Anasazi Rock Art - Utah, Arizona

Newspaper Rock, A Great Petroglyph Panel in Canyonlands National Park, Utah

This is the famous "Newspaper Rock" in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. The rock was clearly a gathering place for Anasazi graffiti artists during their heyday in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Anasazi did not have a written language, and panels such as these provide the only "written" record of the culture. Note a contribution by a 20th century artist in the upper left corner. The signature is dated 2-3-54.

Note that this panel is called a "petroglyph" because the art is etched into the wall. The panel below is a "pictograph" because the objects are painted.

Anasazi Pictographs in Grand Gulch, Utah

An example of Anasazi pictographs from nearby Grand Gulch. The gulch is highly rich in Anasazi cliff dwelling ruins and rock art. The area provides an opportunity to enjoy outstanding scenery and experience prehistorical artifacts in a natural setting.

Petroglyph Panel from Capital Reef National Park, Utah

A petroglyph panel from Capital Reef National Park. This panel is probably representative of the Fremont culture of central Utah, rather than Anasazi. For obvious reasons, this petroglyph often shows up on "ancient astronauts" television documentaries.

Petroglyph Panel from Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

An unusual petroglyph panel found in the Puerco Pueblo of Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona. The ancient inhabitants of this region probably had a mix of Anasazi and Zuni influence.