Also see: Blanding/Comb Ridge | Cedar Mesa | Lake Powell Area | Moab Area | Monument Valley/Hovenweep | Nine Mile Canyon | St George Area | Zion Park Area

Dave Webb
3/8/23

 We visited Moab last weekend and enjoyed seeking out some of the area’s more accessible rock art. There are great images in the Canyonlands National Park backcountry – including some that ranks with the most significant in the SW United States. But there are also interesting and beautiful images in the front country. Here we describe locations where images can be seen from the roadside or via short hikes.

Potash Road

Utah 279, the Potash Road, runs along the north side of the Colorado River downstream from Moab. There are great attractions along this road including Corona Arch, a dinosaur track site, and great rock art panels. The art is easy to find and can be seen from the roadway.

Kane Creek Road

This road runs along the south side of the Colorado River. The famous Birthing Scene petroglyph can be seen from this road, along with an excellent panel at Moonflower Canyon and other small panels.

At Moonflower, there is rock art on the cliff face and also in a vertical crack where the ancient people wedged cedar poles to create a rustic ladder. The ladder has been restored and I found it fascinating.

Courthouse Wash

Courthouse Wash runs through Arches National Park and under Hwy 191 before emptying into the Colorado. A significant rock art panel can be found above the highway. The panel has been seriously vandalized and partially restored. It is found at an interesting location proving commanding views in four directions.

Mill Creek

Mill Creeks flows out of the LaSal Mountains and through the red rock east of Moab. A scenic waterfall and plunge pool on the left fork provides a popular swimming hole during warm weather. On the hike up to the waterfall, if you pay attention you will see an interesting rock covered with art right in the stream bed.

There is more art and the remains of structures in alcoves above the stream, but they are not well-marked and so you’d have to do a little searching to find them.

Sevenmile Canyon

Sevenmile Canyon extends south from Hwy 313, just NW of Moab. A small trailhead can be found along Hwy 313 and there is rock art right at the trailhead, on the north side of the highway. There is more on a cliff face just south of the highway and several more interesting panels can be seen by hiking the canyon.

Wolf Ranch

In Arches National Park, Wolf Ranch is the trailhead to Delicate Arch. Near the parking area, a spur trail runs up to a fun rock art panel. It is clearly signed and worth viewing.

These are highlights. Newspaper Rock and other great sites are found near roads in the extended area. Some of the best sites in the US can be seen on long hikes and backpacking.