sand island petroglyphs

Many old petroglyphs including a few Kokopelli. Just aside the road in the campsite. A shame that some of the petroglyphs are vandalised.

Sand Island is an oasis of calm after the often exhilarating drives around Bluff and the Canyons. There is plenty of parking, camping and picknick areas all alongside the lazy San Juan river. We walked amongst the Cottonwood trees in their lovely yellow autumn colours and saw the ancient rock pictures (petroglyphs) left by inhabitants long ago. One wonders if they found this place as good as we did!

Right outside Bluff, this park leads a dual life: there is a good wall of petroglyphs and a nice little hike around it. And it's also a lovely access place for the San Juan River. It was especially lovely in the bright fall weather. Definitely worth a stop on the way to Monument Valley. And if you're in the area for more than a few days and have had enough of gorgeous rock formations, a day on the river could be just the thing.

Really beautiful setting, virtually untouched by commercialism. Very clean. We watched people swimming in the San Juan river, and wished we had our bathing suits.

There are many, many, intricate and varied petroglyphs that appear to be from different time periods that are very easily accessible and can be viewed up close.

There are glyphs here if you like a paved turn around on the road by the boat ramp and a large camp ground?! They are a wonder just because they are ancient petroglyph's , with a couple of Kokopele's which are always fun to see, but modern man has ruined this site with his unwelcome additions to the rock art and the very "busy" feel of the campground taking away from the awesomeness of this spot.

A little buggy at dusk, there are a number of petroglyphs here. Saw these after Newspaper Rock, so they paled in comparison.

Beautiful, long panel of huge figures high above the San Juan River, dating back to the earliest inhabitants of the country, over 2000 years ago. Very easy to photograph with a telephoto lens in the morning. Great explanation from guides with Wild River Expeditions.

Only a few miles to the west from Bluff, I made a left turn to Sand Island Campground where the rock wall is covered with petroglyphs. I can only imagine there is a story behind each of them. A few campsites right by the river look very appealing.

You may easily overlook this stop but be sure to take at least a few minutes to enjoy the beauty of the Petroglyphs. One of the easiest areas to view petroglyphs that I've ever been to. Why not make this your first stop on a day tour of the area. We stopped briefly here then on to Valley of the Gods (a mini Monument Valley). From Valley of the Gods to Goosenecks State Reserve (view San Juan River as it snakes through canyon). From there up the VERY challenging Moki Dugway (expansive vista views). Finally a quick stop to check the views from Muley Point (at top of Moki Dugway). So. although it is easy to pass by---don't---the Sand Island Petroglyphs can be the start of a very fun memorable day!

Very interesting stuff! Lots of good private camping spots. A huge wall of petroglyphs! Clean. They're making improvements.

Incredible number of rock art literally viewable right from the car (thought walking up is 10x better). Not three minutes off US-191, you can see a huge amount in 15 minutes, if you're in a hurry. Several time periods represented. I think it's technically a fee area, but whatever minimal amount is WELL worth it (lots of people don't pay, just a quick "in-and-out"!) This is a relatively high-volume river access for the SJ, so there's lots of boater activity to watch (but not in the rock art part.) Good camping sites.

This part of Utah is a rough part of the country and many 'attractions' are somewhat difficult to get to. That's what many of us like about this area.However, for those less inclined to want to hike or jeep to far out locations, these petroglyphs are easily accessible in an improved park area. Be sure to visit the San Juan River access in the same area. Our kids like just playing in the water.

There are a large number of petroglyphs, including at least five of Kokopelli. The panels are easy to get to (drive right up and walk along the 'Indian Rock Art"---just outside of Bluff.

These are accessed by traveling down a short dirt trail that is signed. It is can be traversed by passenger cars. There are restroom facilities at the neighboring campsite. Easily seen on a good stretch of the rock face along the road. Interesting petroglyphs many appear to be quite faded and hence are presumably older. We made this stop at the end of the day and were treated to an amazing sunset coming off the trail onto the main road. Be sure and make this easy stop if you enjoy petroglyphs.