The U.S. Southwest holds natural treasures that take top spots on a lot of people’s bucket lists, but there are some archaeological rarities that tourists would never know exist.

Rock art sites, for example, often go unnoticed as cultural destinations. While certain sites attract thousands of curious visitors, countless others remain hidden from public sight in remote locations. Rock art can be extremely challenging to find, especially in one of the most beloved national parks, the Grand Canyon.

Finding rock art sites in the Grand Canyon region requires profound knowledge, careful planning, and an adventurous streak, as they are mostly off the beaten path. Those who take the journey to find rock art, though, get to experience a part of the park that few others have seen. Rock Art in the Grand Canyon The majority of rock art comes in two forms, petroglyphs (carved images) and pictographs (painted images).

Both forms can be found all across the U.S., but distinct regional styles continue to fascinate scholars who work to unravel their meaning.

The primary style found in the Grand Canyon is known as the Esplanade Polychrome style. Esplanade refers to a sandstone landform in the North Rim, the more remote counterpart to the park’s popular South Rim. Traveling through parts of the North Rim can be grueling for novice hikers.

Arguably the biggest danger is the heat — temperatures can reach between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Water, therefo.