Three Fingers Canyon

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Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance

Three Fingers Canyon is one of many located on the east side of the San Rafael Swell. It is a wide canyon with several old mines, all of which are sealed. Most people visit for the numerous petroglyph panels that can be easily viewed after a short hike from the trailhead, or to go rock climbing higher in the canyon. Part of the adventure is really the drive to the parking area. Rocky and remote -- a high clearance 4x4 vehicle is required.

From the parking area, enter the canyon by dropping down along a trail slightly. There are several potholes on the left that are easily passed on the right. There is an obvious trail for a short distance, then there are several meandering trails up the canyon.

Once you are just inside the mouth of the canyon, you'll begin to notice rock art panels on the sandstone walls to your right. If you look carefully, some are also on the ground where you encounter the potholes. Some of the images are worn, but others have remained impressively in tact over hundreds of years. Most of what is visible today consists of petroglyphs, or images pecked into the rock; however, some faint pictographs, or paintings, still remain.

Enjoy viewing the panels, but please visit these sites with respect. Try to step around the images on the ground so they don't become more damaged. Do not touch images or scratch anything new into the rock.

For those wishing for a longer, more rugged hike, Three Fingers can be looped with the neighboring Uneva Canyon. Many visitors also hike further into the canyon to enjoy some of the reef's best rock climbing routes.