Hiking to the Rochester Panel & Molen Reef Petroglyphs

Hiking to the Rochester Panel & Molen Reef Petroglyphs

The Rochester Panel and Molen Reef Petroglyphs are near Emery, Utah, and consists of one very large panel of hundreds of images likely carved by the Fremont Native Americans. The vast majority of the petroglyphs have a strong Barrier Canyon influence, including animals, female/male figures, and one large rainbow-like image. Molen Reef Petroglyphs are much smaller, but still expose what the native people were contemplating. You can easily combine both in one afternoon, as the hike to the Rochester Panel is only 1/2 mile, and you can drive right up to the Molen Reef area. Kids, dogs, and casual hikers will enjoy these areas, but please respect the rules and DO NOT touch any of the petroglyphs.

Contents hide

4 Trail Map – Rochester Panel

4.1 Molen Reef Petroglyphs

5 Trail Map – Molen Reef

6 Recommended Gear

7 Nearby Hike

8 Save me on Pinterest!

8.1 Share the love!

Directions

Here’s a driving map to the Rochester Panel if coming from Emery, UT.

Here’s a driving map to the Molen Reef Petroglyphs if coming from Ferron, UT. The parking area is between mile 6 & 7, off HWY Co Rd 803.

Trail Info

(For Rochester Panel)

Distance: 0.8 miles RT

Elevation gain: flat, 30 ft

Time: 1 hour

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? Yes

Fees/Permits? None

Rochester Panel

The parking lot is huge, and the TH starts on the East side of the lot.

Follow the trail as it curves down to the right.

You’ll hike to the bottom of the canyon, then hike back up a few feet.

Hike along a wide ridge area.

Then BAM! The most amazing petroglyphs I have seen in Utah. It’s my new favorite! Sadly, that white chunk of rock that is missing is thought to be because people chipped out the sections they wanted to keep for themselves.

*** It is illegal to remove rock art, and touching is NOT allowed! Help preserve petroglyphs – even the oils from our hands can darken them and destroy the carved images. ***