Ancient Cultures
Nine-Mile and Dry Fork Canyon Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs are not an uncommon sight in Northeastern Utah, especially near Dinosaur National Monument. Nine-Mile Canyon and Dry Fork Canyon are two such sites, filled with petroglyphs both small and large, with mysterious shapes and obvious ones. Explore these traces of the ancient Fremont culture.
Explore any of the links below for more detailed information on specific petroglyph sites.
Located 10 miles north of Vernal, at McConkie Ranch, the Dry Fork Canyon petroglyphs are famous for their quality and accessibility. These panels cover 200 feet of cliff face in the Navajo formation. This gallery of primitive art dating from 1-1200 A.D. shows excellent examples of the Fremont culture. The petroglyphs are located on private land. Access
is granted to those who treat the artwork with respect.
Nine Mile Canyon
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- Description
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A must see for those interested in high desert prehistory and the Fremont Indian culture.
For nearly 1,200 years, ancient cultures have left their paintings and etchings carved upon the stone walls of Nine Mile. Considered by many to be the longest natural art galley in the world, Nine Mile Canyon is actually 40 miles of spectacular panels of petroglyphs and pictographs. In the 1800s the canyon was used by both fur trappers and the army. Ancient cliff dwellings and remnants of early pioneer cabins are reminders of those who once called the canyon home. The buff colored cliffs of the canyon are highlighted by balanced rocks and window arches. Deer and elk are seen frequently.