Dan Wagner

Hike to the 100 Hands Pictograph Panel

The 100 Hands pictograph panel in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers a wonderful day hike that culminates in an amazing display of pictographs featuring at least 160 handprints left by ancient inhabitants of the canyon. Along the trail, hikers will also find at least two petroglyph panels, including the intriguing Shaman & Hunter panel, which is thought to have been created by a later culture. The hike is suitable for all ages, but adults should supervise small children due to some steep drops along the way. It's also a great addition to visiting the Circle of Friends pictograph panel, located just twenty minutes away.

Trailhead elevation 5,213'

Water none

Don't miss the Shaman & Hunter Petroglyph Panel

Hike to the 100 Hands Pictograph Panel

The hike starts at the Escalante River Trailhead, located along UT-12, 2 miles south of the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead and about 4.5 miles north of the Head of Rocks Overlook. The parking area can fit approximately 10 to 12 vehicles.

From the parking area, hikers can follow the public section of a private driveway located just behind it to access the clearly marked trailhead. Once at the trailhead, the path ascends for 0.15 miles before leading to a short, rocky ascent, indicated by four trail posts.

After this, the trail traces cliffs for a short distance, offering views of UT-12 to the right. A short distance later, the trail veers left and ascends slightly.

Within 100 yards, the trail reaches a petroglyph panel featuring various zoomorphic depictions, including sheep, a deer and snake, as well as concentric circles.

The panel has a fair amount of modern graffiti at this panel, including where some douche canoe even tried to saw through the wall and remove two of the petroglyphs.

After exploring the panel, the now easy-to-follow trail traces along the cliff. A short distance later, hikers will notice a distinctive rock formation on the right. High above, in an alcove about 60-70 feet above the ground, is the 100 Hands panel.

As hikers approach the formation, the panel becomes more clearly visible.

Hikers must climb a steep incline to get a close look at the panel. While I don’t recommend it given the danger involved, those who do make the ascent are rewarded with an incredible view. By my count, there are 160 distinct handprints on the panel.

After exploring the 100 Hands panel, hikers can follow the trail, which gradually ascends to a flat slickrock area.

About a hundred yards later, the Shaman & Hunter panel becomes visible, situated roughly 15 feet above the ground.

The panel features a hunting scene on the far left, along with several zoomorphic figures and four anthropomorphic figures, often interpreted as shamans.