Maze Rock Art Site ~ Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

​Flickr album link: Maze Rock Art Site

​The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is an intriguing place to explore on foot, but reservations must be made ahead of time when planning to trek to the most famous destinations. Certain highly protected areas of the Vermilion Cliffs require a BLM permit and only a small number of participants are allowed for each excursion. The destinations requiring a permit include The Wave, Coyote Buttes South and Paria Canyon. Hiking permits can be obtained at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah. There are also a few trails in this park that do not require a permit and the pathway to the Maze is one such option. 

The Maze Trailhead is located on House Rock Road a short distance south of the State Line Campground. The signage is easy to spot and there is ample roadside parking. The path first runs uphill to a protective gate on the edge of a flat sagebrush prairie. The trail then runs all the way across the flats to the base of a towering red rock outcrop, where the Maze Rock Art Site can be found. The trek is about a 1.4 mile round trip, so be sure to pack some water, especially on a hot day. There are no facilities or services at the trailhead, but the developed campground is nearby.

Doing the Maze hike early in the morning is best, because the temperatures will be cool and the rock art will still be in the shadows. Far more intricate details can be noticed when there is no glare of bright sunlight, which is something for photographers to keep in mind. The Maze Rock Art site covers the face of a few large boulders and there are plenty of ancient inscriptions to interpret. For this reason, it is best to set some extra time aside for this short hike. Pondering over the significance of the Maze Petroglyph and the surrounding rock art is a captivating experience, so be sure to chalk this easy hike high on the list!
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