Is the Canyon nine miles long? | About the Canyon | How to make the most of your visit
How to Get There | Camping, Picnicking and Vehicle Use | Printable Brochure | Additional Links
Is the Canyon nine miles long?
No! It is forty miles long. There are several speculations as to how the Canyon arrived as it's name and we may never know for sure, but we do know that each mile you travel will open up an inspiring landscape and a treasure-trove of discovery.
About the Canyon
The Canyon has a deep and rich pre-history. We believe the Archaic people lived and thrived here about 8,000 years ago, and the Fremont about 2,500 years ago. Later, the Utes called the canyon home. Euroamerican fir traders and prospectors passed through, possibly as early as the 1800's, and Anglo settlers moved into the Canyon around 1886. The modern history of Nine Mile Canyon is well documented and quite diverse. A road constructed through the Canyon during 1886 brought freight trade through the canyon making is easier for the establishment of ranches, stagecoach stations, a telegraph line and regular mail service. It is a strikingly unique area, where the old is wonderfully blended with the new. Driving the Canyon in the spring you will undoubtedly need to stop and wait for cows with their newly born babies to amble across the road.
How to make the most of your visit
There are no services in the Canyon - you should have at least the following:
- A full tank of gas in you vehicle.
- Plenty of water and food.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Binoculars and a camera will help you make the most of the experience.
- Appropriate clothing, remembering the weather can change quickly.
- A litter bag - pack in in, pack it out.
A trip through Nine Mile Canyon is a journey through an outdoor museum. You will see prehistoric art, structures and artifacts spanning an 8,000-year time frame. Touching the artwork or climbing on structures is inappropriate here, just like any other museum.
How to Get There
From the south (Moab, Grand Junction, Price), the principal access route is eight miles east of Price, on Highway 6/191, turning north on 2200 East (Soldier Creek Road, at Walkers Food and Fuel Chevron Station). From the north (Vernal, Duchesne), access is via Highway 40/191, one mile west of Myton.
Camping, Picnicking and Vehicle Use
Public lands in Nine Mile Canyon are closed to camping. The Nine Mile Ranch provides the only campground in the canyon. It is a commercial facility, offering "bunk and breakfast," camping, and assistance with various recreational activities. The Nine Mile Ranch can be reached at (435) 637-2572.
Carbon County maintains a day use picnic area at Cottonwood Glen. This site has toilets, a pavilion and tables. There is no drinking water.
Be aware you may encounter wildlife and livestock on the road. Do your part to control dust and encourage safety by driving slowly. Vehicles are only allowed on designated roads. Cross country travel, including driving in wash bottoms is prohibited.
Also, be aware that large gas and timber trucks use the canyon roads. Drive cautiously and pull off the road when you top to view rock art or scenery.
Call the Castle Country Travel Council for the latest canyon conditions, (435) 637-3009.
For more information about Nine Mile Canyon you can visit these web sites:
Utah.com - Nine Mile Canyon
http://www.utah.com/playgrounds/nine_mile.htm
Max Bertola's Southern Utah - Nine Mile Canyon - Home of the Fremont
http://www.so-utah.com/price/ninemile/homepage.html
Nine Mile Canyon Guide and Information
http://www.climb-utah.com/Misc/ninemile.htm
Utah's Castle Country - Nine Mile Canyon
http://www.castlecountry.com/Nine-Mile-Canyon
Nine Mile Canyon Map and Guide
http://www.castlecountry.com/Free-Map