Bowden Trail, Hermit of Purgatory Canyon

[dejongp]

I lived in Trinidad in the late sixtys. My family went out near Trinchera with a rancher to see what was called the Bowden Trail.
As the story goes, Martin Bowden was a miner who decided to leave mining. He lived on the ridge of the Purgatory Canyon. He painted animals on the flat rocks of the canyon using house paint. He died in 1958. We saw the paintings in about 1968. We have several pictures of the paintings. We have never heard any more about this amazing work of art created by the "Hermit of Purgatory Canyon". Does anyone else have any stories or experience of visiting the Bowden Trail? Is anyone interested in the historical aspects of the Bowden Trail? Does anyone know if the paintings are still viewable and if they are accessible?
Thanks for any help.

Phil DeJong
[email protected]

[L. Mercier]

I also visited the "hermit" site as a child in the 60's. My father, who recently passed away told me that it was now private property (either Railroad or on Pinon Canyon army property) and could not be accessed any more. Does anyone know if it can be visited? I would like to see what is left of the paintings.

[admin]

Phillip,

You mentioned that you have several pictures of the painting. Could you scan and post them here on the forum? Love to see them. I can help if you need me to. Thanks.

Charlie

[Ken]

quote:Originally posted by dejongp

I lived in Trinidad in the late sixtys. My family went out near Trinchera with a rancher to see what was called the Bowden Trail.
As the story goes, Martin Bowden was a miner who decided to leave mining. He lived on the ridge of the Purgatory Canyon. He painted animals on the flat rocks of the canyon using house paint. He died in 1958. We saw the paintings in about 1968. We have several pictures of the paintings. We have never heard any more about this amazing work of art created by the "Hermit of Purgatory Canyon". Does anyone else have any stories or experience of visiting the Bowden Trail? Is anyone interested in the historical aspects of the Bowden Trail? Does anyone know if the paintings are still viewable and if they are accessible?
Thanks for any help.

Phil DeJong
[email protected]

[Dodie]

"Picketwire" Canyon, Indian Pictographs
http://www.trinidadco.com/forum/showthread.php/2205-Indian-Pictographs-In-quot-Picketwire-quot-Canyon

Bowden Canyon, "Trinidad's Martin Bowden - Michelangelo of the Purgatory"
http://www.trinidadco.com/forum/showthread.php/1717-Bowden-the-hermit