This roadside panel boasts centuries of rock art spanning from the 19th century to 2,500+ years ago. Most of the petroglyphs are from the early Basketmaker through Pueblo III eras. More recent Ute and Navajo rock art can be identified by their brighter carvings and location lower on the wall. When visiting the 100-yard panel, see if you can spot its famous Kokopelli and a bighorn sheep playing a flute. There are vault toilets and a seasonal water supply available at Sand Island Petroglyph Panel.
Special Considerations
The Sand Island Petroglyph is located in the Sand Island Campground on the San Juan River, which has restrooms, camping, a seasonal ranger station, a boat launch, and seasonal drinking water. Reserve your site at www.recreation.gov. As with any rock imagery panel, you can visit with respect by refraining from touching rock imagery or adding your own.
Tips For Visiting Here with Respect
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Don’t Touch Rock Art or Make Your Own
Vandalism of petroglyphs and pictographs erases stories of ancient people.
Guide Children Through Sites
Archaeological sites are not playgrounds. Keep a close eye so kids don’t get hurt or accidentally damage the site.
GPS Reveals Too Much
GPS points often lead uneducated visitors to sensitive sites. When posting online about your trip, remove all references to location.
Maps & Directions
Interactive Google Map
From Bluff: Head west on Hwy 191S for 4.2 miles and turn left at the sign for Sand Island. At the bottom of the hill, take a right and drive 0.2 miles to the parking on the right.
From Blanding: Head south on Hwy 191 for 29.9 miles through Bluff and turn left at the sign for Sand Island. At the bottom of the hill, take a right and drive 0.2 miles to the parking for the panel on the right.
Coordinates
37.261660, -109.618753
Official Monument Map
Photo Gallery
Leave All Artifacts
Keep discovery alive. Leave all artifacts where you find them so the next person can share the experience. It’s illegal to move or take any artifact, including historic trash, from public lands.