Newspaper Rock

Site Overview

Located along the way to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, this densely packed petroglyph panel contains images representing possibly 1200 years of prehistory from the Anasazi (PII-PIII) to the Late Historic Ute. This site is administered by the Monticello Field Office of the BLM.

Getting There

Approximately 40 miles south of Moab, and approximately 14 miles north of Monticello, turn west off of Hwy 191 onto Highway 211 for about 9 miles. The paved road takes you to the site parking area.

What You Can See

Numerous petroglyphs pecked onto a dark patinated, slightly overhanging face. Well over 200 individual images are visible representing riders on horseback, animal pelts, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, a possible bear, bison, foot prints, shield figures, bowlegged anthropomorphs as well as many abstract linear designs. Sally Cole has written a very good, detailed description of this site (Legacy on Stone; 242-244).

Tips for Your Visit

This access to this site could not be easier. A paved road takes you right up to the site barrier. Top off your gas tank in either Moab or Monticello, depending on how you came in, and spend some time site-seeing. Indian Creek Canyon is a beautiful area and the road is driveable with a two-wheel drive vehicle for several miles further up the canyon. You can also continue on to the end of Hwy 211 to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park visitor center.