours, and other points of interest.

Discover more about Native American Petroglyphs

The Native American petroglyphs near La Junta, Colorado, offer a captivating journey into the past. Located within the Comanche National Grassland, these ancient carvings are found on canyon walls and rock outcroppings, testaments to the indigenous peoples who once called this land home. The petroglyphs, some dating back hundreds of years, provide insight into the beliefs, daily lives, and artistic expression of these early inhabitants.Visitors can explore several sites featuring rock art, including Vogel Canyon and Picketwire Canyon. Vogel Canyon, about 18 miles south of La Junta, offers easy-to-moderate hiking trails that lead to panels of petroglyphs alongside remnants of a 19th-century stagecoach stop. Picketwire Canyon, further south, requires a more strenuous hike or guided tour to witness its extensive dinosaur track beds, early settlement ruins, and Native American rock art. The petroglyphs often depict animals, human figures, and abstract symbols, reflecting the spiritual and practical concerns of their creators.These sites are part of the larger Comanche National Grassland, a diverse landscape that reveals the region's history through exposed rock layers, prehistoric sea beds, and ancient lake shores. The area was home to prehistoric peoples as far back as 12,000 years ago. The rock art began to appear approximately 8,000 years ago. Later, the Apache people were displaced by the Comanche in the 1700s. Today, the grasslands offer a chance to connect with nature and explore the rich cultural heritage of southeastern Colorado.