Rock art images are carved or painted into the rock surfaces and can be found in the canyonlands. Due to lack of research, very little is known of the prehistoric American Indian that roamed this area. Archaeologists think that they were a nomadic hunting group whose visits through the area were short as they followed migrating game. Some of the rock art in this area may be 375-4500 years old. There were plenty of deer and rabbits.
Badgers also are around and cattle roam freely through the river bottoms.
Take time to stop at the Dolores Mission and Cemetery, which were built sometime between 1871 and 1889 when Mexican Pioneers first began permanent settlement in the valley. Partial remains of this cemetery and mission are still standing as well as old settlements along the way and old telegraph wires. A good reason to adhere to the rule and stick to the trail as some of the wire is hidden in the tall native grasses. One must come prepared for the canyon. Plenty of water and sunscreen are a must.