Petroglyphs in Zion

History

Many visitors come to Zion to explore the red sandstone cliffs, hike Angels Landing and the Narrows, but many people don’t realize that these canyons were first explored and lived in by the Ancestral Puebloan(Anasazi) culture. In Zion they are referred to as the Virgin River Anasazi people. These markings are approximately 900-1100 years old and tell a story of life in the canyon.

Growing up in the canyon, I was able to be surrounded by individuals who enjoyed sharing their memories and knowledge of the area and included many adventures exploring the back country. You won’t see it today, but many of us locals enjoyed bouldering at an easy petroglyph viewing area at the park entrance. Views of chalk hand marks, petroglyphs safely to the side, bright blue skies, and childhood friends will always be happy memories of mine. Unfortunately many people have vandalized these sites by drawing on them, scratching at the rocks, and painting them. We have so many ways of communicating in todays world. Please help preserve this beautiful history by not touching or disturbing the images.

Southgate Petroglyph Panel:

The location of my childhood rock isn’t as easy to get to today, but is still one of the easiest places to view petroglyphs in the park. For that reason it has also become one of the most vandalized areas in the park. Please….I beg of you, do not vandalize these beautiful markings. Many places have had to be restored, but it is not like rebuilding a house, or planting a tree. Once they are destroyed they are gone.

You can no longer park right near the panel, but instead I recommend parking at the visitor center. You’ll walk back up the road towards the entrance gates. Cross the rode to where you are on the north side of the entrance gates. Walk through the brush, to where you’ll find a large rock almost directly across from the entrance gates. On the south side of the rock you’ll find the panel.

Petroglyph Canyon:

Petroglyph Canyon is another one of my favorites because you are surrounded by nature and a little more secluded. Even though it is still close to the road, you are far enough away that you don’t see the vehicles/people around you. I also see bighorn sheep on the drive and even during the hike frequently! Here are some instructions for both entrances to the park.

West Entrance
From the visitor center, follow UT-9 through the park. You will go through BOTH tunnels. One is a longer tunnel at a 1 long while the other is very short. Once you go through the SECOND tunnel you will go about 1.4 miles where you’ll see a log/wood fence on the right side. Pull over to the right and then hike over the edge to the right into the wash. Continue to the right and go under the road. Walk about 100 meters and then look to the left. You’ll be able to walk towards the wall and view the panel! It is about 8.7 miles from the west entrance/visitor center.

East Entrance
Once you go through the pay booth at the east entrance you’ll continue on UT-9 for 2.5 miles. You’ll see a pullout on the left with a wood/log fence. If you go through a tunnel, you’ve gone too far. Turn around and go back 1.4 miles. You’ll then follow further instructions found in West Entrance.