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Sego Canyon Rock Art

4.7
Β·34 reviewsΒ·Thompson Springs, United States

Discover ancient Native American rock art and a historic ghost town in the captivating Sego Canyon, Utah.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden light illuminates art

CrowdLow
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Sego Canyon Rock Art - Image 1

Sego Canyon Rock Art

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden light illuminates art

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient Native American rock art and a historic ghost town in the captivating Sego Canyon, Utah.

4.7
(34 reviews)

"Really cool, easy to view, and well worth the modest amount of time off the beaten path."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Easy Access

Just off I-70, follow signs for Thompson Springs. The ghost town is visible, then head into the canyon.

β˜€οΈ Sun Protection Essential

Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are a must, especially during warmer months.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 Β· 38 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Petroglyphs & Pictographs

Ancient Petroglyphs & Pictographs

Sego Canyon

Marvel at mysterious, ancient rock art, including human-like figures and animal depictions, etched and painted onto canyon walls.

Sego Ghost Town

Sego Ghost Town

Entrance to Sego Canyon

Wander through the remnants of a historic coal mining town, offering a glimpse into Utah's past.

Desert Solitude

Desert Solitude

Sego Canyon

Experience the peacefulness of the desert landscape, often with few other visitors, especially outside peak hours.

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Planning Your Visit

Ghost Town & Rock Art Combo

Sego Canyon offers a unique dual experience: explore a historic ghost town and then hike into a canyon to discover ancient Native American rock art. Plan for a few hours to fully appreciate both.

Timing is Key for Viewing

The best light for viewing the Sego Canyon rock art is often during sunrise or sunset, which can also mean fewer crowds. Be mindful of the desert sun and bring plenty of water.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden light illuminates art
Crowd
Low
When
Mid-day
Why
Avoids harsh sun glare
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sego Canyon, located near Interstate 70 in Utah, is a captivating site renowned for its remarkable combination of ancient rock art and a well-preserved ghost town. The canyon boasts an extensive array of petroglyphs and pictographs, offering insight into the artistic expressions of Native American cultures. Additionally, the ghost town within the canyon provides a glimpse into the area's history a...
cactusatlas
490 likes β€’ 13.8K views

πŸš— Easy Access

Just off I-70, follow signs for Thompson Springs. The ghost town is visible, then head into the canyon. Reddit

β˜€οΈ Sun Protection Essential

Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are a must, especially during warmer months. Reddit

The haunting rock art of Sego Canyon, Utah, painted by Native Americans 4,000 to 7,000 years ago, strangely resembles aliens. 🎬 Via: TT @juleswanderstheworld ( Plz DM for credits or removal ) ============= πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘¦β€πŸ‘¦ 🎯 Share with a friend​​​​​​​​ πŸ’Ύ Save​​​​​​​​ πŸ‘Like πŸ›Ž Turn Post Notification On * Check our page for more cool photos πŸ’― πŸ‘‰ Get gifts by the link attached in the bio ❀️. Thank you s...
nativeamerican__tribes
32 likes β€’ 330 views
Otherworldly beings? This ancient art in Sego Canyon, Utah is mysterious, powerful, and beautiful. #pictographs #barriercanyon #segorockart #petroglyphs #ancientart #art #rockart #ancient #nativeamericanart #segocanyon #sego #utah #desert #otherworldly
morganbstudio
24 likes β€’ 539 views

πŸ‘Ÿ Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The canyon floor can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are best for exploring. Reddit

πŸ“Έ Best Light for Photos

Visit near sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting on the rock art. Instagram

#The haunting rock art of Sego Canyon in Utah, carved and painted by ancient peoples over a span of thousands of years, has stirred endless fascination and debate. Towering anthropomorphic figures with hollow eyes, elongated bodies, and intricate adornments dominate the sandstone walls, their ghostly forms unlike anything typically associated with hunting scenes or daily life. Dating as far back a...
alarmclock04
21 likes β€’ 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Easy Access

Just off I-70, follow signs for Thompson Springs. The ghost town is visible, then head into the canyon. Reddit

β˜€οΈ Sun Protection Essential

Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are a must, especially during warmer months. Reddit

πŸ‘Ÿ Sturdy Footwear Recommended

The canyon floor can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are best for exploring. Reddit

πŸ“Έ Best Light for Photos

Visit near sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting on the rock art. Instagram

🚫 Respect the Art

Do not touch or disturb the ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(34 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Sego Canyon for its unique combination of a historic ghost town and ancient rock art, often finding solitude and breathtaking desert scenery. The easy accessibility and the profound sense of history make it a highly recommended stop for those traveling through the area.

"Nice little stop on the way to Moab. Drive through the ghost town and head off into a canyon where you'll find petroglyphs and solitude. There were only two other pairs there and they left while we were there so we had the canyon to ourselves. We followed the little stream, just make sure your dog doesn't drink from it like mine....snuck a small drink and he threw up after but was then fine."

Shauna B.

"Really beautiful spot for petroglyphs and pictographs. We arrived near sunset, so many were in full display on the fiery cliffs. Run, don’t walk, to this lovely canyon!"

David Sidwell

"Very easy to find. Just stay on the main road thru Thompson Springs. Really cool, easy to view, and well worth the modest amount of time off the beaten path. We stopped upon reaching the private property sign."

Todd I

What People Like

Fascinating rock art
Historic ghost town
Peaceful solitude

What People Dislike

Limited facilities
Dog water concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Take exit 182 for UT-128 S towards Moab, then turn right onto UT-24 E/US-6 E. Continue to Thompson Springs and follow signs for Sego Canyon. The drive is scenic and relatively easy. Reddit

Yes, you can drive through the ghost town and into the beginning of Sego Canyon. The road can be rougher further in, but the main rock art panels are accessible with most vehicles. Reddit

Absolutely! Sego Canyon is a great stop between I-70 and Moab, offering a unique historical and cultural experience off the main highway. Reddit

The closest town is Thompson Springs, Utah, which is right at the turn-off for Sego Canyon. Reddit

There is limited parking available near the ghost town and at the trailhead for the rock art. It can fill up during busy times. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sego Canyon Rock Art is a free public site. There are no admission fees to visit the ghost town or view the rock art. Reddit

Sego Canyon is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. Reddit

There is no official visitor center at Sego Canyon. Information is limited to signage and what you can find online or from local knowledge. Reddit

Dispersed camping is generally allowed on BLM land in the surrounding areas, but check local regulations. There are no designated campgrounds within Sego Canyon itself. Reddit

The main restriction is to respect the historical and cultural significance of the site. Do not touch, deface, or remove any of the rock art or historical structures. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the ghost town in about 30 minutes, and exploring the main rock art panels can take another 1-2 hours, depending on how far you hike. Reddit

Sego Canyon features a mix of petroglyphs (carved) and pictographs (painted), including anthropomorphic figures, animals, and geometric shapes. Instagram+1

The hike is generally considered easy to moderate. The main panels are relatively close to the canyon entrance, but exploring further can involve uneven terrain. Reddit

Dogs are generally allowed, but must be kept on a leash. Be aware of the desert environment and ensure your dog doesn't drink from natural water sources, which can be contaminated. Reddit

The ghost town consists of several dilapidated buildings, including a schoolhouse and residences, offering a stark look at a bygone era of coal mining. Instagram

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The best light for photography is during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, which can highlight the textures and colors of the rock art. Instagram

Tripods are generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and the fragile environment. Avoid setting up in a way that could damage the landscape. Instagram

Use a moderate aperture for good depth of field and a shutter speed that avoids blur. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the sandstone. Instagram

Yes, the ghost town offers unique photographic opportunities. Be cautious of unstable structures and respect any private property signs. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to federal and local regulations. Check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for current rules regarding drone operation in the area. Instagram

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