Petroglyphs & Potash Road: A Moab Drive Through 2,000 Years of Story
A short drive from Moab that unfolds millennia of human mark-making across the river-carved sandstone
The first thing that strikes you on Utah Scenic Byway 279 isn’t the road—it’s the rock. The highway peels away from US-191 just south of Moab and drops down toward the Colorado River, a narrow ribbon of green threading the rust-colored maze of sandstone. From the passenger seat the cliff faces look like pages in an enormous book: pecked circles, stick figures and mysterious grids carved into the varnished black of the canyon walls. They don’t shout. They hold court, quiet and patient, inviting you to slow down.
Trail Wisdom
Approach panels slowly
Park fully off the paved shoulder and use pullouts; many panels are best viewed on foot via short, sandy trails—watch footing.
Sun up or sun down
Visit at sunrise or late afternoon when low-angle light makes glyphs pop and temperatures are cooler.
Do not touch the rock art
Oils and friction degrade desert varnish; photograph without contact and keep children from climbing on panels.
Carry extra water and shade
Even short walks across slickrock can be dehydrating—one liter per hour in summer and wide-brim protection are wise.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small panels just past scenic pullouts—look for cairns and faint footpaths leading to less-visited glyphs
- •A quiet bend in the Colorado River near the Fisher Towers viewpoint where birdlife concentrates at dawn
Wildlife
desert bighorn sheep, peregrine falcon
Conservation Note
This corridor is managed by the BLM with a focus on minimal-impact access; visitors are asked to stay on established paths and avoid touching panels to preserve cultural resources.
The panels along the byway include glyphs attributed to Archaic and Fremont-era peoples and were later encountered by Ute and Paiute groups; they reflect both ritual and everyday presence in the canyon.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: mild hiking, wildflower spotting, photography at golden hours
Challenges: variable spring storms, cool nights
Spring brings comfortable temperatures and clearer light—expect busy weekends and bring layers for chilly mornings.
summer
Best for: long daylight hours, combining with river activities, late-night stargazing
Challenges: extreme heat, limited shade
Summer offers full days but intense heat; aim for early starts and shorter walks, carrying more water than you think you'll need.
fall
Best for: pleasant hiking, crisp lighting for photos, fewer crowds
Challenges: cooling nights, occasional wind storms
Fall is the sweet spot—warm days, cool evenings, and excellent light for revealing petroglyph detail.
winter
Best for: quiet solitude, clear, crisp visibility, lower visitor numbers
Challenges: cold snaps, possible icy patches on shaded slickrock
Winters are mild but can be chilly; midday is best for exploration and dress in layers for temperature swings.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Good tread helps on sandy trails and slickrock scrambles near panels.
2–3 liters of waterEssential
Hydration is critical in the desert; carry more water in hot months.
Wide-brim hat & sunscreenEssential
Protects from intense sun during roadside walks and short hikes.
Camera with zoom lens or smartphone
A 70–200mm equivalent lets you capture petroglyph detail without getting too close.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to visit the rock art sites on Utah Scenic Byway 279?
No permit is required for casual visitation—the sites are on BLM land and open to the public, but commercial uses may require permits; always check current BLM notices.
How long does it take to see the main panels?
With driving and multiple stops, allocate 1–3 hours; spend more time if you plan to photograph or combine the drive with other activities.
Are the panels protected from vandalism?
Yes—BLM maintains the corridor and posts signage about stewardship, but protection relies largely on visitor behavior; touching or defacing panels is illegal and accelerates deterioration.
Is the road suitable for all vehicles?
The paved byway is accessible to standard vehicles; some dirt spurs and side roads are rough and may require high-clearance or four-wheel drive.
Can I hike from the road to more remote panels?
Yes—short spur trails and brief scrambles lead to many panels, but there are no formal long-distance trails through the cliff faces; navigation is straightforward if you stick to existing routes.
Are there guided tours available?
Local outfitters in Moab offer guided cultural tours and river trips that include rock art interpretation—check with visitor centers for current options.
What to Pack
Wide-brim hat (sun protection), 2–3L water (desert hydration), sunblock (UV protection), sturdy shoes (trail footing)
Did You Know
Utah Scenic Byway 279 (Potash Road) follows the Colorado River and is noted for accessible petroglyph panels created by ancestral peoples such as the Fremont; the route is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Fill up on gas in Moab—services are limited on side roads. 2) Go early or late to avoid heat and crowds. 3) Respect signage—do not touch glyphs. 4) Combine with a river or canyon hike for a full-day outing.
Local Flavor
Moab’s small downtown offers seasonal farmers’ stands, hearty frontier-style restaurants and local outfitters who can pair petroglyph visits with rafting or guided cultural tours.
Logistics Snapshot
Distance from Moab: ~10–20 minutes; Road type: paved scenic byway with rough spurs; Access: free on BLM land; Best time: spring & fall; Facilities: limited—bring water and snacks.
Sustainability Note
Pack out trash, avoid touching rock art, and stay on established paths—minimizing your footprint helps preserve these nonrenewable cultural sites for future generations.