Ancient art, epic landscapes, and a whole lot of gorgeous red rock all in one unforgettable drive!

The Ultimate Southern Utah Rock Art Road Trip

I'm all for checking out museums where I can find a ton of history in one spot but.....if you’ve ever wanted to explore ancient history without spending your whole vacation inside, Southern Utah has you covered. Out here, thousands of years of history are etched right into the canyon walls. And the best part? If you have the time, you can see it all on one epic road trip. From towering pictographs to intricate petroglyphs, this route takes you to some of Utah’s most impressive rock art sites, with stunning scenery every mile along the way.

Utah Rock Art- Canva

Your Rock Art Road Trip Itinerary-

1. Parowan Gap Petroglyphs — Parowan

Why Stop: A narrow canyon covered in ancient carvings, believed to track solar and lunar events.
Insider Tip: Time your visit for sunrise or sunset — the lighting makes the petroglyphs pop.

2. Fremont Indian State Park — Sevier

Why Stop: Utah’s highest concentration of Fremont rock art, plus a fantastic visitor center.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the short trails leading to hidden petroglyph panels beyond the museum.

3. Buckhorn Wash Panel — San Rafael Swell

Why Stop: Towering pictographs and carvings stretching across a canyon wall.
Insider Tip: The drive through Buckhorn Wash itself is worth it — incredible scenery in every direction.

4. Sand Island Petroglyphs — Near Bluff

Why Stop: A 100-yard stretch of rock art right along the San Juan River.
Insider Tip: Bring binoculars — some of the most fascinating carvings are high up on the wall.

5. Newspaper Rock — Near Monticello

Why Stop: Over 650 petroglyphs layered onto one massive rock face.
Insider Tip: This one's right off the highway — easy stop on your way to Canyonlands.

Newspaper Rock, Utah

🗺️ Need-to-Know:

This route makes a perfect 2-3 day adventure, possibly more, depending on how much hiking or exploring you want to tack on. Most stops are pretty accessible, but if it is raining that may put a damper on things, so just check the weather before you head out. And remember: look, photograph, but never touch. These ancient sites deserve our respect. READ MORE: Save Utah's Rock Art