Visit the Tree of Life Petroglyph Site

An easy to access petroglyph panel portraying numerous images, including a tree that appears to have been created with a rainbow above it. This is an interesting stop when traveling through the San Rafael Swell and is within two miles for the turnoff for the rock art at Black Dragon Wash.

Trail Info

Length 0.1 miles

Elevation gain 30 feet

Route Out & back

Permit required no

Dogs allowed yes but not advisable

Trailhead elevation 4,293'

Water None

Don't miss the pull-off

Hiking to the Tree of Life

The panel is located beside the westbound lanes of I-70. As you're traveling westbound from Green River keep your eyes out for the rock formation in the photo below.

The formation sits precisely at mile marker 148.4 or coordinates 38.9217502, -110.3928335. On the right side of the road, there is a pull-off area suitable for four to five vehicles. Exercise caution as you exit the 80 mph highway, being mindful of drivers behind you.

If you're traveling eastbound, you have two options: either park on the side of the eastbound lanes and quickly cross the highway with caution, or take the Hanksville 149 exit about a half mile later and circle back westbound. Upon parking, locate the barbed wire fence and pass behind it at the green fence post.

From this point, walk eastward along the base of the formation for approximately 100 feet before reaching the corner where you'll discover the panel situated about 15 feet above you.

If you desire a closer look, you can do some minor scrambling to approach the panel more closely.

You'll encounter intriguing depictions on the rock face, but what truly catches the eye is the tree with a possible rainbow above it. Below is a slightly zoomed-in photo showcasing the tree and rainbow, along with a few human-like figures, an animal, possibly snake depictions, and more.

The panel is best observed early in the day when the sun's light is obscured by the protruding rock on which the panel is located. If you're planning on visiting the rock art at Black Dragon Wash and traveling westbound on I-70, this would be a good stop beforehand.