Overview

Hype:

Now you will have a chance to explore the cliffs and grasslands in a part of the park and Fishlake National Forest that we have done a pretty good job of keeping a secret. Try to find the trail's hidden secrets.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 20-30 minutes

Length: 0.6 miles one way

Elevation Gain: 200 ft

Fees: Entrance fee

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:
  • Hiking Trails
  • No Drinking Water
  • Mountains
  • Marked Trails
  • No Restrooms
  • Road Access is Paved
  • Access Road is 2WD Accessible
  • Wildflowers and Vegitation
  • Wildlife and Birding

Getting There

Navigate to 38.579266, -112.334137.

There are four ways to gain access to the Hidden Secrets Trail.

  1. From the end of the Canyon Overlook Trail (#7)
  2. From the Court of Ceremonies Trail (#6) at the fork in the bottom of the canyon just past marker 4.
  3. From the Court of Ceremonies Trail (#6) at the fork near the top of the ridge near marker 5.
  4. From the reconstructed pithouse at the northeast corner of the visitor center parking lot. Follow the trail going north into Coyote Canyon. In about 0.4 miles, this trail will connect with the Hidden Secret Trail. While in Coyote Canyon, look for the rock that is shaped like an elephant. A fence crosses the canyon. Follow it a short distance to the right to see a petroglyph panel.

Route

Now that you have found the Hidden Secrets Trail, we hope that you enjoy it. The trail is comprised of three loops that are connected together. Continue to go around them until you have seen all of it or want to return to the visitor center. To return, follow any trail that goes south, downhill or toward Clear Creek and it will bring you back.

The petroglyph panel located on a prominent south facing cliff is the high point of the Hidden Secrets Trail. This panel is interesting because of the intricacy in which the desert bighorn sheep (and deer) are drawn and the detail of the creation story in which wavy lines separate each world. The shield figure is similar to a Hopi calendar. The thirteen concentric circles show the lunar cycle of months. The lines radiating from the center and then forking are said to divide the year into festival periods. No solar interaction has been observed with this panel.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Fremont Indian State Park, Utah

Coordinates: 38.579266, -112.334137

Interactive Guide Map

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Brochure

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May 13, 2011 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Zac Dye,

Pictures