Lower Courthouse Wash

Courthouse Wash drains into the Colorado River near where the US-191 bridge crosses the Colorado as you drive south into Moab. However, it begins about 11 miles to the northwest near Courthouse Springs. From there, it runs north until it converges with Bartlett Wash, then intersects with US-191 near Mill Canyon Road. From there, it runs southeast until it enters Arches National Park near the Klonzo Trailhead. A short distance later, it merges with Sevenmile Canyon. It continues mostly east, turning south about a mile after intersecting with Arches Scenic Drive. After turning south, it runs for approximately three miles until it drains into the Colorado.

Why the lengthy explanation? Castleton discusses the art at the confluence of Courthouse Wash and the Colorado in a section called Lower Courthouse Wash. He also has a section named Upper Courthouse Wash, which includes photos of some spectacular art. But, as Castleton often does, he vaguely describes the location as "upstream from the previously described Courthouse Wash site." Castleton v1, p.183. The only clue he gives is that the site is probably located on BLM property, which rules out several miles of the wash if he's correct. Castleton also discusses a site in Sevenmile Canyon, but he's describing what's commonly called the "Intestine Man" site which is in South Fork Sevenmile Canyon near UT-313.

The Lower Courthouse Wash art is an easy, 1/3-mile walk on an improved trail along US-191 at the bridge over the Colorado.

Coordinates for the parking lot:

  • UTM: 622985, 4274098

  • Decimal degrees: 38.60687, -109.58752

  • Lat/Long: 38° 36' 24.74", 109° 35' 15.09"

The site:

  • UTM: 623510, 4274180

  • Decimal degrees: 38.60753, -109.58149

  • Lat/Long: 38° 36' 27.13", 109° 34' 53.36"

Maps:

  • 1:100,000 Moab

  • 1:24,000 Moab

    Upper Courthouse Wash and Sevenmile Canyon are on 1:24,000 Merimac Butte.

Photos coming in March 2025.

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