Daddy Canyon Recreation Site ~ 9 Mile Canyon

Flickr album link: Daddy Canyon Recreation Site

Nine Mile Canyon definitely is way out in the middle of nowhere, so be sure to opt for a reliable vehicle and stock up on emergency supplies. There are a few ways to get to this destination through the Book Cliffs and the travel route from the opposite direction starting from Myton, Utah is a comparitively fairly smooth ride. A high ground clearance vehicle is recommended for this trip, especially for the dirt roads through the mountainous Book Cliffs region. No camping is allowed in Nine Mile Canyon, but there is a recreation site that offers ample parking with basic facilities. The roadside signage for the Daddy Canyon Recreation Site is easy to spot and this is where the trailhead by the same name is found.

The Daddy Canyon Trail is a fairly easy one mile loop that goes through one of the most picturesque high desert canyon landscapes on earth. Better still, vivid ancient rock art can be viewed nearly every step of the way and the hiking experience quickly becomes a spiritual journey. The views of the towering golden canyon walls and hoodoo rock formations impart a convincing impression that this area is an ancient sacred place. Hours upon hours can be spent interpreting the inscriptions that were etched long ago, so be sure to pack plenty of water for this short, yet time consuming trail. Many people describe this ancient sacred place as the longest art gallery in the west and all it takes is one look to see that this unique canyon offers an experience that is both philosophical and spiritual in nature!

*It is important to note that there are social responsibilities to keep in mind when visiting native heritage rock art locations. First of all, the ancient rock art is strictly for the eyes only and it is illegal to touch or deface the inscriptions. Reporting suspicious activity or vandalism to the local or federal authorities is required for all visitors. Many native sacred places are protected with surveillance devices that make it easy to convict offenders, yet socially responsible observers are the best protection of all. It pays to keep an eye on what other visitors are doing and report any strange activity after getting back to civilization. Stealthily taking a few photos can provide necessary evidence. Unfortunately this disclaimer has to be stated, because vandalism by extremists has been on the rise in recent years.
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