Mysterious Utah: Prehistoric Ancient Petroglyphs Of Santa Clara River Reserve

– Some really impressive petroglyphs can be admired on the hills overlooking the desert communities Santa Clara and Ivins in the Santa Clara River Reserve, Utah.

The site – which can be accessed via the Anasazi Valley Trailhead – is called Temi’ Po’ Op´and, pronounced “tumpee poo oop,” means “rock writing.”

The place is very popular for its relatively easy access for tourists who can explore fascinating petroglyphs and the remains of an Ancestral Puebloan farmsteadIt offers visitors the opportunity to explore Utah’s “almost secret treasure of geological, environmental and historical wonder” as well.

Visitors can wander both on the ridge and just below to discover a wealth of history in this protected land, used by both Ancestral Puebloans and Southern Paiute.

In addition to the rock writing, visitors to the Santa Clara River Reserve will be treated to 360-degree views of the area, encompassing the Red Mountain, Snow Canyon State Park, the Santa Clara River and more.

To access the Anasazi Valley Trailhead and the Tempi’po’op trail, take Exit 6 from Interstate 15 (the Bluff Street exit) and head north. Turn left on Sunset Boulevard and follow it west through Santa Clara (the road’s name changes to Santa Clara Drive).

From the Jacob Hamblin historical home in Santa Clara (the road’s name changes again to Old Highway 91), continue 3.2 miles and then turn left through metal gates onto a gravel road. Finally travel 0.3 miles to the trailhead parking lot.

You may also like...