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Ancient History
Dinosaurs | Prehistory | Archeological Sites
Dinosaurs left both skeletons and an equally intriguing reminder, their foot prints in what was once swampy mud, and is now sandstone. Although the tracks may be hard to spot, once you find them they provide the impetus for plenty of imaginative speculation. There are many fossil and dinosaur track sites near Moab, mostly on BLM administered public lands. These include the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, where fossils and petrified wood have been left in their natural settings. The trailhead is on a dirt road west off US 191, 13 miles north of Moab.
The Sauropod Dinosaur Track Site is the location of the first sauropod (five-toed herbivore) tracks ever reported in Utah. The site is 23 miles north of Moab on a dirt road branching east from US 191. Another site is reached via Potash Scenic Byway 279, which parallels the Colorado River. Three-toed Allosaurus tracks can be seen about 4.5 miles from the Byway's origin on US 191. There are no fences or guard rails at these sites, so you are the protector of this environment. It is illegal to remove dinosaur fossils from public lands without a permit.
Dinosaurs | Prehistory | Archeological Sites
Thousands of years ago, this region was populated by people whose livelihood was based on the harvesting of wild resources. Later, approximately 2,000 years ago, agriculture began to flourish. One group of agriculturalists, known as Anasazi people (or Ancient Ones) in the Four Corners area (generally where the four states of Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona meet), cultivated corn, beans and squash. Their diet continued to be supplemented by harvesting wild resources such as nuts, wild grasses, rabbits and deer.
During the same era, in the northern stretches of what is now the Moab/Green River area, there was another group of agriculturalists, the Fremont people, who also cultivated corn. The two cultures 'overlapped' across this region from A.D. 1 to A.D. 1275.
Beginning around 1200 A.D. both the Anasazi and Fremont begin leaving the area. Today, the Hopi, Zuni and some other Pueblo tribes, now living in New Mexico and Arizona, are thought to be the descendants of the Anasazi culture. The Fremont culture has no known link to any modern tribe.
The Ute Indians have been in southeastern Utah since the 1200's. This mobile hunting and gathering culture moved freely across eastern Utah and western Colorado until about 1880 when they were moved to reservation lands.
Dinosaurs | Prehistory | Archeological Sites
There are thousands of
reminders of these earlier residents. The area abounds with rock art, stone structures
such as dwellings, granaries (storage units) and kivas (ceremonial and community
structures). Less obvious evidence of earlier use patterns consists of temporary camp
sites, broken stone tools, pot shards and other implements.
The most plentiful and intriguing examples of prehistory in the Moab/Green River area are the many rock art sites on cliffs and boulders. Petroglyphs, are graphics 'pecked' or abraded into the rock, probably by using harder rocks as tools. Pictographs are representations painted on the rocks in one or more colors made from mineral pigments or plant dyes. Panels of both types, and panels which exhibit both styles are found in the area. Many sites are in remote locations, however, there are plenty that are accessible to passenger vehicles. A Rock Art Auto Tour brochure is available at the Moab Information Center in Moab and the John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River.
In the vicinity of Moab are several well known rock art panels. The Golf Course Rock Art site is near the Moab Golf Course. Here, an area approximately 30 by 90 feet is covered with human and animal figures. Along Kane Creek Boulevard at various sites there are panels showing human figures, some with headdresses, deer, bighorn sheep, snakes, bear paws and several abstract graphics. The Courthouse Wash site is located within Arches National Park. It is accessed from a parking lot off US 191 just north of the Colorado River bridge. A half mile hike leads to the panel which is almost 19 feet high and 52 feet long. It has both pictographs and petroglyphs with figures resembling humans, bighorn sheep, shields, scorpions, a large beaked bird, dogs, and abstract forms. On the Potash Scenic Byway 279 an 'Indian writing' interpretive sign at one site designates the spot where human figures lined up in a row like 'paper dolls', and horned human forms holding shields are located 25-30 feet up the sheer rock wall.
Historic Ute rock art is visible at the Wolfe Ranch in Arches National Park near the Delicate Arch trailhead. The panel depicts a classic hunting scene. Sego Canyon located north of the town of Thompson Springs along 1-70, shelters several panels attributed to several cultural groups. This BLM administered site has excellent interpretive signs.
The intriguing and plentiful structures, camps, and rock art left behind are among the few clues to the mysteries of an earlier time. Because these cultural sites are very fragile, when visiting them please always stay on established trails, and respect fences or guard railings. Do not climb or lean on the roofs or walls of ruins or enter cliff dwellings. In fact, it is best not to touch these ruins in any way. Particularly do not touch rock art. Oils on even the cleanest hands, over time, do irreparable damage. Making paper rubbings or tracings can also cause damage. Always camp, sleep and cook away from these sites. All remnants of prehistoric cultures including rock art, and artifacts on public and private land are protected by state and federal laws. It is never legal to 'take' any type of artifact from any site. Such safeguards are established to protect these irreplaceable resources. The BLM publishes a minimum impact guide to cultural resources which provides vital information for interpreting and protecting the remnants of these cultures. The guide is available at the Moab Information Center.
Leave historic sites, Native American rock art, ruins and artifacts untouched for the future. Admire rock art from a distance and never touch it. Stay out of ruins, leave artifacts in place, and report violations.
Dinosaurs | Prehistory | Archeological Sites
From the Grand County Travel Council "Southeastern Utah Travel Guide"
Index | Public Lands | Environment | Ancient History | Recreation & Outdoor Adventure | Sightseeing Attractions | Indoor Activities | Climate | Moab Services and Accommodations | For More Information
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