Newspaper Rock

Issue #035 - Canyonlands National Park, Utah

This panel is covered with hundreds of petroglyphs chipped through the dark surface on the large inclined rock panel. Ancient designs etched onto this panel have been joined with more recent designs of men on horseback. The most recent additions are a few hundred years old. Near the top, there is an image of a large circular wheel with spokes. It looks quite modern. Hunting scenes include long horned antelope and even a bison near the edge of the panel. There are human figures, with and without ceremonial dress.

Here is a work of art you can photograph and sell without worrying about releases or copyright problems. Use a polarizer to cut through the glare reflecting from the slick surface and you will increase the contrast of your photographs. In this location, my 75-300mm zoom was very useful and allowed me to frame just the images I wanted to include.

​The turn onto the Needles Highway, State Route 211, is found between mile post 86 and 87 on Highway 191. A few miles west, at the bottom of a long steep grade, the canyon narrows along Indian Creek. On your left are some campsites and on the right side of the road is Newspaper Rock – one of the finest panels of petroglyphs you will find anywhere. It is located between mile posts 8 and 7 on Route 211.