Nine Mile Canyon - A Journey into the Past

By Utah Outdoor Activities

Known as Utah’s outdoor museum, Nine Mile Canyon is home to an abundance of well-preserved rock art.  For 8,000 years people have populated Nine Mile Canyon.  The earliest inhabitants were the Fremont Culture who occupied this area 1,000 years ago.  Most of the famous rock art panels were remnants of the Fremont, including the famous “Great Hunt Panel”.  This panel has been replicated on many modern art pieces and has been featured in many publications.  The beautiful execution, detailed design and well-preserved condition make this panel one of the most recognized and famous rock art sites in Utah.  The canyon is a visual text book of the many cultures and changes that took place in the canyons history.  You can discover prehistoric sites, Ghost towns of Utah’s early settlers, modern day ranches and current natural gas operations.

Before you visit Nine Mile Canyon we highly recommend visiting The College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum located in Price Utah.  The museum provides information and artifacts about the prehistoric people that once called this area home. The Nine Mile Canyon adventure begins in Wellington Utah at the Walkers Travel Center & Gas Station.  Located in the parking lot is the Nine Mile National Backcountry Orientation sign that provides information about the canyon.  The name “Nine Mile Canyon” is a little deceiving as the canyon is actually 70 miles long.  From the Wellington turn off to the furthest rock art site is approx 45.9 miles one way.  If you choose to continue through the canyon you will exit on US Highway 40 by Myton, Utah with a travel distance of approx 70 miles.

Most of your travel will be on well graded dirt roads and are passable by most family vehicles.  Once you leave Wellington there are no services so be sure you have a full tank of gas, food and plenty of water for your venture.  Once you began your trip several prehistoric sites will be found just off the road while others, including dwellings can be seen high up on the cliffs.  Having a pair of binoculars and a camera will help make most of your experience.

Camping:

The public lands in Nine Mile Canyon are closed to camping.  The Nine Mile Ranch provides the only campground in the area.  Phone:  435-637-2572

Day use / Picnic Areas:

Carbon County maintains a day use picnic area at Cottonwood Glen.  This site has toilets, a pavilion and tables.  Public toilets are also located at Daddy Canyon, near the mouth of Dry Canyon.  Neither of these sites has drinking water.

Large tracks of posted property are located in the canyon so please respect private property.  Help protect this canyons history by not touching the rock art and take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints.  Be aware you may encounter wildlife and livestock on the road.  Do your part to control dust and drive slowly.  Vehicles are only allowed on designated roads.  Cross country travel, including driving in wash bottoms is prohibited.

Nine Mile Canyon Maps:

Free information and maps are located at The College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum located in Price Utah.  Click here for the Nine Mile Canyon Self Guided Tour.

Other Points of Interest in the Canyon:

Great Hunt Panel

Harper Ghost Town

Driving Directions:

From Salt Lake City travel on I-15 south to Spanish Fork Utah.  Take the Manti/Price exit 258.  Travel on US Highway 6 to Price exit 240.  Continue through price to Wellington Utah approx 7.5 miles.

Balance Rock