The Harvest Scene Petroglyph Panel Guide

Introduction

Deep in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park lies one of the most intricate and culturally significant rock art panels in North America — The Harvest Scene Petroglyph Panel. Hidden in a remote alcove, this panel is a treasure from the ancient past, created by the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) people more than a thousand years ago.

Unlike petroglyphs easily seen from a roadside pullout, the Harvest Scene is tucked away in one of the park’s most remote areas, accessible only via a long and challenging backcountry hike. Getting here requires preparation, skill, and respect for the cultural heritage of the site.

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The Harvest Scene is just one of many incredible petroglyph sites in Canyonlands and the greater Moab area. Explore our guides to see where ancient artists left their mark across the desert.
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History and Cultural Significance

The Harvest Scene is believed to date to the Late Basketmaker to Pueblo I period, roughly 900–1300 CE. These petroglyphs are carved into a sandstone wall using pecking and incising techniques.
The panel features human figures wearing elaborate headdresses, possible depictions of agricultural tools, and designs that may represent plants, animals, or ceremonial regalia.

Many archaeologists believe the scene reflects a gathering or harvest ritual, perhaps tied to corn agriculture, which had become central to the culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.

Safety Tips

• Travel in a group

• Carry 1–2 gallons of water per person

• Leave an itinerary with someone you trust

• Expect slow travel — 1–2 mph average

• Bring a satellite communicator

Photography Tips

• Mid-morning or late afternoon for best alcove light

• Use a tripod in low light

• Zoom lenses capture detail without getting too close

Nearby Attractions in The Maze

• Maze Overlook

• Pictograph Fork panels

• Chimney Rock

• Ernie’s Country

Recommended Gear

• High-clearance 4WD

• Topo maps & GPS

• Satellite communicator

• Sun protection

• First aid kit

• Sturdy hiking boots

• Lightweight layers

When to Visit

• Spring/Fall: Ideal temps, stable weather

• Summer: Extreme heat — start at sunrise

• Winter: Short days, cold mornings

Getting There

• Drive to Hans Flat Ranger Station (2–3 hours from Hanksville or Green River).

• Continue via 4WD road to Maze Overlook (~3 hours).

• Descend into the Maze via steep slickrock gullies.

• Navigate across benches and through canyons to reach the alcove.

What You Will See

The Harvest Scene features:

• Human figures with elaborate headdresses

• Possible depictions of corn plants

• Animal images — likely deer or bighorn sheep

• Geometric shapes and patterns

Preservation and Ethics

• Never touch the panel — skin oils damage the patina.

• Do not chalk, trace, or apply anything to the rock.

• Photograph without flash.

• Stay on durable surfaces and avoid cryptobiotic soil.