Roadside Attraction Parowan Gap
Parowan
Overview
|
Sun 41 | 14 |
Mon 44 | 20 |
Tue 37 | 13 |
Wed 49 | 16 |
Thu 55 | 24 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Sun 41 | 14 |
Mon 44 | 20 |
Tue 37 | 13 |
Wed 49 | 16 |
Thu 55 | 24 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Calendar at parowan gap
The Gap
Parowan Gap is one of the must see petroglyph panels in Utah in my humble opinion. A short drive off of I-15, it feels a world away.
Ancient peoples found this place interesting, and the gap is covered in petroglyphs. These panels were likely etched by many different cultural groups over a long period of time. It is believed several of the panels were used as a calendar, marking the equinoxes by using a gnomon to cast a shadow on a particular symbol during the equinox. Given the gaps east / west opening, it makes sense the suns path would be very noticeable through the gap. For more information, http://www.parowangap.org/ has very good information. The equinoxes bring many visitors to see the particular sun alignment, and this can be a good time to visit if you don't mind lots of other visitors. Other times you are likely to have the place to yourself or see only a few other people.
The gap is an interesting geological feature in and of itself, where rock was being pushed up from below above the valley floor while a stream wore away at the rising rock. Eventually, the rock won out, creating a gap where the wind and water continued to wear at the rock in the gap, but rose above the valley floor surrounding the gap.
The area was improved in 2014/2015 and should soon have information signs, a pit toilet, and good picnicking area. Be sure to also make the quick stop to visit the dino prints along the way. Be sure to visit the Parowan Dinosaur Prints while in the area.
Panel at Parowan Gap
More of the amazing panels at Parowan Gap
Getting There
Take exit 78 off of I-15, at the town of Parowan. Go south off the highway on Main Street, and go right (west) on 400 North. It crosses under the freeway after about 0.8 miles and becomes Gap Road. Continue on for another 9 miles to Parowan Gap. About 9.9 miles total from Parowan.
Route
Rock art and historic sites are fragile, non-renewable cultural resources that, once damaged, can never be replaced. To ensure they are protected, please:
- Avoid Touching the Petroglyphs: Look and observe, BUT DO NOT TOUCH!
- Stay on the Trails: Stay on the most used trails when visiting sites, and don't create new trails or trample vegetation.
- Photography and Sketching is Allowed: Do not introduce any foreign substance to enhance the carved and pecked images for photographic or drawing purposes. Altering, defacing, or damaging the petroglyphs is against the law -- even if the damage is unintentional.
- Pets: Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
- Artifacts: If you happen to come across sherds (broken pottery) or lithics (flakes of stone tools), leave them where you see them. Once they are moved or removed, a piece of the past is forever lost.
From the trailhead, follow the sidewalk on both side of the highway to visit the many different panels. Informational panels are dispersed around with more information.
Photos
Maps
| Parowan Gap Panels |
12S 325549mE 4197626mN N37° 54' 34" W112° 59' 04" |
| Dinoth |
12S 328481mE 4196179mN N37° 53' 49" W112° 57' 03" |
| Track |
12S 328602mE 4196180mN N37° 53' 49" W112° 56' 58" |
| Track |
12S 328559mE 4196213mN N37° 53' 50" W112° 56' 60" |