Overview

Hype:

Handprints, horned animals, hunters and a Kokopelli playing a flute are some of the extraordinary petroglyphs on display at Sand Island, a significant and easily accessible archaeological site located just outside of Bluff, Utah. If you are interested in learning about the past, and want to see petroglyphs while you are visiting Utah, this is one area that is not to be missed. The Sand Island panel is an impressive rock wall that stretches more than 100 yards, and is covered with ancient Anasazi scrawlings estimated to be anywhere from 800 to 2,500 years old. The panel is protected by a fence and is accessed by a short, quarter-or-so mile trail. When you study the panel up close (making sure you look, but don’t touch) you’ll find images that span nearly the whole time humans were known to inhabit the Four Corners — Anasazi markings from the early Basketmaker period through the Pueblo III period, and, more recently, records from Ute and Navajo people. Etched onto the rock are geometric patterns and shapes, human figures, several types of animals and numerous Kokopellis — the icons of rock art. Based on the sheer number and variety of petroglyphs, experts believe this panel held special significance among ancient people.

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
Features:
  • Petroglyphs and Pictographs
  • No Drinking Water
  • Road Access is Dirt - Low Clearance
  • Access Road is 2WD Accessible
  • National Register of Historic Places

Getting There

Navigate to 37.261818, -109.618616.

Location

Closest City or Region: Bluff, Utah

Coordinates: 37.261818, -109.618616

View larger map

July 2, 2019 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Killian Wagner,

Story

We stopped at the Sand Island Petroglyphs before starting our canoe trip down the San Juan River. We were blown away by the number of petroglyphs at this site. 

Pictures

More Trip Reports from Four Corners Road Trip 2019

Friday, June 28, 2019

County Road 227A Primitive Camping

Saturday, June 29, 2019

Cheesebox Canyon

Natural Bridges National Monument

Sipapu Bridge Overlook

Sipapu Bridge Trail

Horsecollar Ruin Overlook Trail

Kachina Bridge Overlook

Natural Bridges National Monument Visitor Center

Owachomo Bridge Overlook

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Gravel Canyon

House on Fire Ruins

Cave Towers

Sipapu Bridge Overlook

Kachina Bridge Overlook

Owachomo Bridge Overlook

Owachomo Bridge Trail

Natural Bridges National Monument

Monday, July 01, 2019

Lower Mule Canyon Ruins

Edge of the Cedars State Park

Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum

Edge of the Cedars State Park Interpretive Trail

The Dinosaur Museum

Blanding Visitor Center

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

Bluff Fort Historic Site

Sand Island Petroglyphs

San Juan River from Sand Island to Mexican Hat

Wednesday, July 03, 2019

Bartons Trading Post

San Juan Hill

River House Ruin

Goosenecks State Park

Recapture Pocket Primitive Camping

Thursday, July 04, 2019

Recapture Pocket

Four Corners Monument

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park Visitor and Research Center

Mesa Top Loop Drive

Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum

Cliff Palace Tour

Far View Sites

Friday, July 05, 2019

Lowry Pueblo

Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument Visitor Center

Hovenweep Square Tower Group

Paved Path to Canyon Overlook

Square Tower Loop Trail

Saturday, July 06, 2019

McElmo Falls (CLOSED)

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum

Escalante Pueblo Trail

Canyon Country Discovery Center

Sunday, July 07, 2019

Medieval Chamber

Grandstaff Canyon to Morning Glory Arch