By Dave Webb (April 2, 2022)

(Note: Our map shows the general area. We do not publicly share exact locations for backcountry rock art sites. They are fragile and can easily be loved to death. Contact us, convince us you are ethical, and we will provide more exact information.)

The Naming Cave is sometimes called the Birthing Cave. It is a beautiful and unique rock art site in red rock, on top of a mountain, west of Gunlock Reservoir, in southern Utah.

It can be reached by driving a rough, steep 4X4 road, over big rocks, and through deep sand. On top the mountain you come to a red rock area that reminds me of Snow Canyon. It has interesting rock formations, canyons, sand, trees, and fascinating rock art. There are other several caverns and caves near the Naming Cave, and most show evidence that they were used by ancient people. It is a rugged area and would take weeks to explore. I am anxious to go back.

My theory is this area was the summer home for people who spent winters down in the valley, where winters are mild but summers are very hot.

Some internet sites give bad information as to the location of the Naming Cave. If you go into this area, be prepared to wander a bit. Some of the fun is exploring and discovering.

You can clearly see the Naming Cave at the end of the 4x4 road. You will see a large sandstone formation with a large alcove at its base, and a smaller alcove up one level. A cave extends into the back of the upper alcove. A large, flat stone slopes up in the middle of the cave. The rock art is on the top, flat surface of that rock, inside the cave. There is some rock art in the alcove but the best stuff is on the rock in the cave. You have to climb into the cave and get behind the stone to see it. The cave is bigger than it looks.

To get into the upper alcove you have to climb up a hogsback and then down-climb into the alcove. It is a moderate scramble. Bolts have been installed and many visitors will be more comfortable holding a hand line as they climb down into the alcove.