The Rochester Rock Art Panel in Emery County, Utah consists of a large number of
petroglyphs
A petroglyph is an image created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, picking, carving, or abrading, as a form of rock art. Outside North America, scholars often use terms such as "carving", "engraving", or other descriptions ...
of various ages. Some are prehistoric
rock art
In archaeology, rock arts are human-made markings placed on natural surfaces, typically vertical stone surfaces. A high proportion of surviving historic and prehistoric rock art is found in caves or partly enclosed rock shelters; this type al ...
, of either
Fremont culture origin or
Barrier Canyon Style.
Others are probably modern, depicting horses, for example. And some are perhaps of very recent origin, most likely the work of white explorers, settlers, and/or tourists. There is a great deal of
graffiti
Graffiti (singular ''graffiti'', or ''graffito'' only in graffiti archeology) is writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. Graffiti ranges from simple written "monikers" to elabor ...
near the main panel that is obviously of fairly recent origin. The majority of the panel is covered with a dark
desert varnish which contrasts nicely with the light sandstone that is exposed when the petroglyphs are pecked into the surface. There are several sections of very light stone in the center of the panel where it appears some of original stone was removed, probably by collectors who were after the figures inscribed there.
The panel is located 3 miles east of
Emery, Utah but is accessed via a graded road coming from a turnoff to the north, near the town of
Moore. To get to the panel drive to the turnoff between mile markers 16 and 17 on highway 10 between the towns of Emery and Ferron. Take the paved road heading east to Moore for about half a mile. Turn south onto a well-graded road and drive for about 4 miles, passing a radio tower on the way. From the parking lot an obvious hiking trail of about a half mile leads along the side of a small canyon to the panel.
Gallery
References
External links
{{commons category, Rochester Rock Art Panel
Rochester and Molen Rock Art
Petroglyphs in Utah
Fremont culture
Native American history of Utah
Archaeological sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Utah
Geography of Emery County, Utah
Tourist attractions in Emery County, Utah
National Register of Historic Places in Emery County, Utah