Trail

Courthouse Wash Panel Trail

Trail
Faint red, white, & brown painted markings of tapered human figures on a sandstone wall

Ancient rock markings panel above the Colorado River—thousands of years of Indigenous history preserved in stone. Easy 0.8-mile roundtrip, paved accessible start, brief rock scramble to the panel. Petroglyphs and pictographs visible with binoculars from the paved section. Arrive before 8am or after 3pm to avoid crowds.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.8
Route Type
Out-and-back roundtrip
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
60

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.8
Route Type
Out-and-back roundtrip
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
60
Estimated Time
30-60 minutes
Trail Surface
Mixed: paved for first section, then dirt and uneven rock surface
Trail Features
  • Ancient petroglyphs and pictographs
  • Colorado River views
  • Wheelchair-accessible paved section
  • Rock markings panel
  • Indigenous archaeological site
  • Courthouse Wash crossing
Trail Highlights
Thousands of years of Indigenous history preserved in stone—petroglyphs and pictographs created by Archaic peoples (Barrier Canyon Style, 1,500-4,000 years ago), Ancestral Puebloans, and later Ute, Paiute, and Navajo groups. The panel overlooks the Colorado River at a historically critical crossing point for trade and travel.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
US 191, 0.5 miles north of Colorado River at Courthouse Wash junction
Parking Fill Time
Fills by 9am during peak season (March-October); quieter before 8am and after 3pm
Shuttle Required
0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
Not required
Fees
$30 — Private vehicle entrance fee (NPS API, as of 2026-06-12)
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Rarely closed. Snow is rare in this desert location and melts quickly.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Dry trail—carry water from your vehicle. No water sources on the trail. Bring at least 2 liters.
Accessibility
The paved first section is level, wheelchair-accessible, and provides excellent views of the panel with binoculars. Beyond the paved section, the trail climbs uneven rock and is not wheelchair accessible. The panel is visible and detailed with binoculars from the paved area alone.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Sun exposure and heat (especially summer)
  • Cliff edges near parking and lower sections
  • Slippery paved surface when wet
  • Fragile archaeological site—no touching
  • Uneven rock surface beyond paved section
Hazard Details
The desert sun is unforgiving—heat exhaustion is possible in summer months. Cliff edges near the parking area and lower trail sections; stay on marked path. The paved section can be slippery when wet. MOST CRITICAL: The rock markings panel is irreplaceable. Oils from human skin cause permanent damage. Never touch the panel. The uneven rock surface beyond the paved section requires careful footing.
Cell Service
Unreliable—download offline maps before you go. Cell service is spotty in this remote desert area.
Crowd Level
Heavy (March-October); Moderate (December-February)
Peak Crowd Times
March-October, especially 10am-3pm. Morning (before 8am) and late afternoon (after 3pm) are quieter.
Best Season
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for comfortable temperatures. March-October are peak season with heavy crowds. December-February are quiet but occasionally snowy.
Best Time To Visit
Arrive before 8am to beat heat and crowds (March-October are peak season). Late afternoon visits (after 3pm) are quieter but expect afternoon sun. December-February are cooler and less crowded—winters rarely see snow that closes the trail.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 2 liters of water minimum—desert sun is intense and relentless.
  • Binoculars are essential; you'll see detail work from the paved section.
  • Arrive before 8am or after 3pm during March-October to avoid crowds and parking stress.
  • Never touch the rock markings; oils from your hands cause irreversible damage to ancient pigments.
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen; shade is minimal on this trail.
  • Dogs are not allowed; service animals only.

More details

Park Area
Courthouse Wash area, near Colorado River, central Arches National Park
Trail Markers
Well-marked paved section (obvious). Dirt section beyond is obvious but bring a map for orientation.
Dogs Allowed
No dogs allowed; service animals permitted
Shade Level
Minimal shade. Mostly exposed to direct sun. Bring hat and sunscreen.
Emergency Contacts
911 for emergencies
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Rare (December-February). Light snow possible but melts within days due to desert conditions.
Mud Season
Possible December-February; paved section stays accessible but dirt portion may be muddy after snow melt or rain.
Insider Tips
  • Binoculars are game-changers—the petroglyph detail work is visible from the paved section; you don't have to scramble further.
  • Most casual hikers turn back at the paved viewpoint. The rock scramble beyond adds context but is optional.
  • Visit before 8am or after 3pm, especially March-October, to avoid the crowds.
  • The panel was vandalized in 1980 and restored. In 2008, infrared imaging revealed hidden figures beneath the white shields—ask a ranger for more on the site history.
  • Don't touch the rock markings. Period. Oils from your hands cause permanent damage to ancient pigments.
Recent Updates
Panel was cleaned and restored following 1980 vandalism. In 2008, a multi-spectral infrared imaging project revealed previously hidden petroglyphs beneath the white shields, advancing scientific understanding of the site.
Family Friendly Notes
Excellent for families and mixed-ability groups. The paved section is ideal for young children, elderly visitors, and those with mobility concerns. Supervision required on the uneven rock section beyond. No dogs allowed. The short duration (30-60 minutes) makes it perfect for families with younger children.
Nearby Facilities
Start at Arches Visitor Center (visitor services, restrooms, exhibits). Moab is the nearest town (5 miles south) for food, gas, and supplies.
Review Summary
Hikers love this trail because it's genuinely easy, legitimately accessible, and delivers real archaeological significance. The paved section makes it inclusive for families and those with mobility concerns. Most visitors note that binoculars transform the experience—you see detail from the viewing area without needing to climb further. Consistent feedback: arrive early to avoid crowds and heat during peak season.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the rock markings without climbing to the panel?

Yes. Bring binoculars and view from the paved section. You'll see good detail from there. Most visitors stop at the paved viewpoint. The scramble to the panel base is brief and optional.

Is this trail safe for young kids and elderly visitors?

The paved section is totally safe and wheelchair accessible. Beyond that, brief rock scramble on uneven terrain—supervise kids, offer a hand to older visitors. Kids 4+ do fine here.

Do I need hiking boots?

No. Regular walking shoes work on the paved section. For the rock portion beyond, lightweight hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers are fine. This isn't technical terrain.

How crowded is this trail?

Heavily visited March-October, especially 10am-3pm. Arrive before 8am or after 3pm for a better experience. December-February is much quieter.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes. It's popular and heavily trafficked. Download offline maps because cell service is unreliable. Keep your phone charged for emergencies.

What should I bring?

Binoculars (essential!), 2 liters water, sunscreen, hat, and a camera. Leave your dog at home—they're not allowed on this trail.

Will this tire me out?

No. It's 0.8 miles and 60 feet of elevation gain—basically flat. Perfect for recovery hikes, families, or warm-up walks before a harder trail.

Devil’s Garden Trail

7.9-mile loop with a Primitive Trail scramble—test your grit. Start early, pack water.

Sand Dune Arch

0.4 mi out-and-back. Slot canyon shade, sandy arch payoff.

Balanced Rock

0.3–0.4 mile loop; easy access to Balanced Rock and La Sal views.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.