Entry No. 19 — the Grand Junction file — filed under: outdoor-weird
Shavano Valley Rock Art Site
“Utes kept carving until 1881, beside a cosmic tree whose roots reach the underworld.”
Five and a half miles west of Montrose, a sandstone cliff on the Uncompahgre Plateau carries twenty-six panels of rock art — Archaic hunters started pecking around 1000 BC and Utes kept going until about 1881. One panel, six and a half feet by twelve, shows three bears climbing trees: the Bear Dance origin story, carved beside a cosmic tree whose roots reach the underworld. The Archaeological Conservancy owns the land now, and the only way in is behind a docent from the Ute Indian Museum.
The move: Book two spots on a Ute Indian Museum docent tour, wander the Chipeta exhibits before check-in, then hike up to the Bear Dance panel and find the three climbing bears yourselves.
📍 Before you go The site sits on private conserved land with no public access — every visit starts at the Ute Indian Museum on Chipeta Road, where you book in advance and check in before caravanning out to the valley. The walk runs about an hour over uneven ground with steep slopes near the valley rim, so wear sturdy shoes and carry water and sun protection. Tours run seasonally and fill up; Colorado West Land Trust also leads group visits each fall. Pair it with the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, about half an hour east of town.
- 📍 Montrose
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Shavano Valley, ~5.5 mi west of Montrose; tours book and check in at the Ute Indian Museum, 17253 Chipeta Rd, Montrose, CO 81403
Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4
last checked: 2026-06-11