Bear Panel Maze District Canyonlands NP, UT

One of the very helpful Hans Flat rangers (the folks who are in charge of the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park), informed us of this short and fun hike to an unusual pictograph of a bear. Right before driving up the steep hill to the Doll House #3 campground, there is a small parking area to the left. It will accommodate about 3 vehicles. You'll see two large cairns on either side of the trailhead.


After one minute of hiking, go up the slanted "staircase" of sandstone. Keep your eye out for cairns. You'll enjoy some light boulder-hopping (which, we think, can be a lot of fun for people of almost all ages) and then hike between two slabs of sandstone that come together to form and upside down "V". From there you'll hike on a beaten path. In 12 - 15 minutes (at the most) keep your eye out for a larger cairn on your right. This is where you make your way to the wall of rock on your right. That's where you'll find the rare (so we were told) bear pictograph and some other interesting rock art. Return the way you came. Note that the trail is shared with the one into Ernie's Country and viewing this panel could be part of a backpacking, cross-country adventure.

Check out the Official Route.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2017-10-08 Steph_and_Blake