Roadside Attraction Newspaper Rock
Indian Creek
Overview
Fri 53 | 30 |
Sat 54 | 33 |
Sun 50 | 38 |
Mon 44 | 32 |
Tue 44 | 33 |
View Full Weather Details |
Fri 53 | 30 |
Sat 54 | 33 |
Sun 50 | 38 |
Mon 44 | 32 |
Tue 44 | 33 |
View Full Weather Details |
Newspaper Rock, at the entrance to Indian Creek, is a fantastic glimpse into ancient cultures. The rock has petroglyphs dating back about 2000 years, to B.C. times. The panel is a mix of Navajo, Anasazi, and Fremont Indian creation, as well as (unfortunately) a bit of the vandalism of modern man.For the most part, however, they are impeccably preserved and fascinating to visit. This short side trip is highly recommended if passing between Monticello and Moab, and easily enjoyed by all. It goes without saying, but do not touch, or otherwise vandalize the petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are protected under federal law.
The trailhead does not allow camping but does provide a pit toilet.Great primitive camping is available further down the road in Indian Creek proper. This is a crack climbers paradise, so expect to see many climbers on the cliffs along the road during cooler seasons. Seemingly due to it's orientation, the sunsets in Indian Creek are, arguably, some of the best around and not to be missed.
If camping is full, Hamburger Rock, about 20 miles from the highway on the right, generally is less crowded. The road is signed the Lockhart Road, and the camping area is a short distance from the main road.
Getting There
About 20 miles north of Monticello (or 40 miles south of Moab), just after mile post 86, turn west on the signed Canyonlands Road. Follow this road 12.3 miles to the well signed Newpaper Rock pullout on the right.
Route
Rock art and historic sites are fragile, non-renewable cultural resources that, once damaged, can never be replaced. To ensure they are protected, please:
- Avoid Touching the Petroglyphs: Look and observe, BUT DO NOT TOUCH!
- Stay on the Trails: Stay on the most used trails when visiting sites, and don't create new trails or trample vegetation.
- Photography and Sketching is Allowed: Do not introduce any foreign substance to enhance the carved and pecked images for photographic or drawing purposes. Altering, defacing, or damaging the petroglyphs is against the law -- even if the damage is unintentional.
- Pets: Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
- Artifacts: If you happen to come across sherds (broken pottery) or lithics (flakes of stone tools), leave them where you see them. Once they are moved or removed, a piece of the past is forever lost.
The panel is visible from the parking area.
Maps
Trailhead |
12S 630121mE 4205567mN N37° 59' 18" W109° 31' 06" |