Search for Petroglyphs on Potash Road
Spot ancient rock art panels and dinosaur tracks right off the pavement along the cliffs of the Colorado River.
Itinerary tips
- 1Budget 60 to 90 minutes to drive the route and stop at both the 'Longbow Arch' trailhead for dinosaur tracks and the roadside petroglyph panels.
- 2Bring a pair of binoculars to see the higher carvings and a camera with a zoom lens to capture detail without climbing the fragile cliffs.
- 3Look for the 'Indian Writing' road sign located about 5 miles down Highway 279 to find the most concentrated panel of Ute and Fremont art.
- 4Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk the short, sandy spur trails leading from the pavement to the base of the rock walls.
- 5Check the cliff face specifically for the 'Bear Chain' petroglyphs, which are located roughly 15 to 20 feet above the road level.
- 6Note that no permits or fees are required for this roadside excursion, making it an excellent free alternative to the national parks.
More in Moab
Photograph the Birthing Scene Petroglyphs
View a massive four-sided boulder covered in intricate Ute and Ancestral Puebloan rock art just off Kane Creek Blvd.
CultureShop the Moab Farmers' Market
Join the community at Swanny City Park on Thursday evenings for local produce, crafts, and live music under the cottonwood trees.
CultureVisit the Museum of Moab
Discover the region's rich history, from dinosaur fossils and Ancestral Puebloan artifacts to the mid-century uranium mining boom.
CultureSunset at Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park sits on a mesa about 30 miles from Moab, above a gooseneck bend in the Colorado River. The main overlook is a short walk from the parking area, and late afternoon into sunset is when the canyon walls take on the most colour. The park charges an entrance fee and stays open year round.
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