Black Dragon Canyon Pictographs
Discover ancient ochre art amidst towering sandstone walls in this dramatic Utah canyon, accessible via a scenic 4WD adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy solitude and peace.
Black Dragon Canyon Pictographs
Best Time
Enjoy solitude and peace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient ochre art amidst towering sandstone walls in this dramatic Utah canyon, accessible via a scenic 4WD adventure.
"The pictographs are impressive but the canyon itself is much more grand."
🚗 4WD Recommended
Sandy spots and rough terrain make 4WD ideal for accessing the pictographs.
🚫 Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash and stay on designated routes to protect the site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Pictographs
Main canyon walls
Intriguing ochre art depicting figures and symbols, offering a glimpse into ancient cultures.
Spectacular Canyon Walls
Throughout the canyon
Towering sandstone walls create a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural landscape.
Scenic Drive
Road to the pictographs
An adventurous drive with sandy sections and impressive canyon views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle & Access
Respect the Art & Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Horned Serpent/Plumed Serpent/Deer Serpent/Double Headed Horned Serpent/Feathered Serpent/Nightcrawler/Wendigo/Demon (Malevolent Supernatural Shapeshifting Serpent Spirit who eats humans) Connected to Underworld, Winter, Cannablism, Granite and Water. San Rafael Swell Ochre Alcove, Utah.
🚗 4WD Recommended
Sandy spots and rough terrain make 4WD ideal for accessing the pictographs.
🚫 Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash and stay on designated routes to protect the site.
⏳ Check Gate Status
A cattle gate can block access; check if it's open for easier I-70 entry.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the ancient art, but avoid disturbing the site or adding modern marks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD Recommended
Sandy spots and rough terrain make 4WD ideal for accessing the pictographs.
🚫 Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash and stay on designated routes to protect the site.
⏳ Check Gate Status
A cattle gate can block access; check if it's open for easier I-70 entry.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the ancient art, but avoid disturbing the site or adding modern marks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the intriguing pictographs and the spectacular, awe-inspiring canyon landscape. The scenic drive is a highlight, though a 4WD vehicle is recommended for sandy sections. Some express disappointment over modern graffiti marring the ancient art, and access can be tricky if the cattle gate is closed.
"Great place to drive back into. You would need a modest 4wheel drive just due to clearance issues on the trails in."
Trent Adams
"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."
Sara M
"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."
Carl Richards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is typically via a dirt road off I-70. A cattle gate may be present; if open, it's a direct route. If closed, you'll need to take UT24 for a longer loop. A 4WD vehicle is recommended due to sandy sections and potential clearance issues.
No, the road is unpaved and can be sandy in places. 4WD is advised, especially if you plan to drive further into the canyon past the pictographs.
Yes, there's an exit from I-70 that leads to the canyon. However, a cattle gate sometimes blocks the road, requiring an alternative route if closed.
If you miss the unmarked turn-off from I-70, the next exit is about 14 miles away, requiring a significant detour to turn around.
It's not recommended. While the initial part might be manageable, sandy sections and rough terrain can be challenging for non-4WD vehicles, especially if you plan to explore beyond the pictographs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Black Dragon Canyon Pictographs. It's a public access area.
Black Dragon Canyon is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times posted.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead, located less than a mile from the pictographs. It has no facilities.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or water at the parking lot or within the canyon itself. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
Camping is prohibited in the main, 'epic' sections of the canyon to preserve its integrity.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk from the parking lot to the pictographs is less than a mile. Exploring the canyon further can take additional time, depending on your interest.
The pictographs are in decent condition, though some modern graffiti has been added. Visitors are urged to respect the ancient art.
The canyon features towering sandstone walls. The road can be sandy, and the terrain within the canyon is best explored on foot.
Yes, the canyon is excellent for exploring on foot. The path to the pictographs is easy, and the canyon itself offers a grand experience.
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and a camera. A first-aid kit is also advisable. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for off-road conditions if necessary.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the canyon's textures. The pictographs are best viewed in diffused light.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but visitors are asked to be respectful of the site and avoid disturbing the pictographs.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the imposing canyon walls, close-ups of the ancient pictographs, and scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
While some pictographs are clear, others are marred by modern etchings. Careful framing can help focus on the ancient art.
A wide-angle lens is great for the canyon's scale, and a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the pictographs. A tripod can help in lower light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Emphasize the importance of respecting the site to children – explaining that the paintings are very old and fragile, and that modern graffiti is not allowed. This can be a valuable lesson in preservation. The dramatic canyon walls themselves are also a highlight, offering a sense of scale and wonder for young explorers.
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts
This is an opportunity to test your vehicle's capabilities and enjoy the rugged beauty of the San Rafael Swell. Remember to carry recovery gear and inform someone of your travel plans, especially if venturing deep into the canyon. The pictographs themselves are a unique reward, but the journey through the landscape is a significant part of the experience for off-road enthusiasts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Pictographs
One of the most striking aspects of these pictographs is their longevity, having survived for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. However, their preservation is a growing concern. Visitors are urged to observe them from a distance and avoid touching or defacing the art. The presence of modern graffiti, as noted by visitors, unfortunately detracts from the experience and poses a threat to the integrity of these ancient cultural artifacts.
The San Rafael Swell region, where Black Dragon Canyon is located, is rich in geological and historical significance. The canyon itself, carved by eons of erosion, provides a dramatic backdrop for the pictographs, enhancing their mystique. The combination of natural beauty and ancient human artistry makes this a compelling destination for those interested in history, archaeology, and the rugged landscapes of Utah.
Navigating the Canyon Road
Access can vary. A cattle gate sometimes controls entry directly from I-70. If this gate is open, it provides a more direct route. However, if it's closed, visitors will need to take a longer detour via UT24, which adds significant mileage and time to the trip. Missing the unmarked turn-off from I-70 can also lead to a substantial backtrack, as the next available turnaround point is miles away.
Beyond the pictograph site, the road continues further into the canyon, becoming progressively more difficult. This section is generally not recommended for standard passenger vehicles or even many crossover SUVs. Experienced off-roaders might find it manageable, but it underscores the importance of being prepared and knowing your vehicle's limits.
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