Newspaper Rock

Moab is a decent-sized region of Utah that encompasses more than just the city itself. I consider Canyonlands to be in this region and sitting just outside of Canyonlands is Newspaper Rock.

Newspaper Rock, located outside the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, is a rock with a large display of petroglyphs. (Don’t forget that Canyonlands has three different sections.) These petroglyphs range in time from 1 c.e. all the way up to the 20th century. Each symbol represents many different Native American Cultures.  There are many different symbols such as bison, horned anthropomorphic figures, bear tracks, wheels, hunters, and many others!

You can park close to Newspaper Rock and walk right up to the rock which sits behind an iron rail. While the anthropology-major in me wishes I could’ve gotten closer to this incredible work of art, I am glad that there are restrictions since many people have vandalized this site in the past.

You can see multiple symbols like flying squirrels, bisons, fear feet and deer tracks. 

The ladder with hands ands at the top of it is an interesting petroglyph for sure. I also love the medicine wheels that you see throughout the gorgeous site! 

This bison was my favorite. It’s fantastic. Plus, I love bison.

Newspaper Rock is a bit of a drive and in the middle of nowhere, but it’s absolutely worth a visit if you’re in the Moab-region of Utah. You can really get a glimpse into the Native history of this absolutely stunning red-rock region.

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