Wow!  The Kohta Circus site is incredible, starting with the amazing geology and landscapes of the Gold Butte area.  But, the main attraction is the incredible rock art, which includes a 90′ x 7′ continuous, very dense panel of thousands of petroglyph designs.  The panel is so long, that even with a great camera using the panoramic mode, you still can’t get a good shot of it all.  The name comes from the sheer amount & diversity of animal life it depicts, including: deer, big horn sheep, parrots, water birds, eagles, ants, geese, coyotes, hummingbirds, turtles, snakes, quail and more.  In addition to the animal life, there are hunting scenes, shaman figures, a reclining flute player, footprints, turkey tracks, burden baskets, stars, the tree of life and many other designs whose meanings are lost to time.  Many of the animals depicted at this location can no longer be found in this part of the Mojave Desert.

The hike heading to the main site is beautiful…you’re treated to the amazing diversity that the Gold Butte National Monument offers.  And, keep your eyes out for other rock art sites as you hike to Kohta Circus…there are some hidden gems!  Finally, don’t miss the overlook panel, at the top of the trail before you descend into the canyon.  And, the pristine cliffside rock art in the canyon.

Please click on the images below: