Nine Mile Canyon is an austere place with beautiful petroglyphs, art created by the Fremont Indians, who lived in the canyon about a thousand years ago, as well as artwork created by Ute Indians. This place is an opportunity for hikers looking to explore part of Utah and go back into history.
How to Get to Nine Mile Canyon From Salt Lake City, Utah
Nine Mile Canyon is located near Wellington, Utah. To get there, drive either north from I-70 on US highway 191/6 or east from Salt Lake City on U.S. 6. Turn off of the highway just south of Wellington onto Soldier Creek Road. This will take you to the opening of Nine Mile Canyon. The site is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management.
Things to Do in Nine Mile Canyon
The main attraction in Nine Mile Canyon is the petroglyphs. This ancient form of rock art can be found throughout the canyon, including many sites that are alongside the road, and accessible by walking trails. Other sites are along four-wheel drive roads that spur off from the main road. One can hike to these sites, or access them via a four-wheel drive vehicle or ATV.
There are also canyons that spur off of the main canyon that do not have four-wheel drive roads, and can make for pleasant hikes. One is Daddy Canyon, which has beautiful canyon walls with a dry creek bed. It’s entrance from Nine Mile Canyon has petroglyphs nearby, as well as a picnic area, pit toilets, and a corral for horses.
What to Bring To Nine Mile Canyon
- Lots of water, between 3-4 quarts per person.
- Day hiking clothes, such as lightweight pants or shorts and shirt.
- Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes.
- Sunhat
- Sun block
- Sunglasses
- Camera, for taking pictures of the petroglyphs.
- Daypack
- Rain Gear
- Insulating layers to stay warm.
- Hand sanitizer, for use at pit toilet facilities.
Environmental Impact in Nine Mile Canyon
When viewing the rock art, remember to be respectful of the resource and local environment. Do not touch the petroglyphs, paintings, or try to chip away a piece of the rock. According to the state of Utah's official website, the canyon is protected by the Antiquities Act. It prohibits visitors from removing or defacing these historic artifacts. Follow designated trails, and use the pit toilets when in need of a restroom.
Safety Considerations When Hiking in Nine Mile Canyon
When in the canyon, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. There is quite a bit of traffic on the main dirt road, including large vehicles from oil companies. Follow posted speed limits, and drive conservatively. Temperatures can vary from being hot in the daytime to cool in the evenings. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate layers for fluctuating weather conditions.
