Newspaper Rock
Utah State Historic Site
In a relatively remote area of Utah’s Canyon Country, a beautiful piece of history remains as evidence of the people who called this area home anciently.
Accessible via Utah Highway 211, Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument is a large stone panel that has been covered with petroglyphs, rock carvings made around 2,000 years ago. There are over 650 designs visible on the rock face including what appear to be depictions of humans, buffalo, horses and past events.
Visitors to Newspaper Rock can appreciate the intricate detail left behind by these artists and imagine what life must have been like in the rugged landscape many years ago.
History of Newspaper Rock
According to our most reliable evidence, the first petroglyphs on Newspaper Rock were carved around 2000 years ago by people from the Navajo, Anasazi, Fremont, Pueblo, Anglo and Archaic cultures. In Navajo, this site is called “Tse’ Hone’”, which describes a rock that tells a story. In 1961, Newspaper Rock was declared a State Historical Monument in Utah.
Petroglyphs
While it is believed that the petroglyphs covering Newspaper Rock were left to tell a story or record pieces of history, there is no definitive interpretation available.
As one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the country, this is a popular site attracting the curiosity of many visitors.
Facilities in the Area
There is no cost to visit Newspaper Rock, and the area is quite rugged. No facilities are found on-site, except for a small parking area. A small picnic area can also be found nearby.
Getting to Newspaper Rock
Newspaper Rock is about a 30-minute drive from Monticello, UT. You'll head north from Monticello on US-191 and then turn left onto Utah Highway 211.
On the other side of the road across from the site is Indian Creek, which winds along the Indian Creek Scenic Byway.
Other Nearby Attractions
Canyonlands National Park
The largest national park in Utah is just a 20-mile drive away, continuing northwest on UT-211. If you're in the area, don't miss this beautiful stretch of rocky landscape in one of Utah's most remote wilderness regions. Who knows, you may even discover a mysterious monolith!
Nearby Lodging Options
