Frequently Asked Questions
A handy guide for what to expect on the Fate Bell Shelter Tour
Do I need a guide to see the pictographs and why?
Yes. The park provides an approved guide (either staff or docent) that leads the group of participants down into the canyon to view the pictographs. This is for your safety and protection of the park’s natural and cultural resources.
What should I expect when I come to the park and the tour?
Park visitors wishing to to go the guided tour should arrive about 20-30 minutes before the tour. This allows you plenty of time to pay for any fees (entry/camping/tour), go through our exhibits, and get ready for the tour to start promptly at 10 am.
Are reservations needed for Fate Bell’s Shelter tour?
YES. The Park is following current State and County guidelines and only allowing 10 participants per tour. You must purchase your tickets before arriving at Park. Registration 30 days in advance from date of tour. Click this link to open the online reservation system.
Tour fee: Children under the age of 4 are free and children ages 5-adult are $5.00. Payable by cash, personal check, and/or credit card at time of tour.
How long is the tour?
This tour usually is about 90 minutes in time and 1.5 miles in length. We suggest the use of our bathroom facilities before the tour.
Who can participate in the tour?
Almost anyone. Participants should be in reasonably good health and physically able to walk down and up steep staircases. Guides will move at a comfortable pace and the group stays together.
What if I miss the tour?
Guides cannot hold the group/tour to wait for late arrivals, if you arrive late you will not be able to join the tour.
What should I bring and wear?
You will need drinking water, camera, batteries, and personal medications. During extreme hot temperatures visitors have found that silver-lined/sunbrellas umbrellas help provide mobile shade.
Clothing: Dress for the weather and seasons, long sleeved shirts/long pants in the summer helps shield the skin from the sun. Shoes: closed-toed shoes/sandals with good traction (hiking boots and athletic shoes).
When are tours cancelled and do they get rescheduled?
Rapid changing and unpredictable weather is the major factor in the decision to cancel a tour, which include: extreme hot temperatures (98.F+), rain/wet conditions, lightning or other declared hazardous conditions. In the event of a cancellation, the tours are not rescheduled.
CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PARENT/ADULT
WHILE ON TOUR: THERE IS NO SMOKING (this includes e-cigarettes), NO EATING OF FOOD AND NO PETS ALLOWED
**School groups must contact the park prior to park arrival.**
Call: (432) 292-4464
