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

Courthouse Wash Panel Trail

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

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.

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 0.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 60 ft

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back roundtrip

Surface: Mixed: paved for first section, then dirt and uneven rock surface

Getting There

Trailhead: US 191, 0.5 miles north of Colorado River at Courthouse Wash junction

Fills Up: Fills by 9am during peak season (March-October); quieter before 8am and after 3pm

Requirements

Permit Required

Not required

Fees: $30 — Private vehicle entrance fee (NPS API, as of 2026-06-12)

Shuttle Available

Not applicable

Trail Rules

Dogs: No dogs allowed; service animals permitted

Trail Markers: Well-marked paved section (obvious). Dirt section beyond is obvious but bring a map for orientation.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Dry trail—carry water from your vehicle. No water sources on the trail. Bring at least 2 liters.

Shade: Minimal shade. Mostly exposed to direct sun. Bring hat and sunscreen.

Cell Service: Unreliable—download offline maps before you go. Cell service is spotty in this remote desert area.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: 911 for emergencies

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Heavy (March-October); Moderate (December-February)

Peak Times: March-October, especially 10am-3pm. Morning (before 8am) and late afternoon (after 3pm) are quieter.

Accessibility & Family

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.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Start at Arches Visitor Center (visitor services, restrooms, exhibits). Moab is the nearest town (5 miles south) for food, gas, and supplies.

FAQs

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?

Do I need hiking boots?

How crowded is this trail?

Is it safe to hike alone?

What should I bring?

Will this tire me out?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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