Rock Art Rendezvous

Journey deep into the Lower Pecos Canyonlands Archeological District to the White Shaman Preserve for a weekend of exploration, camping, stargazing and togetherness. Every year on the last weekend in February, from Friday evening to Sunday morning, the Witte hosts a transformational gathering, which features rare access to many other rock art sites in the region.

What’s included:

• Primitive camping spot at the White Shaman Preserve – tent or trailer (26′ max)
• Guided tours of breathtaking rock art sites including White Shaman and several others around the region
• Saturday evening BBQ dinner, raffle and musical performance
• Curator Conversations
• Cowboy coffee and hot oatmeal breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings

Location & Arrival: The Rock Art Rendezvous takes place at the Witte Museum’s White Shaman Preserve, 2 miles west of Seminole Canyon State Park approximately 45 minutes west of Del Rio. Gates open at 11 a.m. on Friday, and all visitors are to depart no later than 4 p.m. on Sunday.  

Accommodations: The White Shaman Preserve does not have electricity, Wi-Fi, restrooms or potable water. Cell service is intermittent. Portable toilets and water for handwashing will be available. All participants have access to the restroom and shower facilities at Seminole Canyon State Park 2 miles from the Preserve. Camping sites at Seminole Canyon State Park are not included. A small grill for cooking will be available near the fire ring, charcoal and wood will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own gas stoves, no charcoal grills please. Generators and ground fires are NOT permitted.

Guided Tours: Tour sign-up begins at noon on Friday and 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Tour space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Spots on tours are not guaranteed unless you sign up in person. Anyone staying off-site will need to plan accordingly.  

Health & Safety: Participants must be aware of the remote and difficult environmental conditions and terrain into which our tours travel. This involves hiking considerable distances, scrambling over rocks and boulders, knee to chest climbs, steep ascents and steep descents, walking in or over loose rock and through thorny dense brush. At any time of the year desert heat and cold can be extreme. In most cases medical help and trauma care are several hours away. The Rock Art Rendezvous is for participants 12 years of age and older. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  For your safety and the protection of archaeological sites, stay on designated trails at all times. Hiking in canyons or off designated trails is prohibited.  

Pet Policy: The White Shaman Preserve is a natural wildlife area with sensitive wildlife and plant ecosystems.  For their safety, pets are not permitted. 

Respect for Archeological Sites & Rock Art: You will be visiting archeological sites while at the White Shaman Preserve and on guided tours. Be proud conservation stewards.  Removal of any artifact, fossil, rock, cultural or paleontological remains is strictly prohibited. Rock piles, cairns and features should not be created or altered when setting up camp. Help protect these sacred sites by not sharing any locational information including GPS or geotagged information associated with photos on your phone. 

Liability: All Rock Art Rendezvous participants must complete and sign the Liability Release Form before participating. Please read carefully. You will be asked to sign this form when you arrive to check in.

Reservations & Cancellations: All reservations for the Rock Art Rendezvous must be paid for in advance. Cancellations must be made a minimum of 14 days prior to the Rendezvous to receive a full refund. Cancellations made after the 14-day minimum are non-refundable. Guided tours may be cancelled due to weather conditions, extreme heat/cold/wind, road conditions, river levels, etc. For the safety of the group and the discretion of the guide, tours may be cancelled at any stage during the event for any reason. The Rendezvous goes on rain or shine, hot or cold.  

Additional Information: The White Shaman Preserve is reserved for Rock Art Rendezvous participants, however, participants are not required to camp on the property. Other locations to stay include Seminole Canyon State Park, Comstock Motel and Comstock RV Park & Camping Cabins. There are numerous hotels in Del Rio, however Del Rio is approximately 45 minutes away from the White Shaman Preserve. Please plan accordingly, especially when considering tour sign-up.