The Moab Maiden is an enchanting petroglyph etched right into a solitary sandstone boulder perched above Kane Springs Creek simply outdoors of downtown Moab, Utah. The distinctive determine, believed to characterize a feminine type, is distinguished by its depiction of breasts and lengthy hair—options which can be uncommon in regional rock artwork. Some researchers recommend a stylistic connection between the Moab Maiden and the close by Birthing Scene petroglyphs, hinting at potential shared cultural or creative origins. The brief, enjoyable day hike is nice for all ages and is a should do for rock artwork fanatics.
Trailhead elevation 3,978′
Do not miss the close by granary and petroglyph panel
Mountain climbing to Moab Maiden
After a number of days of mountain climbing and backpacking via Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument, I arrive in Moab with a number of hours to spare earlier than assembly up with Dave and Brent. I’ve had Moab Maiden on my radar for years, and with time to kill, I resolve it’s lastly time to test it out in particular person.
The quickest method to attain the positioning is by way of the Jackson Path, a part of the Amasa Again hike and bike community. The Jackson Path could be discovered off of Kane Springs Street within the Kane Creek OHV Trailhead parking space.
I set off alongside the path, which descends towards Kane Creek, the place a small picket footbridge crosses the stream. I’ve been right here earlier than and know that the creek is commonly too excessive, making the bridge inaccessible. Thankfully, the water is low this time, and I’m capable of cross with out challenge.
About 0.06 miles previous the bridge, I take a well-worn path to the left, which climbs steeply uphill. I observe this path alongside the rim, my automobile seen the entire time on the Kane Creek OHV Trailhead simply to my proper.
Quickly, I attain a slickrock drainage and veer left.
Roughly 100 toes later, on the finish of the slickrock, I choose up one other established footpath main towards the canyon wall. After a quick ascent up a steep slope, I attain the petroglyph panel—resting on a big boulder close to the highest of the wall, dealing with away from the Colorado River.
Solely 0.6 miles from the trailhead and nonetheless with time to spare, I resolve to discover one other close by web site: a second petroglyph panel and a granary. I descend from the panel and, on the way in which down, discover two seen trails main throughout the canyon. I select the leftmost one. After following the path a number of hundred toes uphill, I spot the granary effectively prematurely.
I hike up for a better look and discover it remarkably intact, with a number of potsherds nonetheless tucked inside—an sudden bonus.
From there, I descend once more and observe one other clearly marked path towards the Colorado. It ends on the base of a cliff, the place I discover the second petroglyph panel.
The panel options a number of depictions, together with numerous zoomorphic figures and a human-like picture that carefully resembles the Moab Man discovered on the close by Golf Course Rock Artwork Website.
Glad with the detour, I retrace my steps to the trailhead. As I arrive, I chat with a pair about to start their very own seek for the topless maiden. Their GPX file received’t load, so I give them easy instructions as a substitute. Later, as I nap in my truck, they knock on my window to thank me—they discovered it simply. No GPX required—simply take the primary left after the bridge and observe the apparent trails. It’s that straightforward.
There are many unimaginable hikes and roadside stops close by, together with the Owl Panel and Birthing Scene. However my favourite, definitely, is Solstice Snake. Save that one for the summer time solstice and you will be floored.
