What are Petroglyphs?

Petroglyphs are images carved or etched into rock surfaces, typically by ancient cultures. They can be found on rocks, cliffs, and cave walls, and often depict animals, humans, and abstract symbols. Petroglyphs are believed to have been created for various reasons, including religious or ceremonial purposes, hunting magic, or as a form of record keeping. They are considered an essential part of the cultural heritage of many indigenous peoples and are protected by law in many countries.

1987 Nine Mile Canyon Utah

In 1987 I had an opportunity to visit Nine Mile Canyon in Utah. Nine Mile Canyon is a canyon in the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in northeastern Utah. It is known for its rich history and cultural significance, with thousands of ancient rock art panels and petroglyphs telling the story of the Fremont and Ute people who once lived there. The canyon also features natural beauty and unique geology, making it a popular spot for hiking and camping. This location marks one of my last road trips in the state. By the end of the year, I had moved away. I captured these photos and more from 1986 to 1987. I developed these photos in 1988 in the state of Virginia.

Digitisation

These photos were taken on a point-and-shoot Pentax Pino 35M (lens: 38mm, f/3.8) using Kodak CL 200 5096 film.

The Pentax Pino 35M is a compact 35mm film camera that Pentax produced in the late 1980s. It is known for its sleek and stylish design and its easy-to-use controls and features.

The camera features a built-in flash, lens cover, and an easy-to-use film advance lever. It also has a built-in light meter, which helps ensure your photos are correctly exposed. The camera’s lens is a fixed 38 mm f/3.8 lens known for its sharpness and clarity.

The camera’s body is made of durable plastic and is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. It also features a wrist strap, which makes it easy to hold and carry with you on the go.

Overall, the Pentax Pino 35m is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact and stylish film camera that is easy to use and produces great-quality photos.

I scanned these negatives in 2022 with a Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI (affiliate link) scanner. With the power of Google, I found these photos’ locations based on an image search.

1987 Photos Near Balance Rock in Nine Mile Canyon

2022 October Utah Visit

I had an opportunity to visit several National Parks in Utah. This trip inspired me to determine the location of the 1987 photos. The weather in October was amazing and yielded some fantastic photos.

2022-10-17 Torrey Utah (Capitol Reef National Park)

Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah and is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs and rock formations. The park is named for a white sandstone formation that looks like the dome of a capitol building, and for a barrier reef that runs through the park.

The park covers over 96,561 hectares and is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by car, or by horseback. There are several hiking trails that lead to scenic vistas and natural wonders, such as the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s surface that is visible from many points in the park.

Capitol Reef also offers a number of historic sites, including the Fruita Rural Historic District, which features orchards and a one-room schoolhouse. The park also features a number of campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers.

The park is also popular for rock climbing, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to mule deer, golden eagles, and bighorn sheep, among other species. The park is also home to a number of native plants, including Joshua trees, yucca, and cacti.

Capitol Reef National Park is open year-round, although some roads and facilities may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice. Visitors should check with the park service for the most up-to-date information.

Capitol Reef Petroglyphs

Capitol Gorge Petroglyphs

Capitol Gorge Petroglyphs are a collection of ancient rock carvings found in Capitol Gorge, a narrow canyon located in Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, United States. The petroglyphs are believed to have been created by the Fremont people, a prehistoric culture that lived in the region between 600 and 1300 AD.

The petroglyphs are carved into the dark sandstone cliffs of the canyon and depict a variety of images, including animals such as deer, bighorn sheep, and snakes, as well as human figures and geometric designs. Some of the petroglyphs are large and detailed, while others are smaller and more simple in design.

The petroglyphs at Capitol Gorge are considered to be some of the most well-preserved and easily accessible examples of Fremont rock art in the region. Visitors to the park can hike the Capitol Gorge Trail to view the petroglyphs, which is a 2.8-mile round-trip hike along the floor of the canyon. The trail offers an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the canyon while also learning about the history and culture of the Fremont people.

Due to their historic and cultural significance, the Capitol Gorge Petroglyphs are protected and preserved by the National Park Service. Visitors are asked to respect the petroglyphs and not touch or damage them in any way.