Solstice Snake - Moab

Solstice Snake
& Warrior Panel

Moab

Petroglyphs & Anasazi Ruins

The Solstice Snake and the Warrior Panel are two of the more interesting and fun petroglyph panels to visit in the Moab area. This route takes you on a trip back through time to a prehistoric age.

Circle of Friends:
The Solstice Snake and Warrior Panel are part of the "Circle of Friends" program. Members of the "Circle of Friends" have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the "Circle of Friends" visit the sign up page.

"Circle of Friends"

General Information:
Visiting the Solstice Snake requires a nice long hike to a remote location in an area known as "Behind the Rocks". The Solstice Snake gets its name from an arrowhead shape that crosses the petroglyph, which is formed by sunlight filtering through the cliff high above during the summer solstice.

The Solstice Snake is rated 1A III using the Canyon Rating System. Navigation for this route is moderate. The route does traverse through some areas of cryptobiotic soil but they are easy to avoid with a little care. A GPS is useful and good map reading skills are essential.

Trailhead Information:
The trailhead is located next to a paved highway and is accessible to all vehicles in all conditions. A vehicle shuttle is not required for this route.

Cryptobiotic Soil:
Follow the route described and you will avoid areas of cryptobiotic crust. Please avoid disturbing all cryptobiotic crust. Stay on existing trails, walk in wash bottoms or on slickrock. Go out of your way, literally, to avoid cryptobiotic soil. Cryptobiotic crust requires years of undisturbed growth before it becomes visible as an irregular, blackish mat on the soil surface. A single footprint by a careless hiker can destroy years of growth.

Troll Bridge Statistics:
Greater Arch Dimension (GAD): 15 feet. For this arch, the GAD is its span.
Lesser Arch Dimension (LAD): 15 feet. For this arch, the LAD is its height.
Arch Type: Meander Bridge
Rock formation and/or type: Chinle Sandstone

Dead End Arch Statistics:
Greater Arch Dimension (GAD): 20 feet. For this arch, the GAD is its height.
Lesser Arch Dimension (LAD): 10 feet. For this arch, the LAD is its width.
Arch Type: Fin
Rock formation and/or type: Navajo Sandstone

Pritchett Canyon History:
The canyon is named after Thomas Pritchett who entered the Spanish Valley in 1880 and was the first justice of the peace. He lived with a group of people in a fort in Pritchett Canyon during the winter of 1880-81.

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