Petroglyph Canyon Trail in Zion National Park

There is a very short trail to some petroglyphs in Zion National Park. Park literature is pretty quiet about this destination because too many of Utah’s treasures are being damaged. Sadly, even these petroglyphs show evidence of irresponsible visitors that just can’t manage to Leave No Trace. So if you plan to visit the Petroglyph Canyon Trail in Zion, please admire from a distance and do not touch the petroglyphs.

Where to Start the Trail

Petroglyph Canyon is located at the far end of the park from Springdale. There is a small parking area next to a wooden fence. This parking area is 8.8 miles from the Main (South) Entrance gate, and 2.8 miles from the East Entrance. From the parking lot, walk down and to the right. There is a wash at the bottom of the hill that leads under the highway. There are many trails that lead down to the wash. Once you are in the wash, keep to the right and head back toward the road.

Petroglyph Canyon Trail

If you stay right and down, you’ll come to a narrow tunnel under the road. Cross through the tunnel and follow the wash for about 100 yards until it grows less sandy. Watch for a trail leading up to the left toward the cliff face. This cliff is easy to find, so don’t go bushwhacking, just look up and left.

The trail climbs out of the wash and within 10 yards, you are at the foot of the wall. Signs direct you left and right to the petroglyphs. There is a sign and register, so you’ll know you are in the correct place. The actual wall art is protected by low fences that remind you to stay back and respect the antiquities.

The art is located right down by the ground, lower than we’ve seen at most sites. There are the usual swirls and people, but we didn’t see anything that was distinctly unique. For a moment, we thought we saw three angels, but then we realized that these may be modern backpackers etched there by a vandal. Just make sure to look, and leave things as they are.

There is the option to continue up the canyon. We did not follow the trail any further, but we read online that you come to a little slot canyon. On our next trip, we will have to explore more and see if this is true.

The Petroglyph Canyon Trail in Zion is only about a half mile round trip. It is easy for most hikers with little elevation gain as you drop down under the highway. This hike is great for kids because it has a tunnel, sand, and petroglyphs all within a short distance. For other hikes in Zion that we enjoy with our kids, check out our Zion Kid Hikes lists.