Nine Mile Canyon’s 50-Mile Road Through Petroglyphs Is Utah’s Most Underrated Drive

Utah’s Nine Mile Canyon, located in central Utah, approximately three hours from Salt Lake City, is a 46-mile scenic trail that’s lovingly referred to as “the world’s longest outdoor art gallery.” Here, visitors can drive the entire route (or part of it) and marvel at ancient petroglyphs while learning about human history in an immersive, educational, and enthralling setting. This natural landmark features impressively well-preserved examples of Native American artwork and the remains of dwellings that have stood untouched for centuries. 

It feels like exploring the best of both worlds in a scenic drive and scavenger hunt. The canyon’s isolated location has protected it from human interference, and the dry climate of Utah has safeguarded the integrity of the drawings. This destination is “off the beaten path” and should be explored responsibly, with adequate planning, for maximum enjoyment. 

How to prepare for the journey

Visitors should be aware that there’s no cell service and no formal services available of any kind, such as convenience stores or serviced campsites. But you can enhance the trail exploration experience by downloading an official audio guide sponsored by the Carbon County Office of Tourism, here. 

Visitors can expect to spend approximately six hours exploring the site fully. But you must come prepared with your own provisions. This includes bringing enough water for a hot trek, and driving out with a full tank of gas (the length of the road through the canyon is 50 miles!). 

Also, visitors should be aware that Nine-Mile Canyon is protected by the “Antiquities Act,” which states that a person may not "appropriate", excavate, injure, or destroy any historic or prehistoric ruins or dwellings or other structures. The Leave No Trace principles dictate visitors should enjoy their time in the canyon, but "take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints."

Along the 46-mile-long road, there are multiple marked stops with pullouts and a couple of picnic areas to break up the drive and get some steps in, along the trail. Much of the rock art can be seen from the roadside pullouts, and there are a few sites you have to walk to via a short trek, such as via Daddy Canyon and Owl Panel Loop. 

The history of the artworks and how to best explore them

The rock art in Nine Mile Canyon was created by the Archaic, Fremont, and Ute People. The Fremont People lived in the area around 1,000 AD, and the Utes inhabited the land during the last few hundred years. Across the way, there are over 1,000 rock art panels and 10,000-plus images to admire. We recommend bringing binoculars to get a clearer view of the pictures—and don’t forget your camera, as you’ll want to take photos of the displays! 

Some of the most interesting stops and displays along the drive include “Coyote Placing the Stars,” which is located high in the middle of the rock and can be best seen with binoculars. It’s said that this petroglyph is named after Native American legends that claim the coyote god placed the stars in the Milky Way, which gave us the constellations. At Owl Panel, via the short hike, Owl Panel Loop, you’ll see a large owl with frantic eyes as well as some smaller owls, a bear paw, a bear, and a handprint, among other drawings. 

At the Daddy Canyon Complex, you’ll find one of the picnic table areas as well as a restroom. Here, the short but sweet Daddy Canyon hiking loop begins. Finally, there’s “The Great Hunt,” which is perhaps one of the most famous petroglyph drawings. You’ll spy four hunters together, and a shaman figure looking over a hunt for bighorn sheep.

Nine Mile Canyon’s 46 Miles Trail of Petroglyphs Showcases History in an Immersive Way

This somewhat hidden gem of a trail in Utah is an excellent place to explore and learn about Native American history firsthand. The drawings have been well-preserved throughout time due to the region’s dry and somewhat desolate land. It’s a great spot to explore for those seeking a unique yet safe and fun adventure off the well-trafficked path. 

Hiking lovers in Utah can't miss planning a trip to this epic slot canyon hike inside the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is roughly 6 hours Northeast, across the state. There are dozens of trails to explore across the Beehive State, including these 11 Amazing Utah Hikes Under 3 Miles, featuring gorgeous views.