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Hidden in the desert of central Utah, less than a mile off Interstate 70 as the crow flies, are the Head of Sinbad pictographs, a remarkable example of Barrier Canyon Style rock art. Pictographs are rare, making up only about 10% of all the rock art in the Southwest. Barrier Canyon Style pictographs are the rarest and oldest of all.
Dating back at least 1,000 to 4,000 years, this style is known for its haunting, life-sized, often ghostly human-like figures with hollow or staring eyes, elongated bodies, and intricate, sometimes eerie, designs. These images are typically painted in dark reds, browns, and ochres and are thought to have held spiritual or ceremonial significance to the ancient people of the region.
The central figure in the Head of Sinbad panel (shown above) is a tall, ghostly humanoid shape. On either side are two mysterious images and some kind of animal. Experts have suggested the two mysterious images represent scalps taken as trophies during warfare and were displayed as symbols of victory and power. Such depictions of intertribal warfare are common in Southwest rock art.
There is more than one pictograph at this location. Nearby is a slightly less well-preserved panel that is no less interesting, known as Locomotive Point. Shown above, Locomotive Point has two human-like figures. The figure on the left has the same hollow eyes as the Head of Sinbad, with his arms down instead of out to the side. The figure on the right is holding a snake in one hand, has a spiral on his chest, and what appears to be two fern-like plants growing out of his head. Symbols on either side of the horns are easy to identify as birds.
Between the large human figures (at waist level, shown below) is a line of 7 tiny symbols in white. My guess is these represent snowy egrets or sandhill cranes, both of which migrate through Utah.
There are also 6 symbols (at head level, shown below) depicted in 3 pairs, one on top of another. I think these represent birds flying across the sky, since there is a dome-like image above each pair.
Beneath them is another symbol that is easy to identify as a bird. On the far right side are four more symbols (also in pairs) above and below the snake. My best guess is that these four symbols represent storms, circulating counter-clockwise. On the far left side of the panel, there appear to have once been two more figures. These have been almost completely erased by water flowing down the cliff wall. We have no idea what these might have added to the story.
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD
No hike is necessary to reach these two panels, just a little backcountry navigation. It’s well worth the effort for those interested in rock art, history, or Utah’s rugged landscapes. To find the site, travel on Interstate 70 to Exit 131 (Temple Mountain Rd). After exiting, follow the paved Temple Mountain Rd west along the Interstate for 5.4 miles. When it turns into gravel, look for a right turn on Rod's Valley Rd, which should have a sign for "Head of Sinbad".
Follow this dirt road for about 4.4 miles to a fork. If you don't have high clearance, you can park here. Interstate 70 will be right in front of you, and there is a low-clearance underpass. Vehicles taller than about 9.5 feet will not be able to pass. Assuming you have an appropriate vehicle, proceed through the underpass and take the first dirt road on the right, then veer left when you come to a fork. Beyond the underpass is where you will need high clearance, and Head of Sinbad is approximately 3.5 miles beyond that. A short, easy walk leads to the pictograph panels, which are located in a shallow alcove on a vertical rock face.
Distance from Green River, UT: 30 miles
GPS for Exit 131 off I-70: 38.87964, -110.65727
GPS for turn on Rod's Valley Rd : 38.82979, -110.70837
GPS for low clearance parking: 38.86203, -110.77498
GPS for Head of Sinbad: 38.88100, -110.77100
GPS for Locomotive Point: 38.87993, -110.76546
HIKE DETAILS
While the roads to the site are unpaved, they’re generally passable for a high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicle in dry weather. However, the clay-rich roads can become treacherous when wet, and a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Always check weather conditions before heading out. If you don't have a high-clearance vehicle, it's possible to park at the underpass and hike (about 7 miles round-trip) the rest of the way.
TOTAL DISTANCE
No hike required (high-clearance vehicles)
7 miles round-trip (low-clearance vehicles)
ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS
About 300 ft (from low-clearance parking)
EST. TIME REQUIRED
1 hr for both panels (high-clearance)
3-4 hrs (from low-clearance parking)
BEST TIME TO GO
Any (hot in summer)
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Yes
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. May be off-leash, but it’s smart to control your dog near the pictograph panels.
Please pick up after your pet or bury any waste!
CAMPING
There are dispersed campsites (free) in the area.
Visitors are asked to respect this fragile site by not touching the rock art and leaving no trace. The Head of Sinbad pictographs are an extraordinary, lesser-known window into Utah’s ancient past, offering a powerful connection to the people who once moved through this isolated desert landscape. While in the area, you'll probably want to visit Dutchman Arch at GPS 38.87329, -110.78780 (shown below).
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