Bluff, Utah

Location: Southeast Utah

On UT-191, 100 miles south of Moab, UT and 120 miles west of Durango, CO

Bluff Hiking Trails

A slightly truncated view of Procession Panel

Procession Panel

Distance: 2.8 miles (Round Trip)

Without a doubt, my favorite rock art site along the Lower Butler Wash Road is the amazing Procession Panel, a 15-ft long petroglyph panel though to represent a ceremonial gathering or migration story.

The main section of the Wolfman Panel with a tall slender anthropomorph, two birds, a wolf print, two orb and other figures

Wolfman Panel

Distance: 0.8 - 1.4 miles (Round Trip)

The Wolfman Panel is fascinating both for its precise artwork as well as its interesting figures. The easy access and short hiking distance make this site a popular spot for rock art enthusiasts passing through the Bluff and Mexican Hat area.

First views of the alcove and Cold Springs Cave

Cold Springs Cave Ruin

Distance: 2.1 miles (Round Trip)

Explore a cave with the remains of a kiva and perennial spring along with a nearby alcove containing ruins and rock art on this easy hike up a short canyon off the Lower Butler Wash Road.

Close up of the ruins in Monarch Cave

Monarch Cave

Distance: 1.6 miles (Round Trip)

This short, easy trail leads to an impressive ruin situated in a deep, east facing alcove beneath a pour-off. The site, located in a side canyon off the Lower Butler Wash Road, includes an interesting structure with rounded walls along with rock art, pottery shards and grinding stones.

Closeup of the detail on the panel, note the fingers and toes of the pictured image

Lower Butler Wash

Distance: 3.0 - 5.4 miles (Round Trip)

This short, moderately-easy hike leads to a stunning rock art panel along the north side of the San Juan River.

Fish Mouth Cave from the trailhead

Fish Mouth Cave

Distance: 1.9 miles (Round Trip)

Four archaeology sites, some rock art and an impressive large and deep alcove lure hikers up a short, narrow canyon off the Lower Butler Wash Road.

Split Level Ruins

Split Level Ruin

Distance: 1.8 miles (Round Trip)

Two alcoves, stacked one atop of the other, harbor interesting ruins and rock art in a canyon off the Lower Butler Wash Road.

View of the upper level of Double Stack Ruin

Double Stack Ruin

Distance: 1.3 miles (Round Trip)

Ruins, rock art and two sweat lodges are the highlights of this short hike in a brushy canyon to the west of the Lower Butler Wash Road.

Looking across the canyon at ruins tycked in an alcove beneath a large overhang

Lower Fish Creek Canyon

Distance: 3.6 - 8.0 miles (Round Trip)

A moderately-easy hike up a pleasant, shallow canyon with Ancestral Puebloan ruins and a few rock art sites.

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Southeast UtahArchesCanyonlandsMoabGrand GulchBears Ears NMMonticelloMexican HatBluff