Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument - Blanding, Utah

Address:Blanding, Utah
Tel: (435) 678-2238

The newspaper rock is one of the largest and best known petroglyph panels in Utah. Actually a massive sandstone, the rock contains the ancient writings and symbols of four different Native American cultures. Though the Fremont, Anasazi, Navajo, and Anglo recordings are not entirely understood by today's experts, art and history lovers alike will appreciate the incredible carved images of shamans, horses, and other ancient doodles. One can only guess who or what many of the haunting figures depicted here are, but the guesswork is half the fun. If ever nearby or in Moab or Monticello, be sure not to miss the chance to pop in and ponder the ancient mystery of the newspaper rock.

Newspaper Rock is a petroglyph panel etched in sandstone that records perhaps 2,000 years of human activity in the area. Etched into the desert varnish are symbols representing the Fremont, Anasazi, Navajo and Anglo cultures. The exact nature of these symbols' meaning is still not clearly understood. But they are typical of many sites throughout the U.S. in their use of universal symbols, be it graffiti or a true "newspaper," recording events of the times and earlier