White Birds Interpretive Site ~ Canyon Pintado

Flickr album link: White Birds Interpretive Site

The name Canyon Pintado basically translates to "painted canyon" and those who have thoroughly explored the western states already know that this descriptive moniker does not necessarily only refer to colorful rock formations. The indigenous people throughout the west enhanced the landscape with colorful works of art of throughout their own long history and many of the galleries have lasted since ancient times. There are places where an abundance of ancient rock art is concentrated and these sites indicate great importance that is timeless in nature. Some ancient rock art panels describe the local surroundings, just like a modern tourism guide, while others display celestial events, great hunts, important gatherings or ceremonies. There is also ancient native rock art that is purely artistic in nature, so those who seek these sacred places will have plenty of messages to interpret while taking in the views.

A previous Canyon Pintado National Historic District article describes one of many ancient rock art sites that are located along a 15 mile section of Colorado Highway 139. The White Birds Interpretive Site is yet another sacred place that a visitor will encounter while doing the tour. The roadside signage is easy to spot and just like with many of the other sites, only a short hike is required. Just like the name suggests, the White Birds Interpretive Site features what is likely wading birds from a neighboring wetlands area. There are also several other caricatures that require further meditation to get an inkling about and the geology of the location also has stories to tell. The White Birds Interpretive Site definitely offers plenty to ponder over, so be sure to chart this spot on a map when planning a tour of Canyon Pintado!