Silent Sentinel Petroglyphs

Late in the spring of 2011, we were off exploring in the backcountry of Utah’s San Rafael Swell. We spent a week or so off of paved roads and camping out. One of the spots we stopped at was the Silent Sentinel.

It was the end of a long day and I wasn’t sure if I knew where it was. We were hunting around for it and my expectations were pretty low on finding it. On our last stop, we walked back in this canyon and we were very happily surprised!

There aren’t very many of these Fremont petroglyphs here but the ones that are here are quite interesting and give the place a very spiritual feel. As always, respect and enjoy.

Silent Sentinel Petroglyphs

22 photos

In a rock shelter, we find these spectacular petroglyphs.

Closer view of the zoomorphs and anthropomorphs. Above the bighorn sheep is a deer. I'm not sure about the center figure but above him looks like a humpbacked figure that is often called a kokopelli.

On the right side of the central figure.

These are very interesting. Two figures with rays. One with rays coming out of it and an animal encircled by rays.

A very faint figure hidden away.

Just a touch of pigment remains on this pictograph.

This slab is covered in petroglyphs too but many of them have faded away.

Long, curving and deeply pecked designs. Note the tree-like counting petroglyph in the upper left.

The designs are hard to see here but the boulder is covered with them.

This cross looks more modern.

While hiking around the jumble of boulders, I spot another faint tree-like petroglyph. Some of it has spalled off.

I come around the corner and spot this!

The Silent Sentinel.

He is a Fremont shield figure. Some idiot has shot him with a shotgun blast.

Nearby, I find an overhang with these fellows inside.

It is hard to get a picture of them in such a tight space.

This one is difficult to see.

He looks kingly. Perhaps more of a god.

Up the canyon, I find a small dry fall and turn around.

Walking back to the truck.

On the way back, I stop at the rock shelter again.

A look at the cove.