Courthouse Wash Panel

Overview

A short stroll off US 191 leads to Courthouse Wash Panel, a sandstone alcove painted and pecked over millennia. It’s a quieter, history-rich detour where the star attractions are ghostly, life‑size figures rather than arches.

What You'll See

• Large, tapering anthropomorphic forms in classic Barrier Canyon Style, plus animals and later images layered on top.
• Ute-era white, shield-like motifs and historic-era additions (including horseback figures), visible over earlier red figures—an unusual palimpsest you can still read today.
• An on-site information board and broad views back toward the highway corridor. No arches are visible from here.

Getting There & The Walk

Park along US 191 near the Courthouse Wash bridge (or use the Courthouse Wash Trail parking about 0.4 miles east) and follow the paved path under the road before a short dirt walk to the cliff base. Expect an easy outing—roughly 0.8 miles roundtrip with about 60 feet of gain—though the last bit follows cairns on slickrock and can feel a touch scrambled if you drift off route.

Respect the Site

This panel was seriously vandalized in 1980; restoration work later revealed older imagery beneath newer paint layers. Today, the best way to help is simple: don’t touch, chalk, spray, or lean on the rock. View from the signed area and use binoculars or a zoom lens for detail.

Wildlife

This riparian corridor can host birds, lizards, and small mammals, but think incidental sightings rather than a wildlife stop.

Is It Worth Your Time?

If you’re into rock art or cultural history, it’s an easy, rewarding stop—some call it a mini echo of the Great Gallery. If you’re only here for arches and big viewpoints, you might skip it.

Best Time to Visit

Go early or late for softer light and fewer people; midday glare can wash out the pigments. Weekdays see lighter traffic than weekends, and shoulder seasons are pleasantly quiet.