Nine Mile Canyon

Nine Mile Canyon Review

The hundreds of petroglyphs etched into the boulders and cliffs of Nine Mile Canyon may be one of the world's largest outdoor art galleries. They're the handiwork of the Fremont Indians, who lived in much of what is now Utah from AD 300 to 1250. The canyon also shelters the remnants of many early homesteads, stage stops, and ranches. However, the petroglyphs and pictographs are the main draws. It's important not to touch the fragile rock art because oils from your fingers can damage them. Most of this 80-mi round-trip is on a gravel road, so plan a day to complete it. Bring water and a picnic, because there are no services. A brochure detailing significant sites is available at the visitor center in the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum in Price. Without it, many panels will go unnoticed. At the gas station where you turn off U.S. 6 in Wellington to head to the canyon, you can also buy a self-published book that contains a complete list of sites, photos, and directions. To reach the canyon, go 7½ mi east of Price on U.S. 6 and then turn north on Nine Mile Canyon Road.