By Jon Crowley
The Naming Cave and Birthing Cave near Gunlock, Utah, are a fascinating historical and cultural site that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich past. Nestled within the rugged sandstone cliffs of southwestern Utah, these caves are renowned for their ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions left by early Native American inhabitants. The intricate carvings and symbols etched into the walls of the Naming Cave are believed to have served as a form of communication, storytelling, or ceremonial expression. Visitors to this site are captivated by its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-see destination for those exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of the Gunlock area.
What’s is a Naming Cave?
A Native American naming cave refers to a cave that is believed to have been used by indigenous people for the ritualistic naming of children, often marked by petroglyphs or other symbolic markings left on the cave walls, signifying the importance of the location for cultural practices related to identity and lineage.
This area is historical Paiute Indian land and Northeast of today’s Shivwits Paiute Reservation.
High Clearance 4×4 Vehicles
We drove a 2025 Yamaha RMAX 4 to the caves and it was perfectly suited for this terrain. If you drive a street vehicle, make sure it is high clearance 4×4.
We drove to the caves in a 2025 Yamaha RMAX 4
How to Get There
There are several routes to get you to the Naming and Birthing Caves. We parked at the intersection of Gunlock Road and Motoqua Road. There is room there for several trailers too park and we headed northwest on Motoqua Rd. After 7+ miles on a graded road, we turned right and headed toward the caves. The roads from here aren’t something I’d want to take a Subaru on – we were happy to be in the Yamaha RMAX 4 and able to easily navigate the rocks in the trail.
On the way back, we took a route to the north near the power lines then headed to Gunlock Reservoir and next to the Gunlock Falls (the falls only run certain times of the year and it is quite impressive and worth seeing) before crossing the creek and ending back on Gunlock Rd.
The point is, there are several different ways in and out of this area.
The two destinations are close together, but not connected. Make sure you pay attention so you can visit both caves.
Naming Cave
The Naming Cave is a bit tough to get to, but well worth the effort. We approached from the north. Take your time and be careful!
Naming Cave GPS Coordinates: 37.28047, -113.84534
Petroglyphs in the Naming Cave
Petroglyph in the Naming Cave
Birthing Cave
The Birthing Cave is southwest of the Naming Cave, and much easier to get to. But, the petroglyphs are much more worn and harder to see. You’ll need to spend some time looking at the walls of the cave before most of it becomes apparent.
Birthing Cave GPS Coordinates: 37.27938, -113.84752
Birthing Cave
Looking out of the Birthing Cave towards the Naming Cave
Petroglyph vs. Pictographs
Found throughout southern Utah, a petroglyph is an image carved, incised or scratched into stone. A pictograph is a painting on stone, using natural pigments. Pictographs are typically found only in caves or other areas where they can be protected from the elements of sunshine, wind-blown sand and precipitation.
PLEASE DON’T ERASE THE TRACES OF AMERICA’S PAST
Archaeological resources are fragile and irreplaceable. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Ac of 1976 protects them for the benefit of all Americans.
Any unauthorized person who excavates, removes, damages, or in anyway alters, or defaces any historic or prehistoric site, artifact. or object of antiquity on the public lands of the United States is subject to arrest and penalty of law.
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