This one stings. According to the Moab Sun News, someone carved names into two prehistoric rock art sites outside Moab, and the Bureau of Land Management is asking the public for help finding who did it. One site is the Bear Panel along Highway 279. The other is near Hell's Revenge in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, a trail a lot of us know and love.

Members of the public reported both sites. The Highway 279 damage was reported October 29 and the panel near Hell's Revenge on October 31. BLM Utah announced the investigation on November 6, and the agency is treating them as two separate cases.

Why it matters

These panels are protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and damaging them is a federal offense. The BLM put it simply:

"Once damaged, they cannot be restored to their original condition."

The paper also reports that people have been prosecuted for damaging rock art and other archaeological sites around Moab, with outcomes that included fines, restitution and federal probation that restricted their access to public lands.

If you recognize the names or know anything about it, the article lists Moab BLM Law Enforcement at 435 259 2131.

How we handle rock art on our trips

Rock art and old ruins are some of the best stops on a trail day, and we love showing them to our groups. Our rule is easy: look, take all the photos you want, and leave it exactly as you found it.

  • Don't touch the panels
  • Never carve, scratch, chalk or trace anything
  • Stay on the trail and park where it is allowed
  • If you see fresh damage, snap a photo and report it to the BLM

We want these places open and in one piece for the next generation of wheelers. On a private trip with us, we will point out the sites worth seeing and help your group enjoy them the right way.