Buckhorn Flat Rock Art | Northern Swell

Roadside Attraction Buckhorn Flat Rock Art - Northern Swell Roadside Attraction Buckhorn Flat Rock Art

Northern Swell

Overview

Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. North wind 2 to 6 mph.
63° | 38°
Thu A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 5 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
62° | 41°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 64.
64° | 40°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 69.
69° | 40°
Sun Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
73° | 44°
RATING: Roadside or Easy Hike
LENGTH: 1+ hours
SEASON: Any when roads are dry.
WATER: None.
Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. North wind 2 to 6 mph.
63° | 38°
Thu A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. North wind 5 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
62° | 41°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 64.
64° | 40°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 69.
69° | 40°
Sun Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
73° | 44°
Railroad Rock area
Railroad Rock area

At the north end of the San Rafael Swell, at the head of Buckhorn Wash, is Buckhorn Flat. This large open flat is bounded to the north by Cedar Mountain and the San Rafael Swell proper to the south. At the base of Cedar Mountain, where Buckhorn Flat and Cedar Mountain meet, are several excellent rock art sites. It is easy to see the area being used both as a transition zone for native peoples passing through, but also as a hunting ground for animals in the large plain of Buckhorn Flat.

The sites are mostly roadside attractions. North Sentinel requires a short walk and is suitable for most. One difficulty, however, can be the roads. High clearance strongly recommended. The side road to North Sentinel will usually require high clearance or 4-wheel drive but can be walked if needed. The main road that visits the panels can quickly become impassable when wet. I have visited many times over the years but have been thwarted a couple of times by muddy roads.

If passing through the area to visit Buckhorn Wash, the Little Grand Canyon, or other parts of the Northern Swell, I consider this a must do. The panels are interesting, and well worth the short side trip.

Panel on Buckhorn Flat
Panel on Buckhorn Flat

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