Sego Canyon Rock Art
Discover ancient Native American rock art and a historic ghost town in the captivating Sego Canyon, Utah.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light illuminates art
Sego Canyon Rock Art
Best Time
Golden light illuminates art
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Native American rock art and a historic ghost town in the captivating Sego Canyon, Utah.
"Really cool, easy to view, and well worth the modest amount of time off the beaten path."
🚗 Easy Access
Just off I-70, follow signs for Thompson Springs. The ghost town is visible, then head into the canyon.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are a must, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Entrance to Sego Canyon
Wander through the remnants of a historic coal mining town, offering a glimpse into Utah's past.
Desert Solitude
Sego Canyon
Experience the peacefulness of the desert landscape, often with few other visitors, especially outside peak hours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ghost Town & Rock Art Combo
Timing is Key for Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access
Just off I-70, follow signs for Thompson Springs. The ghost town is visible, then head into the canyon.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are a must, especially during warmer months.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The canyon floor can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are best for exploring.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Visit near sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting on the rock art.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access
Just off I-70, follow signs for Thompson Springs. The ghost town is visible, then head into the canyon.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are a must, especially during warmer months.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The canyon floor can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are best for exploring.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Visit near sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting on the rock art.
🚫 Respect the Art
Do not touch or disturb the ancient petroglyphs and pictographs.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ 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.
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.
Absolutely! Sego Canyon is a great stop between I-70 and Moab, offering a unique historical and cultural experience off the main highway.
The closest town is Thompson Springs, Utah, which is right at the turn-off for Sego Canyon.
There is limited parking available near the ghost town and at the trailhead for the rock art. It can fill up during busy times.
🎫 🎫 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.
Sego Canyon is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
There is no official visitor center at Sego Canyon. Information is limited to signage and what you can find online or from local knowledge.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Sego Canyon features a mix of petroglyphs (carved) and pictographs (painted), including anthropomorphic figures, animals, and geometric shapes. 
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.
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.
The ghost town consists of several dilapidated buildings, including a schoolhouse and residences, offering a stark look at a bygone era of coal mining.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the ghost town offers unique photographic opportunities. Be cautious of unstable structures and respect any private property signs.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for Families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities. Ensure children understand the importance of not touching the ancient art. The open desert landscape also provides space for kids to explore safely, under supervision. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to make the experience more comfortable.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Day-Trip Essentials: Allocate 2-3 hours for a visit. Combine it with a stop at the ghost town and a walk to the main rock art panels. The proximity to Moab also makes it a perfect addition to a larger Utah itinerary. Remember to pack essentials like water and sun protection, as services are minimal.
📸 Photographers
Photography Tips: Experiment with different angles to showcase the scale of the petroglyphs and pictographs. The ghost town structures offer interesting foreground elements. Be patient for the best light and consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the canyon landscapes and a telephoto lens for details in the art.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of Sego Canyon's Rock Art
+3The art is spread across several panels within the canyon, with some dating back as far as 7,000 years. The vibrant colors of the pictographs, made from mineral pigments, and the intricate carvings of the petroglyphs have endured the harsh desert elements for millennia. It's crucial for visitors to remember that this is a sacred site, and any interaction with the art is strictly prohibited to preserve it for future generations.
While the exact meanings of the symbols and figures remain a subject of interpretation, they offer a profound connection to the past. The sheer artistry and the enduring presence of these ancient messages continue to draw visitors seeking a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural lives of the people who once inhabited this land.
Exploring the Sego Ghost Town
However, like many mining towns, Sego's prosperity was tied to the volatile coal market. As the demand for coal declined and mining operations became less viable, the town's population dwindled, and it was eventually abandoned. Today, visitors can wander among the weathered remnants of buildings, imagining the lives of the miners and their families who once called Sego home.
Exploring the ghost town offers a stark contrast to the ancient art found deeper in the canyon. It provides a tangible link to a more recent, yet equally significant, chapter of human history in the region. Remember to tread carefully and respect the historical integrity of the site.
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