Overview

Hype:

The Curtises took us on this hike to see several petroglyphs and pictographs near Richfield, UT. There is no trail.

Trail Condition: Class 3 (Trail may have sections where hands are needed. Trail may not be visible in spots or may not exist at all.)

Time: 1 hour

Length: 1 mile round trip

Elevation Gain: 200 ft

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
  • Dinosaur Fossils
  • No Drinking Water
  • Mountains
  • Wayfinding
  • No Restrooms
  • Road Access is Dirt - Low Clearance
  • Access Road is 2WD Accessible
  • Hiking Trails
  • Wildflowers and Vegitation
  • Wildlife and Birding

Getting There

Navigate to 38.768387, -112.106728.

Route

Near the base of the cliffs at 38°46'6.32"N, 112° 6'25.77"W are two spiral petroglyphs.

Just around the corner to the west is this petroglyph. I have no idea what it is supposed to be or even if it is very old.

On the same cliff as the above petroglyphs down on the bottom left near the ground is an Indian Blanket pictograph. This is one of my favorite rock art panels on this hike. Also near the base of the cliff is a stick figure of an Indian. I am skeptical that this is more than a decade old. 

From the top, you can look down and see some grooves in the rock where (we are told) a dinosaur rib cage once lay. This is at approximately 38°46'7.33"N, 112° 6'25.37"W.

The next petroglyphs are at 38°46'8.94"N, 112° 6'27.54"W. There are two spiral petroglyphs and a pizza petroglyph.

Around the corner to the west is a strange petroglyph. It looks like some sort of shield or something. The back desert varnish is covering the grooves, which makes me believe it is quite old.

The next petroglyph panel is at 38°46'8.36" N, 112° 6'32.44"W. This petroglyph panel features a man shooting a big horn sheep from above. It looks to me like the bow string, the arrow, and the baby goat are all recent compared to the rest. The panel is damaged.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Richfield, Utah

Coordinates: 38.768387, -112.106728

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March 20, 2013 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Troop 601,

Story

We took the 11-year-old Scouts on this hike to see the petroglyphs above Richfield, UT.

Pictures

October 3, 2012 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Gary Curtis, Nedra Curtis,

Story

Gary and Nedra Curtis took us hiking in the foothills above Richfield to see some of the local rock art.

Pictures