Anasazi Valley Trailhead (Parking 2) — Attraction in Utah

I was happy to finally be able to do this trail, as it’s been closed the last several months for renovation. NOTE: it will be closed from April 8-11 2024 for maintenance. This trail has two parking lots, maybe 500 feet apart. One has an outhouse (the first one you drive past), the second (which is labeled on Google Maps) doesn’t. But the trailheads meet up right near the beginning. It was a nice easy very gentle uphill trail to the petroglyphs. Helpful to reference the map (i used AllTrails) to stay in the trail but once you get to the sign where the pictures are, you kind of go down and explore. The main petroglyphs are next to and below the sign (I think….). I walked further up towards the end of the trail according to AllTrails, walking to explore the rocks under the marked trail. I only saw a couple of small petroglyphs here. I went at 710 am and it was really nice to get out in before the day got hot because there truly is zero shade. But also it’s an easy walk so can be done anytime. I will take some of my kids back to do it. A shout out to Joe, Ben, and I think Allen (from Great Britain). It’s always nice to meet nice people...

One star for a misleading south trailhead sign. Five stars for views. Three average.

It depends. From the north trailhead, relatively easy. Wide path, well marked. Good views. From the south trailhead near the Tukupetsi trailhead, the Anasazi trail is intermittently easy, moderate, and difficult. In places it goes through boulder fields and is very difficult to find. The trail is open at night, but be aware that it skirts the river canyon and there is danger of falling. The trailhead sign says bikes are allowed. Most of the time it’s fine. There are stretches where it’s impossible to bike through. You’ll be in brush well off the trail to avoid the boulder fields. An advanced mountain biking instructor told me she never takes students there, having been nearly stranded there herself. Hiking would be difficult at times. Even in the cool season, take more water than you think you’ll need for the exertion.

Upside, the views are breathtaking.

Advice: Probably take a small first aid kit in case you, uh, fall...

A powerful and sacred place which is to be respected by all visitors. I was invited to explore the lower portions of the Valley by the Guardian of the Valley many years ago, and was filled in on many interesting stories of the Anasazi arrival and departure from this valley. Some of the petroglyphs indicate to some of these stories, and the truth is nothing short of bizarre.

For all who visit, please honor the place and your position in it. Do not disturb the petroglyphs in any way and remember that you are on sacred ground. This is a vital piece of history that should be preserved at all costs, and ultimately it is up to each of us to insure its preservation.

One simple question to keep in mind as you explore: why is it referred to as "Land Hill" Heritage Site? There is a deeper meaning to this, but understanding it may involve looking into who the Anasazi really were. May that question take you on a quest for a much...