We left Abbey Inn, Cedar City, Utah, and made our way to the Parowan Gap via UT130 to look at the petroglyphs. (Continue north 13.5 miles, then turn east (right) 2.5 miles on a paved road to Parowan Gap.) I wasn’t expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting this was. Do stop if you are in the area.
The Parowan Gap is an unusual geologic wind gap formation where an ancient river had cut a “notch” through the red hills.
It also happens to be an area with a remarkable concentration of petroglyphs- Native American art. It is a beautiful gallery of geometric art, images of lizards and snakes, carved into the rocks.
When we were there, there were a number of other cars stopped- there is parking, but it wasn’t crowded at all. The petroglyphs are protected, but are easily accessible from paved walkways, posted with informational signs.
The signs explain how the Paiute people documented their stories, history and events in symbols on the rocks.
One of the most striking images was this one (see below.)
And the sign provided a helpful explanation and interpretation of the petroglyph.
I loved all the flowering rabbitbrush. (At least I think that’s the plant I was photographing.)
