Alice and I enjoy local history… and when our good friend Morris (Mo) Jones brought up a remote Canyon down in South Dakota’s Southern Black Hills that was reputed to have some very old Indian Pictographs & Petroglyphs… we were interested!
Such rock art is common in the South Western States, but in South Dakota, rare and hard to find. Mo checked with his source (an old friend) and we learned that he had last been there over 35 years ago… seen the art… but that there were many dangers such as extremely rough & remote terrain and lots of ‘active’ rattlesnakes. Huh? Anyway, Mo and I decided to go see if we could find Craven Canyon… and find out for ourselves.
The map below provides a general location check. The upper pushpin shows Craven Canyon, and the lower pin is Red Canyon, a canyon we traveled thru on the way. Note, this map is interactive – just click on it to drill down, or convert to a satellite image. For another highly interactive Contour Map, Click Here.
We drove from Hart Ranch close to Rapid City, SD down Hwy 79 to to the Hwy 18 turnoff to Hot Springs, then on towards Edgemont. Our USFS map showed a dirt road that left Hwy 18 and went North, up thru Red Canyon… which Craven Canyon feeds into. We took this dirt road North… looking for anything with ‘Craven Canyon’ on it. While driving on Red Canyon Rd. we came across a couple of interesting historical items… This old log cabin, for instance. (Please note, ALL pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.)
Early on, we encountered this old Log Cabin, a couple hundred yards off Red Canyon Rd. We estimate it to be about 100+ years old.
Next was this small sign, showing the location of the Metz Family Massacre – Note, the sign is wrong on the date – the attack & massacre occurred on April 24, 1876, not 1875… Also, the sign marks the near location of the Cheyenne – Deadwood Stage road. This area was a very rough Western Frontier area in the late 1870’s…
Marker on Red Canyon Rd, indicating where the old Cheyenne-Deadwood stage road crossed here… and the small brown sign marks the location of the “Massacre of the Metz Family”, by Indians in 1876. To view a close-up of wording on sign, Click Here.
After driving further North on Red Canyon Rd, we reached Pilger Mtn. Rd (SD 12)… and begin to feel a ‘little lost’. We turned West on Pilger Mtn. Rd for a couple of miles, then South on Elbow Canyon Rd (Co Hwy 16)… and followed it for several miles – all these dirt roads ‘seemed’ to track around Craven Canyon… We felt we were close… And there were side canyons that ‘seemed’ to flow in the direction of Craven Canyon, so Mo and I decided to stop, hike to a near rim, and take a look…
We did not know it at the time… but from this side canyon overlook we were looking into Craven canyon. Mo is looking over the edge… The two-track trail is clearly visible at the bottom. For a more close up view of the canyon, Click Here.
While we weren’t sure, the canyon in the distance certainly looked like Craven Canyon… so after a bite of lunch, we backtracked and decided to find someone to ask for directions. We came across a remote ranch house, parked, and went to knock on the door…. and met a most remarkable gentleman: Mr. George Hey, Rancher, 96 years old. Mr. Hey was loading tree limbs into the front end bucket of a large Ford tractor. After asking for directions to the Petroglyphs, Mr. Hey smiled, and offered, “Well… I’m ready for a rest… How about if I take you there?”
Rancher, Mr. George Hey, 96 years old. Mr. Hey’s family moved here in 1932, when George was 14. He has lived continuously on the family ranch since then, except for four years in the Army during WW2. Over the years, George has become quite knowledgeable about the early Native American sites on and around his land.
Mo and I were delighted at his generous offer and certainly could not turn it down… both for our goal of finding the Petroglyphs and for a chance to get to further know this most kind, amazing gentleman. We climbed into Mo’s truck and headed out – with me & trusty camera riding in the outside truck flatbed – ouch! I think Mo needs new shocks.
Craven Canyon two track trail… picture taken from the back end of Mo’s 4×4 pickup truck. Click picture to enlarge.
We headed down this (barely there) two track road… with a small creek running down thru the middle. The signs of previous flash floods were everywhere… with flood debris hanging from very old & large gnarled Cottonwood trees. The canyon walls got higher, with cliffs.
During this slow, bouncy trip down the canyon, I had a clear view of growing canyon walls, Ponderosa Pines, giant Cottonwood trees in bottom lands… and Hawks… Vultures… and a screaming Eagle.
After several miles, George guided us to this rock cliff below… and we climbed up to the base for a close look at Petroglyphs that scientists think are 4,000 to 8,000 years old…
Several miles into the canyon, we approached this cliff with Petroglyphs.
Next, below, is a 4 picture slide show of the Petroglyphs that Mr. Hey showed us on the cliff above… place cursor over picture to display direction arrows… if desired, click on picture to open a new window with an enlarged view of Petroglyphs engraved in the rock.
After viewing the above Petroglyphs, we moved on to the below pictured location just down the canyon…
After climbing up a trail to the canyon wall, we spotted this Pictograph ‘painting’ on the rock… a man-figure of some kind… and a ‘sun’ with rays? We don’t know.
Nice clear pictograph… a man figure with a ‘sun’ shining rays?
Below, George and Mo are examining a very faint pictograph, low down to the ground. Notice the vandalism marks that have been perpetrated on this Historic ancient site. This kind of desecration is a plague on these wonderful sites… and the perpetrators should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Click Here, for 2011 Rapid City Journal on Mr. Hey, and protection of these antiquities.
George Hey and Mo Jones, closely examining 4,000 – 8,000 year old Petroglyphs.
Another set of images close by…
Pictographs with a man figure … Note the symbols that seem to repeat in series of ‘sevens’… Not sure why.
Mo and George examining wall… Pictographs and Petroglyphs
Mo and George, examining wall. Mo is a naturally curious person… loves to learn new things.
Perhaps a 4,000 – 8,000 year old ‘map’ of area around Craven Canyon?
Mr. Hey believes this is a ‘map’ of Indian locations in and around Craven Canyon… I Had to climb to get to this outstanding Petroglyph, but it is a beautiful specimen.
After a lengthy time examining the above images, we moved back up the canyon to a new site, wooded… and found these images below. I shouldn’t say ‘found’ – George Hey knew these sites like the back of his hand, having lived on this land for 84 years.
Mo is taking a close look. Note the ‘chalk lines’… non-destructively outlining petroplyphs on the wall. These engravings are 4,000 – 8,000 years old.
Note the chalk lines outlining engraved Petroglyphic images. The chalk was done by a prior guided tour, most likely conducted by the Forest Service.
Note the ‘chalk lines’… non-destructively outlining petroplyphs on the wall. These engravings are 4,000 – 8,000 years old.
The day was getting late, and it came time to wrap up and head home. We reluctantly loaded back up in Mo’s truck, and slowly made our way back up the canyon. Note the beautiful canyon in the evening sunset sky.
Leaving Craven Canyon. Mo is closing the US Forest Service gate, and locking it.
With even greater reluctance, we had to say goodbye to Mr. George Hey… truly a remarkable kind and amazing man. We were very grateful for his gift of time to show us these wonderful images. And we could tell, even after all the years that George has lived here, he treasures these images from the ancient ones as much as anyone.
Mr. George Hey… Gentleman, WWII Army Veteran, 3rd Armored Division, North Africa, Sicily, Europe… and Rancher on this land since 1932…
Thank You, George.
Jim and Mo.
I trust that my uncle, George Hey, told you to post that this site is on PRIVATE LAND and if you enter it without his permission you are TRESPASSINA.
Now that he is dead, the Forest service requires you to get permission from THEM to enter.
In the late 1970’s, early 1980’s I was working on the BN railroad. One of the locals showed me Craven Canyon and the Petroglyphs. I will remember forever the power of the ancient images and the sense of continuity among between those who carved them and the living people who called this land sacred. Thank you for taking me with you on this journey once again.
Forgot the link..
https://www.sdpb.org/blogs/kevinwoster/taking-a-moment-to-celebrate-the-life-of-george-hey-keeper-of-craven-canyon/
Hi, Keith – thanks for the Link… Much, much appreciated. What a fine Man Mr. Hey was! And thanks for your kind words… Locations like Craven Canyon are national treasures. Enjoy walking the Canyon.
JIm
Hi everyone. I live near the Hey Ranch and love this area and loved your post.
Just wanted to update the post by placing a link from George’s passing in 2018 .
Regards to all and walking the craven canyon I think of George always…..,
Toksha
Keith Rabin
Hi Kieth, I’m Dale from Custer Sd. I’ve hunted that country at different times, explored many areas. I met Gearge many years ago. Very nice man. At the time not knowing of the petroglyphs. Now, our youngest son and nephew wanted to see them. I parked on Elbow canyon road right above carven canyon. At one point before Forest fire came through The Forest service had a trail sign posted. We took the trail which I thought and down we went. We reach the canyon floor and walked around looking. Never found it. There’s a road down there that goes to the Hey Ranch or over to Red Canyon road that comes out on Stevens ranch. Is there a chance you can point out the location to the petroglyphs. Who lives now in Gearge Heys Ranch now. Would they give permission to drive down the two track.
Enjoyed your informative post and pictures of the trip to Metz massacre site and Craven Canyon area. Safe travels always.
Thank you, Carole, This post is one of the most popular ones over the years that I have done. Noticing you name… any relation to the Metz site?
Where do I go to get permission to get into the Canyon? I will be in the area in August .
Cathy & Sam, I would recommend contacting a U.S. Forest Service Office close to Edgemont. As I recall, the sign on the locked gate had those instructions. You should be able to google search such.
Good Luck!
Jim
would like to know more about how we could see the ancient petroglys on the sand cliffs down off craven canyon thanks Dixie Rich
Dixie, could you please send me a private email, via my contacts page? Look at the bottom of the Masthead for ‘Contacts’.
Thanks,
Jim
I would like to know now we could see the ancient petroglys on the sand cliffs craven canyons could you send me more information on or who I can contact
Visited the glyphs again today. My favorite is the red “three-headed chicken” (or whatever it is). Very strange. There is something faintly haunting about the place.
It’s about seven miles round trip by foot. Don’t plan on driving. The gates are locked.
Thanks for the update, Bernie. Fabulous site… Sounds like you walked it all – Quite a hike! Like you say, fairly ‘haunting’… You can almost hear the early people talking…
Jim
Hi Kieth, I’m Dale from Custer Sd. I’ve hunted that country at different times, explored many areas. I met Gearge many years ago. Very nice man. At the time not knowing of the petroglyphs. Now, our youngest son and nephew wanted to see them. I parked on Elbow canyon road right above carven canyon. At one point before Forest fire came through The Forest service had a trail sign posted. We took the trail which I thought and down we went. We reach the canyon floor and walked around looking. Never found it. There’s a road down there that goes to the Hey Ranch or over to Red Canyon road that comes out on Stevens ranch. Is there a chance you can point out the location to the petroglyphs. Who lives now in Gearge Heys Ranch now. Would they give permission to drive down the two track.
Wow! What an incredible day that must have been for you. Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Ron and Cindy. Thanks for reading. This was a fabulous hike… and the gentleman George Hey, a very special person. Hope to see you guys this Winter.
Jim & Alice
Incredible, Jim. You are a “chip” off the ole block of your Uncle Dick. This is exactly what he loved to do…exactly! He loved to explore and have adventures. You are like the son he never had. Love you and so happy you and Alice are having these wonderful adventures!
Jan
Amazing story. Another piece of America found. Great reporting Jim.
Bob & Paula
Glad you liked it, Bob. When we head out on these ‘adventures’, we never know for sure just what will happen. This one was great! Love the History.
Jim & Alice
It looks beautiful there. Finding Petroglyphs is all the more cool wow. I been to some Petroglyphs in the Thumb near my relatives farms. Turn out no one ever knew they were there. then in the late 1800′ 2-3 fires swept through that area, and the Petroglyphs were found. they are in sand stone here.
Don’t you wonder what they say??
i always do. Glad you guys are having fun. We’ve had a great late summer early fall here.It’s been sunny and warm alot. Have fun you guys.. Mike lamphere
Thanks, Mike. Yes, I think We’ve been to the Petroglyphs over in the Thumb of Michigan area… VERY unique and rare for Michigan! Didn’t know you had relatives over that way – we do to. Down in Arizona, there are some scientists that have worked with the local tribes to interpret the more recent images (800 AD and later)… and they feel fairly confident they have a pretty good ‘clue’. Before then, they are just guessing.
Say hello to Ellen for us.
Jim adn Alice.
We were truly blessed that day to have meet Mr.George Hey: the “Keeper of the Canyon”,
A once in a life time adventure to come true, a personal tour from the man who knows the canyon inside and out. Thanks Jim for sharing this story with others.
Mo