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Comb Wash Petroglyphs

Rating: 
One-way Distance: 10.4 miles (driving)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 4371 - 4862 feet
Cellphone: 0 bars
Time: 1 hrs. 45 mins.
Trailhead: Comb Wash Road
Fee: none
Attractions: petroglyphs




The Comb Wash Road, San Juan Country Road 235, runs along the west side of Comb Ridge between UT-95 and US-163. At about the halfway point between the two highways are 3 separate sites where petroglyphs can be found on various boulders near the road. Most of the petroglyphs appear to be of the Basketmaker style with a few others that are probably Ute or Navajo in origin.


If accessing the Comb Wash Road from the north off of UT-95 you will need a high clearance 4wd vehicle to make it across several deep sandy washes. During favorable conditions most any vehicle should be able to make it if coming from the south end off of US-163. As our map will show it is approximately 8.2 miles from either end to the first site that comes up.


Beginning at the 4wd end of the Comb Wash Road off of UT-95 Site #3 is the first that comes up.


All you have to do is begin examining the different sides of the boulders to see what's there. Some of the images along the part of the boulder that is touching the ground in this photo have sadly already worn away.


Petroglyphs are also on the surfaces of the boulders within the small shelter that the pile of rocks has created.


This panel is really interesting. The figure in the middle looks to be wearing a cowboy hat and below and a little to the right looks like the bust of a cow that takes advantage of some of the natural features of the surface of the rock.


This interesting (weeping?) sun mask appears to be either Hopi, Ute or Navajo in origin.


Site #2 is just south of the Lower Fish Creek trailhead at the end of a short spur that leads to the group of boulders in this photo.


We were wondering whether the center images had something to do with clouds or rain. Maybe something along the 'cloud women' theme..


We traced the human like figures from this panel on the computer to point out the different styles. The earliest images appear to be those in the middle just to the left of the white turkey tracks. The later images are less abstract and interesting enough most show only 3 fingers on each hand. They might be 'bird track' hands.
 


The two opposing boulders at Site #1 both show bighorn being pierced by atlatls.


This boulder includes a spiral along with a couple of images that probably were meant to add some special meaning to the spiral in this case.


The condition of the road in this photo is typical of the entire south half of the  Comb Wash Road. There are a few hills but the road remains about the same width and well packed. Besides the primitive campground on the Highway 95 end of the road there are several suitable campsites on the south end that can accommodate either tents or trailers. Those that happen to be in the area and have a little extra time might find the Comb Wash Petroglyphs to be a worthwhile diversion. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.