Not too far from St. George. Primitive. One toilet. Parking. The walk is fairly long and uphill all the way. It could be strenuous on a hot day. There is a shorter way to come back down, but I would not recommend scrambling up it.A living site is near the petroglyphs. There is nothing to see there. Unless you wish to pay your respects.The petroglyphs look out over the Santa Clara River. Some are on the edge of the cliff on flat rocks. Some of these are recent. Maybe last month.The petroglyphs below the cliff are special. They are worth scrambling over the edge to see. Some of the human figures are worth looking for. And so is one animal grouping. There are a lot of snake carvings. Maybe with good reason. There is enough that is unusual here to reward those who have been to half a dozen or more sites.Get a map. You can miss the entrance. I did. Look for an open metal fence and a pair of piled rocks for the Anasazi railhead trail.
This is an easy hike, very popular. The petrolyphs have not been well preserved and unfortunately people have marred them and made fake ones--so best to go with someone who really knows what is authentic and what they mean. There is no/little documentation at the site.
When staying at Red Mountain Resort and Spa take the morning hike with Boma for an insightful experience!
I love unexpected great surprises and this is one of those. Not exactly easy to find but makes the discovery that much more savory. The number snd vsriety of petroglyphs is stunning. Admittedly some are of questionable origin but the majority are work done by the anasazi 1-4,000 years sgo. Bring a camera!!! Make a day of it and see Kayenta in Ivans and the Old Bodega in Santa Clara. All very close. This would make for a great date! Snow Canyon is close as well, much to see and experience within a few minute's drive. Enjoy!!!!
I confused the term "hike" with "stroll". This group moves fast and upward. I enjoyed it tremendously, but there were clearly more seasoned people on the hike.
After a short hike you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most amazing petroglyphs! You can also visit the Anasazi Village located just across the wash to the west. There you will be able to explore Native American dwellings via a self guided tour. The Anasazi Village is quite educational if you take to time to read the signs. It has become a popular spot for Eagle Scout Projects, and for members of the community to give back to this area by donating time and money to help to develop the Village to share the history of the Native Americans of this area.
This is a great place to view petroglyphs. If you're having trouble locating them ask one of the locals who might be hiking in the area. Wear hiking boots or running shoes if you want to see the best ones.
We noticed the road signs for this trail just outside of Santa Clara, but there is also another sign down the road (Old 91) where there is parking and trail info. We had picked up a brochure at the Welcome Center, I believe it's the Santa Clara one-ask the host if you don't see it. The whole trail system is massive, but if you're not into hiking miles and miles, this is an easy walk.The trail itself zig-zags up the hillside, passing an archeological dig site, but the fun begins once you get to the top. At first we weren't sure where the markings were, but we met a young gentleman who was hiking also, who happened to be a budding archeologist who pointed the way for us. Very cool to be able to view these closeup...often, because of vandals and other idiots, petroglyphs have to be protected by distance and fences...not here. I would recommend a walking stick, getting down the hillside could be difficult for some, but if you start near the beginning of the rock outcroppings?, it's easier. I would definitely keep a close eye on any children, as it could be tempting to lean out and over a little too far. The view of the Santa Clara River is also amazing from here.
We walked a small dirt road to see the petroglyphs and we were really impressed. It is too bad some people think they need to try to take home or destroy the history that they contain. Go see them will they are still there.
The trail is dirt and a little steep in spots, but the view and the actual petroglyphs are well worth it. You can actually touch them you are so close, but of course you should not.