Hiking Kings Crown Panel - Western San Rafael Swell

Overview

Wed

62° | 40°

Thu

59° | 31°

Fri

64° | 32°

Sat

64° | 38°

Sun

59° | 38°

( Rated 4.5 / 2 Ratings )

11 Todo Lists / 1 Ticks

RATING: Roadside / Easy Hike

LENGTH: 1+ hours (1.5 miles)

SEASON: Any when roads are dry. Hot in the summer.

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

WATER: None

Wed

62° | 40°

Thu

59° | 31°

Fri

64° | 32°

Sat

64° | 38°

Sun

59° | 38°

King's Crown Panel in the San Rafael Swell

King's Crown, to me, is one of the more interesting rock art sites to visit on the western side of the San Rafael Swell. My first attempt to find the panel took a bit of hunting around, as King's Crown is marked in a different place on the USGS topographic map than the actual panel. The panel itself is on a giant boulder that is surrounded by other boulders and overhangs. One of my visits happened to be on a chilly, foggy winter day. Walking around King's Crown in the fog, it was easy to imagine native peoples using the boulders and overhangs for shelter while hunting the open slopes of the area. It is a fascinating place to visit.

Access Note: There are a couple of ways to visit the site. The route described here requires a true high clearance 4x4. The road is not particularly rough, but does have a steep spot right at the top. Those without a high clearance 4x4 can easily walk the 1.5 mile round-trip section of road. If walking the 4x4 road, any vehicles can reach the trailhead in dry conditions. On my first visit, I drove in via the road that heads up about 1 mile west of the route shown since it was the shortest route to what is labeled King's Crown on the map. That road is quite rough as well, though most high clearance vehicles can make it without needing 4-wheel drive. I recommend the route below because in general I think it is easier even if walked.