Sometimes referred to as the “Secret Canyon” in Zion National Park, Petroglyph Canyon is easy to find – but it’s not signposted or promoted by the National Park Service. At least, not until you reach the rock art site, where there is a low fence and signs asking visitors to respect the site. It’s considered the best rock art site in Zion National Park of the 26 known prehistoric sites in the park; the Cave Valley Pictographs are also impressive, but have been closed to the public.
There are two panels at the Petroglyph Canyon, with the rock art most likely created by the Paiute or Anasazi about 1000 years ago (there is evidence of human occupation in the Zion Canyon area from about 10,000 BC).
North Panel
The main (north) panel contains at least 76 figures, with multiple geometric and anthropomorphic designs.
Four motifs have been described as “men with backpacks [which] look similar to kokopellis but without their flutes”.
There are a a large number of motifs on the upper half of this panel.
The petroglyphs on the bottom half of the panel are more weathered.
On the left-hand side of this panel is the only pictograph – a red triangle.
South Panel
A second panel in a small alcove at the base of the cliff contains at least 77 figures.
Most of the motifs on this panel are animals, including many bighorn sheep.
Grinding Grooves
Between the two panels is a set of wide grooves along a rock shelf, which are a result of tool sharpening.
Getting to Petroglyph Canyon
The parking area for the trail to Petroglyph Canyon is on the side of Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, 7.3 miles (11.7km) from Zion Canyon Road and 2.8 miles (4.5km) past the second tunnel if approaching from Springdale. Or 15.6 miles (25.1km) from Mount Carmel Junction. Look out for the only timber fence along the main road, which has a small pull-out area where you can park. Head down into the wash, following the social trail away from the road.
Follow the wash to the north (upstream) – you’re going the right way when you spot a stone culvert that takes you under the highway.
Once through the culvert, the canyon narrows a little and you’ll soon see the cliffs on the left which have the petroglyphs. There are a few trails which take you from the wash up to the base of the cliffs.
The walk itself is only about 15min, but allow at least half an hour to explore the petroglyphs – you can also continue further up the canyon.
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