Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
55 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
1.8 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
0.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead

Petroglyph Pools Trail

Measurement:

Download an interactive map and guide on your phone today!

Table of contents

Visit a little-known ancient archive in Zion National Park. The petroglyphs along the Petroglyph Pools trail are approximately 1000-year-old drawings left by the Ananzi or Paiute peoples, indigenous to this area of the United States. The trail continues up from these drawings to a slickrock slot canyon found up above the wash basin.

Route Description for Petroglyph Pools Trail

The Petroglyph Pools trail is an unmaintained path past ancient petroglyphs and up to a high slot canyon. The petroglyphs along this trail are approximately 1000 years old, and were likely made by the Paiute or Ananzi peoples. Please be respectful of these ancient archives. Do not touch or lean against the petroglyphs and do not leave any markings of your own on the canyon walls. Vandalism has been an issue in this area, and it is important to preserve these historical drawings for future generations to learn from and to admire.

From the parking area: either cross over to the north side of the road or follow the clear creek trail down and under the highway through the stone culvert. Follow the sloped canyon walls to your left as they become more vertical. A 9 m side trail on the left hand side will take you up to the petroglyphs. Please do not touch or deface this piece of human history, be respectful of your presence as a visitor to this canyon and admire from a distance. From the petroglyphs, the main trail continues up the side of the wash for about a mile to a slot canyon above. This part of the trail will require some bouldering/scrambling, so only continue up if you are a confident hiker.

Once you’ve had your fill exploring the canyon and wash basin, turn back and follow your path back to the parking area.

Getting to the Petroglyph Pools Trail Trailhead

Pull off route 9 approximately 9.0mi east of Springdale, and about 1.3mi from the second (shorter) highway tunnel. The parking area is on the right-hand (south) side of the highway, at the top of a prominent, north to south turn in the road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    March to November

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

Petroglyph Pools Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews

0.0
No reviews
Write a review
×

Add a review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

10Adventures Trail App

Take your trails online! Keep track of your route along the way.

Download for free today.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter