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

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