June 18 marks 20 years of hosting Summer Solstice Sunset programs at Parowan Gap. Activities will be offered throughout the day, including workshops by archaeologist Garth Norman, a barbecue dinner, and the traditional sunset program at the Parowan Gap.
The summer solstice program began in 1996 with museum and visitor center volunteers gathering at Parowan Gap for the chance to learn more about a theorized ancient Native American calendar discovered by archeologists Garth Norman and Nal Morris.
“After a potluck dinner, Nal and Garth presented their findings,” said Nancy Dalton, Parowan Heritage Foundation secretary. “The volunteers had such a good time, we decided to host it as an annual event for the public.”
“A natural opening in the mountain range, the Parowan Gap holds a vast amount of petroglyphs that can be interpreted in different ways depending on which Native American culture or scientific interpretation you use,” said Dalton. “The petroglyphs along with various rock outcroppings and cairns (rock monument) provide a fascinating look back in history of how ancient cultures survived, traveled, and what they believed in. The gap was discovered by ancient people who believed it was a natural calendar system to observe solar, lunar, and other astrological events. These observations were etched into the walls of the Gap as petroglyphic symbols to guide current and future people.”
Schedule of events at Parowan Gap for June 18
10 a.m.–noon: Hands-on workshop
Cost: $25 per person
Join archaeologist Garth Norman on a hiking tour of his work sites at Parowan Gap. Study the process and his findings. Workshop attendees are encouraged to dress for hot weather, including hats, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes. Registration includes bottled water and snacks. Meet at Parowan Gap parking lot.
3–4 p.m.: Parowan Gap research presentation at Parowan Library
Archaeologist Garth Norman will present a slide show of his Parowan Gap research.
6–7 p.m.: Barbecue dinner
Cost: $15 per person
7:30 p.m.: Summer Solstice Sunset program
The Summer Solstice Sunset program features guest speakers, after which the group will walk 0.2 miles to the sunset observation cairns and watch the sunset through the middle of the Parowan Gap as interpreted on the “Zipper” petroglyph. Please bring your own chairs and wear walking shoes.
The Parowan Gap is located about 13 miles northwest of Parowan or 19 miles north of Cedar City on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The annual event is hosted by the Parowan Heritage Foundation and Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau through an agreement and special event use permit from the BLM.
Attendees can register for events by calling Dalton at (435) 463-3735 or by purchasing tickets at Parowan City Library or the Iron County Visitor Center at 581 N. Main St. in Cedar City.
For more information, contact Dalton at (435) 463-3735 or the Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau at (435) 586-5124, visit VisitCedarCity.com, or stop by the Iron County Visitor Center.
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