Snow Canyon Secrets: Petroglyphs

A Snow Canyon Local Favorite

Many refer to Snow Canyon State Park as the little brother to Zion National Park. It’s an amazing place that is widely overlooked, thanks to its impressive sibling.

Snow Canyon certaintly has a lot of hidden gems, but this one definitely stands out. Once you see it, you’ll understand why and you’ll want to do it yourself. So, here’s a link to the info you’ll need to find it.

This hike is a connector trail to the Gila Trail. You can also do the entire out-and-back eight miles of the Gila Trail if you are looking for a longer hike with the same great payoff in the end.

Hidden four miles from the main canyon of Snow Canyon is a small slot canyon filled with petroglyphs! What’s a petroglyph? Well, a couple of years ago – okay, hundreds and sometimes thousands – natives of this area scratched out drawings on rock documenting their lives.

There are actually four different petroglyph spots on this loop, and they are each impressive in their own right. However, the small slot canyon petroglyphs are the ones that will steal your heart. Everything about it screams childhood fantasy. For a few brief minutes, you’ll feel like Indiana Jones! The entrance is well shrouded by shrubbery, but once you find it, you’re quickly enclosed in tall rock walls.

One the most notable parts of this hike is the tree that refused to be dismissed and denied growth. In adversity, it grew strong and tall, and makes for an amazing photograph. Instead of gold or an artifact to steal away like Indy, you get beautiful shots of ancient drawings and cool, tightly cut slot canyon walls. You probably won’t get chased out by a giant rolling boulder, but if you’ll surely walk away feeling satisfied with the amount of adventure you were able to experience.

Please keep this spot special and treat it with love and care. Follow Leave No Trace rules, and don’t damage the area or add your own version of drawings or markings. It’s meant to be enjoyed, so make sure it’s around to be enjoyed by future generations, too.