Barrier Canyon, Great Gallery

Barrier/Horse Canyon, Great Gallery, April 29th

URARA President Kent Williams will lead this field Trip. Kent has volunteered with the National Park for a few years, and led groups through this canyon. He will share his information that he has learned from his many walks through this desert canyon. 

Horseshoe  Canyon in Canyonlands National Park contains some of the most iconic rock art in the country. It is a strenuous 7 mile round trip hike to the famous Great Gallery and back, with a number of a stops in between. 

This field trip is aimed at new URARA members, though any member is welcome to register. In addition to enjoying the rock art and the beauty of the canyon, we will be talking about URARA’s mission, what we are doing to meet our mission,  and how to visit sites responsibly.. 

We will meet at 9:OO AM at the parking area just west of the intersection of the Temple Mountain road and State Highway 24, south of milepost 136. From there, we will carpool 31 miles to the trailhead. Plan on spending most of the day in the canyon, so bring plenty of water and something for lunch and snacks. Most of the hike is along a flat, sandy canyon bottom with an 800' drop into the canyon on a rocky trail, and an 800' climb out on the same trail  in the heat of the afternoon.

There motels and developed campgrounds in Green River and Hanksville, and dispersed camping on BLM land in the area. There is a large parking area and a vault toilet at the trailhead, but no water or other facilities. There is plenty room to camp at the trailhead and if you want to camp there overnight before our trip, just your trip leader know. 

Here’s a link  if want to read up on Horseshoe Canyon and the rock art there:

https://www.nps.gov/places/horseshoe-canyon.htm

Additional Information Regarding the Organized  Field Trips

1. PLEASE NOTE that URARA holds no responsibility or liability for those participating in field trips. Attendance at a pre-trip orientation meeting is required by all field trip participants, where a completed liability waiver and medical consent form will be discussed. Each trip roster will be finalized upon completion of waiver and consent forms by participants. Pre-trip meeting could be held the evening before the Field Trip. 

2. Four-wheel-drive is recommended for high-clearance areas. Car-pooling is recommended, and is required for the final leg of some trips.

3. Many of the field trips may involve hiking, easy to strenuous, through rough terrain with substantial brush where one may encounter creatures such as rattlesnakes, so be sure to pack appropriate footwear, hiking clothes with a jacket for that sudden rainstorm, a hat, and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera. Participants are responsible for bringing along plenty of water to ensure healthy hydration.

4. Plan to provide your own lunch, snacks, and drinks