Overview

Hype:

A mysterious red pictograph (painted) panel accompanied by petroglyphs (pecked images) lies within Black Dragon Wash in the San Rafael Swell. Within a fenced area, visitors may view several elongated human and animal like pictograph images attributed to the ancient Barrier Canyon culture. Stylistically different Fremont petroglyphs are located adjacent to the Barrier Canyon pictographs. In the past someone chalked the outlines of the pictograph images, a practice now know to irreparably damage fragile rock art resources. The person chalking the images combined several figures into what appears as a Dragon-like image. This “dragon” gives the canyon its name. Visitors to the site enjoy a short hike to the panel up through the wash and into the San Rafael reef. Nearby canyons and the wash itself provide additional hiking and photography opportunities. The road to the panel is sandy in spots and requires a high clearance vehicle. Do not travel into the area unless you are familiar with desert travel and are aware of the weather conditions.

Time:

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/256939/1

Getting There

Navigate to 38.943089, -110.424472.

There is no exit from I-70, so follow the map below, which has waypoints for where to exit I-70 and which dirt roads to take to Black Dragon Pictographs. 

Route

If you have a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle, you can drive all the way to the Black Dragon Pictograph panel. 4WD is required for deep sand in the road near I-70, and high clearance is needed for the last quarter mile of road when the road is in the wash. The parking area has a small sign, and there is a split rail fence around the pictographs to keep vehicles out. From the parking area, look northeast to the panels. There are several different panels of both pictographs (painted images) and petroglyphs (pecked images).

Maps

Closest City or Region: San Rafael Swell, Utah

Coordinates: 38.943089, -110.424472

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August 16, 2019 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye,

Story

I stopped and visited Black Dragon Wash and the pictographs and petroglyphs on my way to do some canoneering for the weekend. For how often the pictographs show up on the Internet, I thought they would be more impressive than they were. Of course I was impressed, just a little surprised with how popular they are compared to others. I wasn't sure how bad the roads would be and didn't want to get stuck by myself, so I park the truck when the roads started to get a bit rough and walked the rest of the way.

Pictures