Overview

Hype:

Fish Creek Cove, located just south of Torrey, Utah, is a must-visit attraction for its fascinating combination of natural beauty, cultural history, and adventure. The extensive rock art site features large, vibrant Fremont-style pictographs and intricate petroglyphs, including spirals, bighorn sheep, and striking warrior or shaman figures adorned with horns and necklaces. Despite its grandeur, the site remains relatively off the radar, adding to its charm. The short hike to the panel is suitable for most visitors and reveals breathtaking surroundings. For those seeking more, a small but picturesque waterfall nearby adds to the experience. This short yet enriching adventure packs a lot of beauty, history, and serenity into one location, making it a must-see destination.

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: 1.6 miles round trip to waterfall, 500 ft to rock art panels

Elevation Gain: 150 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

Links: https://www.roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/capitol-reef/fish-creek-panel
https://www.gjhikes.com/2023/05/fish-creek-cove.html
https://redrockadventure.com/rock-art-ancient-ruins/1095-fish-creek-cove-rock-art

Getting There

Navigate to 38.231878, -111.411035.

Access is via a public dirt road that crosses private property. Please be courteous to avoid excessive dust to the neighbors. Park in the pullout at the end of the road.

Route

From the parking area, head northwest for 500 feet to the rock art panels. These panels include both pictographs (painted) and petroglyphs (carved). Those up for a little bit longer hike can head west from the panel along an obvious trail that leads to a small waterfall. The trail passes through meadows dotted with giant fir trees and is very scenic.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Torrey, Utah

Coordinates: 38.232545, -111.412318

Interactive Guide Map

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September 2, 2024 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Matt Laurendeau, Amanda Laurendeau, Alex Laurendeau, Caleb Laurendeau, Rose Laurendeau, Lila Laurendeau, Trey Laurendeau,

Logistics

Trailhead: 9:30

Panel: 9:33

Waterfall: 10:00

Trailhead: 10:30

Story

We packed up camp and got everything cleaned up. Then we did a quick hike to the Fish Creek Cove pictograph and petroglyph panel. Amanda, Caleb, Alex, Tara, and I hiked to the waterfall while the rest stayed back and hung out at the rock art panel. The parking area was so small that we barely got the trailer turned around. We had to unhook it then rehook it back up to get the truck in the right angle to get out.

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Pictures