Round Trip Distance: 0.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 5083 - 5113 feet
Cellphone: 0 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: MM 22.5
Fee: none
Attractions: petroglyphs
The Shamans Panel is located along Montezuma Creek between Monticello and Blanding, Utah. A single panel of petroglyphs depicting various kachina type figures can be found at the site that overlooks a small stretch of the valley.
There are multiple ways to get to the Shamans Panel depending upon your direction of travel. If coming from the north you can turn off of US-191 5 miles south of Monticello onto the unmarked graveled Montezuma Creek Road, CR-187, and follow it south for 22.5 miles. According to Google Maps somewhere along the way CR-187 transitions into CR-146. The location is distinguishable by an unmarked side road that branches off on the right and angles up the side of the hill.
The panel can be found on an out crop of rocks that are 20 to 30 feet above the road.
A very primitive trail begins off of the side road. The trail isn't marked but you might be able to spot a footprint or two to get started.
A little scrambling is required but using your hands is only really necesary for keeping your balance.
The entire panel consists of no fewer than 20 anthropomorphic figures. While studying the images it's not too hard to imagine a connection to the Hopi creation story.
The central figure emerging from the rock would be Spider Woman who created all of humanity.
One appendage extends to the head of what might be an eagle or bird type of kachina while the other extends to another that might also have 3 toes and be carrying a shield. Together they might represent the twins in the legend.
Looking out over the valley from the panel doesn't exactly summon anything awe inspiring yet this is the spot chosen by some shaman to share his story.
