Cannan Gap Cookie Cutter Petroglyph Trail

Trail Overview

Cannan Gap Cookie Cutter Petroglyph Trail is a 2.8-mile point-to-point trail rated 3 of 10 located in Washington County, Utah. This is a destination trail that leads to a short hike (less than .1 miles) to the base of the cliff line where the Cannan Gap Cookie Cutter Petroglyphs are located. The typical route to this location follows a track across the top of the mesa and requires individuals to scale down the cliff face. This track takes a different approach and the trail is a little bit longer but avoids the need to scale down the cliff face. When approached using this route the petroglyphs are visible from over 100 yards away, easy to approach, and provide the safest way to approach the site. There are several panels of deeply etched petroglyphs and faint ancient images maintain their watch over the Canaan Gap, near present-day Apple Valley. The Canaan Gap panels of pecked glyphs are spectacular, their edges cut deeply enough into the black desert varnish to cast shadows within the pale images. A herd of antelope, a coyote or wolf, an unmistakable bear, and several human and/or shaman-type figures, one head-down, fill most of the panels. It is believed that these glyphs were created by the Anasazi people a civilization that arose as early as 1500 BC and the remains of their dwellings can be found throughout the American south-west. The trail follows an established single-track sand road for 1.8 miles from the trailhead. At this point, the trail should drop down into a wash. Take a right and follow the wash back to the north for approximately .8 of a mile at which time there will be a steep climb out of the wash. The surface at the top of the wash is flat and at this point, travelers should be able to see the petroglyphs on the cliff face straight ahead. Cell phone service coverage is adequate and the nearest services are in Apple Valley or Hildale.

Photos of Cannan Gap Cookie Cutter Petroglyph Trail

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

Trail consisting of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces, mud holes possible, no steps higher than 12". 4WD may be required, aggressive tires a plus.

Technical Rating