Petroglyph Panel – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

The trail is very short and you could easily see many petroglyphs in 15 minutes.  I would however recommend not rushing as this is our history and it should be enjoyed while it’s still not completely vandalized or destroyed.  From where you park, it’s about 100 ft on a wooden boardwalk to where you can see what I am calling the “Main Panel”.  This is why I highly recommend bringing binoculars or a telephoto lens with your camera.

The Main Panel features many anthropomorphs (human-like figures), animals, and odd shaped symbols.  The National Park Service purposely stops the boardwalk from getting any closer to this panel since it’s the largest and has already seen some vandalism.  One of my favorite figures is a human-like figure with two antennae on its head with one hand outstretched as if it’s trying to reach for something.

These petroglyphs were made by a group of Indians called the Fremont.  The Fremont were living in smaller groups all over including this area.  They have left many rock art and even artifacts and relics to be studied and respected.  These were made about 1000 years ago and have mostly stood the test of time.  You can see where part of the rock face has cracked or broken off.  Someone thought it would be smart to shoot at them too.

Please do not touch the rock art or scratch your own name in the rock.  Just take pictures and preserve your own history by taking a few pictures of yourself in this amazing place!

The boardwalk continues for a few hundred feet to the east and goes under tall cottonwood trees.  You will see many more petroglyphs on the rock walls so keep looking!  I was surprised by how many people walked by some very large and distinct petroglyphs without even realizing it!