The Canaan Gap petroglyphs (also referred to as the Canaan Wash Petroglyphs and Canaan Gap Archaeological District) is an interesting rock art site located in desert terrain between Utah and Arizona, near Colorado City. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places (#100011576) in March 2025.
Many of the Canaan Gap Petroglyphs are incised deeply into the varnish – this site is also referred to as the “Cookie Cutter Petroglyphs”. The figures below include two-headed sheep, a bear, and anthropomorphs.
The largest panel depicts many sheep, as well as human figures.
Another panel has two long horizontal lines connected to indeterminate motifs.
As I’m wandering around the site, I bump into Chris, who is about as surprised as I am to find someone else exploring this remote rock art site. Chris points out a “falling man” at the edge of one of the panels.
Other motifs include a herd of antelope, a coyote or wolf and many human and/or shaman-type figures.
Once at the site, visitors are greeted by an impressive wall of sandstone adorned with dozens of intricate carvings. Figures include human-like forms, spirals, animals, and abstract symbols—each believed to hold cultural or spiritual meaning. While their exact interpretations remain the subject of archaeological speculation, the site reflects a deep connection between the early inhabitants and the surrounding land.
UTV Guide
A short distance away, on two adjacent boulders, are more figures etched into the varnish.
Getting to Canaan Gap Petroglyphs
A high-clearance 4WD or ATV is needed to get to the petroglyph site – but they can also be reached by hiking about a mile (1.6km) from South Desert Drive either along a rough 4WD track or along the deep gulch. It’s about a 5 miles (8km) drive from main I-389 highway at Hildale on the unsealed South Desert Drive, which is suitable for SUVs. Take care that you end up at the bottom of Canaan Gap – and not the top!
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