Trail Run Project Logo

gem icon Courthouse Wash Rock Art [Suggest Edits]

8 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

This large petroglyph panel has a lot to offer. Look closely to see human figures, sheep, shields, birds, dogs and abstract objects carved and painted on the rock. There are also some smaller petroglyphs carved into rock boulders near the base of the cliffs. The large tapered figures are thought to be painted by the Archaic Indians, then later the Ute or Pueblo Indians added the white shields. Utes likely made the later chipped designs. This important site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Immediately after crossing the Colorado River Bridge (going north on 191 leaving Moab), park at the pullout on the right side of the road. Head east on the Courthouse Wash Rock Art Trail gravel path to the base of the rock cliffs. Look up at the walls for faint markings - if you round the point of the cliffs or enter Courthouse Wash, you've gone too far. As always- do not touch the petroglyphs or climb on the rocks here. This area was badly damaged in 1980 by deliberate vandalism. Special infrared cameras used during the subsequent restoration work revealed layers of older designs underneath the painted images that we can see with the naked eye today.

Short Walk: Short uphill climb to the base of the cliffs- about 500 feet.

Gem Type: Historic Site

Shared by:
Megan W

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite Moon with Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch

(129) Moab, UT
gem Favorite Double Arch at the terminus of the Double Arch Trail

Double Arch

(70) Moab, UT
gem Favorite Parallel rock fins are all throughout Fiery Furnace

Fiery Furnace

(28) Moab, UT
gem Favorite Ute Indian petroglyphs near Wolfe Ranch

Wolfe Ranch Petroglyphs

(27) Moab, UT
gem Favorite Morning Glory Arch is a nice treat after a hike in Grandstaff Canyon.

Morning Glory Arch

(18) Moab, UT
gem Favorite Mill Creek Waterfall.

Mill Creek Waterfall

(10) Moab, UT
gem Favorite Sunset lights up the fins near Sand Dune Arch.

Sand Dune Arch

(4) Moab, UT
gem Favorite Jug Handle Arch from Potash Road (Highway 279)

Jug Handle Arch

(1) Moab, UT

Nearby Trails

4.1 mi 6.5 km Grandstaff Hiking Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
All Clear
Update
Dry
4 days ago
80 
3.1 mi 5.0 km Delicate Arch Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy
3 days ago
320 
0.5 mi 0.8 km Double Arch Trail
Easy Easy
Moab, UT
Easy Easy
Moab, UT
All Clear
Update
Dry
5 days ago
112 
1.0 mi 1.6 km Windows Loop
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Moab, UT
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Moab, UT
All Clear
Update
Dry
5 days ago
94 
2.2 mi 3.6 km Corona Arch Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
Intermediate Intermediate
Moab, UT
All Clear
Update
Dry
4 days ago
63 
0.3 mi 0.5 km Balanced Rock Trail
Easy Easy
Moab, UT
Easy Easy
Moab, UT
Unknown
Update
73 
1.4 mi 2.2 km Broken Arch Loop Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Moab, UT
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Moab, UT
All Clear
Update
Dry
6 days ago
31 
0.2 mi 0.4 km Turret Arch Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Moab, UT
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Moab, UT
All Clear
Update
Dry
5 days ago
31 
5.9 mi 9.5 km Lathrop Canyon Trail
Difficult Difficult
Moab, UT
Difficult Difficult
Moab, UT
Unknown
Update
14 
0.1 mi 0.2 km Sand Dune Arch Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Moab, UT
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Moab, UT
All Clear
Update
Dry
6 days ago
30 
Shared by Megan W on Aug 17, 2015. All Page Views: 6,333. Last Month: 16.

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.