Kings Crown Panel | Western San Rafael Swell

Hiking Kings Crown Panel - Western San Rafael SwellRoadside Attraction Kings Crown Panel - Western San Rafael Swell Kings Crown Panel

Western San Rafael Swell

Overview

RATING: Roadside / Easy Hike

Sat

Partly sunny. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 52 in the afternoon. East wind around 5 mph.

59 | 34

Sun

Rain likely before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. South wind 3 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

48 | 37

Mon

A slight chance of rain after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

48 | 29

Tue

A chance of rain and snow before 11am, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain and snow showers between 11am and 5pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 44.

44 | 28

Wed

A slight chance of rain and snow before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 26

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SEASON: Any when roads are dry. Hot in the summer.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None

Sat

Partly sunny. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 52 in the afternoon. East wind around 5 mph.

59 | 34

Sun

Rain likely before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. South wind 3 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

48 | 37

Mon

A slight chance of rain after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

48 | 29

Tue

A chance of rain and snow before 11am, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain and snow showers between 11am and 5pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 44.

44 | 28

Wed

A slight chance of rain and snow before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 26

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King's Crown Panel in the San Rafael Swell

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.
One of the sheltered overhangs at the base of King's Crown.

One of the sheltered overhangs at the base of King's Crown.

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