A natural notch through the Red Hills covered with hundreds of petroglyphs pecked over more than a thousand years by Fremont, Southern Paiute, and earlier peoples — including the famous 'Zipper Glyph' believed to function as a solar calendar. The gap aligns with the setting sun at the summer solstice, drawing crowds for the spectacle.
| Category | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Parowan |
| Top activities | Viewing petroglyph panels from the short interpretive trail, Summer solstice sunset alignment, Dinosaur track site half a mile east of the gap, Photography |
| Best time to visit | Spring and fall for mild temperatures; around the summer solstice (June 20-21) to watch the sun set exactly through the gap. |
| Entrance fee | Free |
| Permits | None. Paved road access from Parowan (about 10.5 miles); passenger cars fine. |
Visitor tip: Combine it with the nearby dinosaur tracks site just down the road — both stops together take about an hour, and morning light is best on the main panels.
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