Once called the World's Longest Art Gallery, Nine Mile Canyon lives up to that nickname with over 40 miles of rock art, prehistoric village sites and historic areas. Located 20 miles northeast of Wellington, the early members of the Fremont Culture called this canyon home year round. They hunted and farmed and built pithouses on the precarious rock ledges. The canyon road itself has been used since prehistoric times, first as a trail for a trade route and then as a freight road. Ranchers and cattle barons built their farms near the ruins of the Fremont villages.
Many families still ranch in the canyon today.
While you can view the rock art and village sites from your car, one of the best ways to see the canyon is to bike. The main road and numerous side canyons offer wonderful views of the scenery and the culture. Camping is available at the Nine Mile Canyon Bunk and Breakfast and on some Bureau of Land Management land. The Cottonwood Glen day use area is perfect for picnicking and large group gatherings. Nestled high in the mountains of the Wasatch Plateau, Joe's Valley Reservoir offers year round excitement.