Courthouse Wash Rock Art Panel
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Do not touch the rock art — oils from skin accelerate deterioration of panels that have survived for millennia. Stay behind any barrier ropes and resist the urge to trace the figures.
After heavy rain, Courthouse Wash can flash flood and the sandy path may be impassable. Check weather conditions before heading out, especially during late summer monsoon season.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
The trailhead is an unsigned pullout on the west side of Highway 191, about halfway between Moab and the Arches entrance station — look for it just north of the Courthouse Wash bridge. Easy to blow past at highway speed, so slow down once you cross the wash.
Visit in the morning when the panel catches indirect light — harsh midday sun washes out the pictographs and makes the petroglyphs harder to photograph. Overcast days are actually ideal for seeing the painted elements.
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens. Some of the most intricate figures are higher on the wall and easy to miss with the naked eye. A polarizing filter helps cut glare on the rock surface for photography.
