Newspaper Rock

Newspaper Rock archaeological site is a point of interest definitely worth sharing. If you are venturing into the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, do not miss this stop. Luckily, it is on the way to Canyonlands and about as convenient as can be with the ability to park and be right there to see it.

To me, petroglyphs and pictographs are mysterious and I love seeing them. Petroglyphs, like these in particular, are carvings in the rock. Pictographs are created using natural pigments that are painted on to create the art. No one knows for sure what these images mean. Are they recording history? Telling a story? Honoring or memorializing someone or something? 

Newspaper Rock is covered in petroglyphs that are said to have been inscribed over the course of 2,000 years, from a range of B.C. to approximately A.D. There are people, animals, footprints, and more. 

Difficulty: Easy.

Trail Stats: Several feet from the parking lot.

Trail Finding: Not applicable.

Conditions: You get out of your vehicle and look at it, not much more to have to think about.

Would I Repeat This: Yes!

Parking: Parking available.

Timing: No major considerations.

Downloaded Map: Not necessary.

Fees: None.

Trails: Pothole Point, Big Spring Canyon Overlook, Slickrock Foot Trail, Roadside Ruin, Chesler Park, and more!