Public Art in Iron County from Cedar City Library

This collection is under constant revision and represents works of public art in Iron County. That is, art in public places. It is made available through the efforts of the Iron County Public Art Commission and Cedar City Library. It generally excluses structures, monuments, and architecture.

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Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Ryann S. Ford. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Photograph by Ryann S. Ford. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Ryann S. Ford. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA). Surprisingly, these modern markings are not classified as vandalism. They were made by pioneer expedition members, and are seen as a part of the site's heritage.
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
Parowan Gap Image: Photograph by Jacob B. Arnell. Licensed by Creative Commons (CC BY-SA).
  • Parowan Gap, Contributions over centuries, possibly millennia.
  • Rock Art
  • Inv: PA 2021-0029

Parowan Gap has two features of distinction, one natural, one man-made. The pass near Parowan is a classic example of a wind gap, an unusual geological landform marking where an ancient river has cut a 600-foot-deep notch through the Red Hills.

Secondly, the gap is a nationally recognized extravaganza of petroglyphs--a superb "gallery" of Native American rock art. Here one can witness what is at least a 1,000 year accumulation of artwork pecked into the rock. Geometric designs, images of lizards, snakes, mountain sheep, bear claws and human figures adorn the smooth canyon walls of the pass.

Go north on Main (or take Interstate 15 Exit 62) to UT 130. Continue north 13.5 miles, then turn east (right) 2.5 miles on a nice paved road to Parowan Gap.

Go north on Main to 400 North. Turn west (left) for 10.5 miles on a nice paved road (near Milepost 19).

  • Current Location: Iron County - Federal
  • Collections: Iron County Public Art