Pictograph Cave Gallery

My friend Richard and Leander Staley our Navajo Guide. They are standing in front of Pictograph Cave on the morning of March 8, 2026.

Pictograph Cave Gallery

CDC – 78

I visited Pictograph Cave in Canyon de Chelley on the morning of Sunday, March 8, 2026 during my Spring 2026 Rock Art Trip. This site is located not far from the magnificent ruins at the White House Site, tucked in a small canyon. Since Campbell Grant identifies this as a major site (see page 247 of his book), I was excited for the opportunity to visit it. It did not disappoint! Some of the elements at this site are so unique (rainbow flute players for example) they will take your breath away. Lots of beautiful pictographs spanning Modified Basketmaker through Developmental Pueblo. I hope you enjoy my photos, but I must warn you, they don’t even come close to doing this wonderful site justice!

RICHARD AND LEANDER ENTERING THE SMALL CANYON NEAR THE WHITE HOUSE RUIN WHERE PICTOGRAPH CAVE IS LOCATED.

I TOOK THIS PHOTO OF PICTOGRAPH CAVE FROM A HILL DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE CAVE.

LOOKING BACK AT PICTOGRAPH CAVE FROM FARTHER INTO THE CANYON.

SOME OF THE SITE TO THE RIGHT IS STILL HIDDEN FROM VIEW IN THIS PHOTO.

I believe the next ten photos show the entirety of Pictograph Cave starting on the far left side of the cave and moving to the far right portion of the cave. I took all of these photos with my D500 Nikon and processed the photos in Lightroom Classic.

THE FAINT CONCENTRIC CIRCLES MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE ROCK ART ON THE LEFT SIDE OF PICTOGRAPH CAVE.

THIS NEXT SECTION OF THE CAVE IS QUITE COLORFUL AND BEAUTIFUL.

THIS IS MY FAVORITE SECTION OF PICTOGRAPH CAVE -- AMAZING ART!

GOING TO THE RIGHT OF THE LARGE WHITE WATERBIRD AND THE TWO FLUTE PLAYERS THERE ARE SOME MORE NICE ELEMENTS, LIKE THE TWO BIRD-HEADED HUMAN FIGURES.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TWO BIRD-HEADED MEN AND THE LARGER FIGURE WITH THE NECKLACE.

AS YOU GO FURTHER TO THE RIGHT THE ELEMENTS BEGIN TO THIN OUT.

I BELIEVE THIS IS THE LAST OF THE ART AT THE FAR RIGHT CORNER OF PICTOGRAPH CAVE.

This next group of photos highlights some of the nicer elements or groups of elements at Pictograph Cave and represents my attempt to show more detail of the art from the cave.

NOTE THE DETAILS ON THE TWO FLUTE PLAYERS AS WELL AS THE TWO TRIANGULAR FIGURES.

It is truly a humbling experience to attempt to photograph monumental rock art sites such as Pictograph Cave, especially when your time is restricted as is your access to the site. But I am grateful for the people of the Navajo Nation who care for these priceless works of art and for their willingness to share their rich cultural heritage with outsiders such as Richard and I. Thank you!