The Parowan Gap

The Parowan Gap is about 15  miles north of Cedar City, UT. The Rock Writings found at the Parowan Gap are numerous. There are several panels of faded rock art below newer panels. It has been said that some of the rock writings could date back 5,000 B.C. There is a cave found in the Parowan Gap and archeologists have Carbon Dated "old corn" that was found, to be that age, which goes to prove that the old people here were possibly farming that long ago. When you visit the  gap from the highway, you will come into a small desert valley enclosed and surrounded by low desert hills. As you follow this road it will take you through a small, flat canyon beyond the gap that stretches about three miles long. When you leave this mountainous area, the road goes to Parowan, UT. The population is about 5,000 people.

Here is one of several panels found inside the gap. I am not going to waste time explaining all the science. I am telling you about the beauty found here. I often come to the Gap on evenings to settle down. It is only twelve minutes from town. Everyone in Iron County, UT knows of the Gap. This is a popular place, which I wish it wasn't. I know what times to come here when no one is around. It's at these times I come and unwind.

There is something mysterious about this place even today. Sadly there is a road that cuts through the gap as I mentioned in the previous paragraph. If it was not there you would have to hike in. When you are out here at the Gap there is a spirit of sadness lurking there. I often feel a beautiful melancholy out there too. Every now and then while I come here to stay a while, cars and diesels will speed through the gap like a Bat out of Hell. 

Sometimes I wish the Road was not there. It disturbs the sacredness of the site. Local Indians feel it is okay to visit the Parowan Gap, but when you go there, you should be in the right frame of mind and respect. The Paiutes say that the Rock Writings here were not made by Indians because they say God, the Creator wrote them. Therefore in my belief, this place is sacred. When you visit these rock art places, it is often wise to leave a peace of Turquoise or silver or something of value as a gift to the Rock Art Symbols. Some Ute people say that they are living beings just like you and me. When they give you something that inspires you or brings peace to your soul then you should give them something back in return of equal value. This is what it means to show respect and is a way to love them.

There are quite a few panels of Rock Art located at the gap, I will be adding some more photos of the location when I have time to scan them.

For more detailed info on the Parowan Gap

Parowan City Homepage - The Parowan Gap

Parowan Gap Petroglyphs | Utah.com

Pages in this section

Front Page

The Parowan Gap

Lions Mouth Rock Art Site

Other Rock Art in Southern Utah

Rock Art Vandalism near my home

The Curse of Spider Woman Rock

Links related to rock art and ruins

Rock Art Books