Somewhere off in the mountains and red rocks of Santa Clara lies the Anasazi Ridge Petroglyphs. This 3.5 mile hike up the desert hillside takes you on an adventure through black lava rocks and the Santa Clara River. Along the Santa Clara River Reserve, there are more than 600 miles of trails that are perfect for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to enjoy the scenic desert landscape.

The trailhead to the Anasazi Ridge Petroglyphs is located off Highway 91 just west of St. George, near Santa Clara and Ivins. There are two trails that take you up to the top, the Tempi’po’op Trail from the Anasazi Trailhead or the Tava’atsti Trail.

The Tempi’po’op Trail is the shortest, only 3.5 miles round trip, and has portions of steep climbing with mostly dirt terrain. At the top of the climb are prehistoric art petroglyphs said to be written by ancient Indians that lived in the area. The art written by the Indians covers numerous rocks, placed in various spots that you have to walk throughout a maze to find.

It was incredible to see the writing of the Native Americans and to interpret what they were trying to say on the rocks. Looking down the mountainside, I was amazed to see the view of the Santa Clara river, along with the white-capped mountains mixed with the red rocks standing elegantly in the distance.

If you are interested in this once-in-a-lifetime hike, visit the Anasazi Ridge Petroglyph’s website.

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