The Earliest Art Galleries
Once inhabited by the Fremont people, the region around VERNAL, UT is rife with petroglyphs and other remnants of their culture and society. See some of the world’s best examples of primitive art and explore the prehistoric past of Utah’s high desert.
- McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs
-
Contact
- Phone: 435-789-6932
Details
Cultural Site. Free Admission. Donations accepted.
Located just 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 Native American culture. The petroglyphs are located on private land. Access is granted to those who treat the artwork with respect.
- Nine Mile Canyon
-
Contact
- Phone: 435-789-6932
Details
Cultural Site
Nine Mile Canyon is 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.
