Red Hole Draw | Western Swell

Hiking Red Hole Draw - Western Swell Hiking Red Hole Draw

Western Swell

Overview

Thu Areas of smoke before noon, then patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 5 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
85° | 56°
Fri Patchy smoke before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 90. South southwest wind 3 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph.
90° | 54°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 87.
87° | 56°
Sun Sunny, with a high near 82.
82° | 55°
Mon Sunny, with a high near 81.
81° | 47°
RATING: Easy / Moderate Hike
SEASON: Spring/Fall. Roads need to be dry to access the trailhead. Hot summers.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None, bring all you need.
Thu Areas of smoke before noon, then patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 5 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
85° | 56°
Fri Patchy smoke before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 90. South southwest wind 3 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph.
90° | 54°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 87.
87° | 56°
Sun Sunny, with a high near 82.
82° | 55°
Mon Sunny, with a high near 81.
81° | 47°
The first pictograph panel above Red Hole Draw
The first pictograph panel above Red Hole Draw

Native peoples heavily used the western edge of the San Rafael Swell. There are many rock art sites hidden among the canyons, boulders, and washes in this desolate-looking transition zone from the desert to the mountains farther west. Red Hole Draw is one such site in this sea of rolling sagebrush.

The journey to Red Hole Draw requires a high-clearance vehicle. The road has gotten a bit better in the last few years, but a true 4-wheel drive can be nice but likely no required. An endless plain of wash crossing on a rough 2-track separates the main from Red Hole.

Once at Red Hole, a short hike reveals several fantastic pictograph sites, including Funks Cave and the spectacular Quail panel. There are some petroglyphs as well, though the pictographs were the highlight to me.The area has astounding views and, after visiting the rock art, is an excellent place to wander and explore a bit.

Funks Cave - Red Hole Draw
Funks Cave - Red Hole Draw

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