Parowan Gap
The Parowan Gap is an incredible area with a plethora of prehistorical and historical values. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Parowan Gap includes many petroglyphs of native people, as well as markings from Spanish explorers and 19th century pioneers. The area today is still used for livestock grazing. The petroglyphs found at the Gap have been interpreted in many ways--come see them for yourself!
Sage Grouse, the Utah prairie dog, nesting raptors, lizards, and other animals may be found there along with a variety of vegetation such as spearmint, Brigham tea, sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and pinyon. Parowan Gap has a designated parking area, a restroom, benches, a large pavilion with picnic tables, and interpretive panels explaining some of the petroglyphs. You can also walk through the Gap to see the petroglyphs.
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There is a small gravel parking lot off Gap Road with 15 parking spots, 1 of which is paved and signed for accessible parking with an access aisle for vehicles with a side ramp. There are no curbs or barriers between the parking lot and the pathways into the site. A concrete pathway heads northwest from the parking lot to a unisex accessible single-vault toilet.
Following the pathway west (to the left) out of the parking lot leads to a large circular area with 4 interpretive signs that are at an angle and height for easy viewing by people in wheelchairs. In the circular area is a lattice shade structure over 3 armless Leopold benches, which can be moved around to serve as a small picnic table for someone in a wheelchair.
Continuing west on the pathway beyond the circular area is the highest concentration of petroglyphs in southwest Utah. A metal fence between the pathway and the petroglyphs might partly obstruct the view for some visitors in wheelchairs. There is a semicircle with more interpretive signs near the petroglyphs.
Past the semicircle, the concrete path leads to a painted crosswalk across Gap Road where there are additional petroglyphs and rock art. Please use caution as there is no stop sign by the cross walk, the traffic moves quickly, and the pathway to see the petroglyphs on the other side of the road runs parallel to traffic with no separating barrier.
This site has no running water, picnic tables, or grills. Cell phone service is available but spotty.
NOTE: Descriptions and photos uploaded January 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
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Directions
Travel Directions from Cedar City: Travel north on Main Street. Follow Main Street into Enoch and onto the Minersville Highway. Follow this approximately 12.7 miles north, then as directed by the directional sign for the Parowan Gap, turn right (east). You will be looking directly through the Gap, drive through the Gap and turn left into the designated parking area.