By:
Submission
"A mysterious red pictograph (painted) panel accompanied by petroglyphs (pecked images) lies within Black Dragon Wash in the San Rafael Swell. Within a fenced area visitors may view several elongated human and animal like pictograph images attributed to the ancient Barrier Canyon culture. Stylistically different Fremont petroglyphs are located adjacent to the Barrier Canyon pictographs. In the past someone chalked the outlines of the pictograph images, a practice now know to irreparably damage fragile rock art resources. The person chalking the images combined several figures into what appears as a Dragon-like image. This “dragon” gives the canyon its name. Visitors to the site enjoy a short hike to the panel up through the wash and into the San Rafael reef. Nearby canyons and the wash itself provide additional hiking and photography opportunities. The road to the panel is sandy in spots and requires a high clearance vehicle. Do not travel into the area unless you are familiar with desert travel and are aware of the weather conditions. "
The turn off for Black Dragon Pictograph Panel is approximately 13 miles west on Interstate 70 from Green River, UT
The pictographs here are in decent condition. More importantly, the canyon is spectacular. The combination of the canyon and the pictograph make this one of my favorite roads in the area.
The road to the pictograph is easy. There is one spot before the canyon that is sandy so 4-wheel drive is recommended. The road continues past the pictograph and the further up the canyon you go the harder it gets. To be honest, anybody with offroad experience will find this easy, but I wouldn't recommend this for a crossover SUV if you plan on following the road past the pictographs.
I went here at the end of January and had the entire place to myself. I imagine it is pretty crowded in the warmer part of the year. I camped up higher in the canyon before there were signs prohibiting camping. It is not allowed to camp in the epic sections of the canyon. Definitely for good reason to keep everything clean and taken care of for future patrons.
The pictographs are impressive but the canyon itself is much more grand. You feel small when between those imposing walls. The pictographs just add more to your insignificant feeling since they've probably been there longer than the USA has existed. This just blows my mind and makes you take a second to think about things.
Its a shame that a large number of modern graffiti etchings have been added in to the area. I realize the irony about modern vs ancient graffiti. But ya know, the older stuff has a higher wow factor compared to "Trevor 2009".
There’s no bad views of the swell. This canyon, like several others, is stunning, and could be explored for days. The pictograph is not as good quality as several others on the swell. Great camping on both ends of the canyon
Not into Ancient Tagging and Graffiti, but the road is worth a trip. You won't need 4wd unless there is a problem. Anything wider than my FJ Cruiser will get Dragon Pinstripes. Mountain Bikes do well on this too.
Intriguing pictographs that I have not seen anywhere like this before. The canyon is beautiful and easy to access from I-70 when the cattle gate is open. Otherwise, a scenic few miles down UT24 to make a loop under freeway or could opt for a way longer UTV trip from Cottonwood Wash rd. There is Parking lot at trailhead with no facilities parking lot is less than a mile to pictographs. The whole Canyon is awesome to explore on foot.
PLEASE do not litter or go off route in a vehicle. Let's keep this open for everyone.
