(nr Wellington UT)
The Nine Mile Canyon National Backcountry Byway was actually 46 miles in length. I have wanted to see it for a long time. It is often promoted as the longest art gallery in the world, because of several petroglyph panels along the way.
There will be a rock art post to show those later. This report is to share some views while driving through the canyon. Expansive scenes, impressive rock formations, and tall rugged cliffs were everywhere.
Earliest inhabitants are believed to have been the Fremont culture, followed by other natives like Utes and Navajo, and then Anglos. Plus, ruins of some abandoned ranch structures, from the 1800s, illustrate the long history of the area.
Many side canyons provided variety, and opportunities for more exploration. I took a short hike into one, taking photos and looking for rock art. A couple of picnic areas with pit toilets provided places to rest.
One ranch had a small campground and cabins, which is the only option as dispersed camping is prohibited in the canyon. After a long day of exploration, I headed out for the next adventure.
Camp: BLM-McCoy Flat boondock
Scene: Mountains, cliffs, canyons, history
At least I had heard of this place before even though I never got close to it in my roaming. Thanks for the good report and pictures. Good luck with the heat.
It’s a pretty neat place to see if you’re ever in the area. I keep out of the heat as much as possible by camping at higher elevations. Currently rotating between 7,800ft to 8,400ft.
Nice photos, looking forward to the Rock Art…
Stay tuned… coming up next!