Upper Sand Island
Near Bluff
Time
1 hour
Fee
None
Locale
Near Bluff
Fee
None
Time
1 hour
This short walk along the San Juan River provides views of a series of petroglyph panels tucked away from the larger, and more well-known, Lower Sand Island Petroglyph Panel. As with the main panel, there is early Basketmaker, Ancestral Puebloan, Navajo, and Ute rock imagery.
Special Considerations
Pit toilets, a picnic area, and camping are available at Sand Island. No day-use fees are required.
Tips For Visiting Here with Respect
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Guide Children Through Sites
Archaeological sites are not playgrounds. Please teach children respect. Keep a close eye so kids don’t get hurt or accidentally damage the site.
Don't Touch Rock Art or Make Your Own
Vandalism of petroglyphs and pictographs erases stories of ancient people and destroys the experience for future visitors.
Camp & Eat Outside the Site
Camping, fires and food can damage the archaeological remains and also spoil the view for other visitors.
Maps & Directions
Interactive Google Map
From Bluff, drive west on US-191 approximately 3 miles, then turn left into Sand Island Recreation area. The trailhead to the upper panel is at the end of campground loop A.
Coordinates
37.2622, -109.61207
Official Monument Map
Photo Gallery
Guide Children Through Sites
Archaeological sites are not playgrounds. Teach children to respect these places. Keep a close eye on them, so they don't get hurt or accidentally damage cultural resources.
