Nine Mile Canyon

Type: Out & Back
Rating: Intermediate
Length: Variable with several options
Notes: Remote area. Bring plenty of water.

THE RIDE: Nine Mile Canyon is considerably longer than its name suggests. This unique canyon extends more than 40 miles from the headwaters of Nine Mile Creek near Price to the Green River at the head of Desolation Canyon. This Canyon is an outdoor museum of sorts, being famous for its prehistoric Fremont Indian ruins, petroglyphs and pictographs. There are more of these sites concentrated in this area than anywhere else in the West. Please do not disturb any of these sites or panels as they are very fragile. To do so is a federal offense punishable by law.

Directions: The turnoff to Nine Mile Canyon is about 2 miles east of wellington on US 191/6 (Soldier Creek Road). From the turnoff, drive 20 miles on paved and graded dirt roads to the head of Nine Mile Canyon. Watch for rock art panels on the final 8-mile stretch beginning at the Minnie Maud Creek bridge. Park where Sheep Creek Canyon branches off from Nine Mile Canyon. From here there are several riding options. Novice riders will enjoy the 8-mile out and back tour up Sheep Canyon that features an outstanding petroglyph panel. Intermediate riders can park at Dry Canyon and start at the mummy rock formation and follow the road up Dry Canyon. Also enjoyable is riding the Nine Mile Canyon Road from any location along the road, devising your own itinerary along the way. This is a remote area and cyclists should be self sufficient.

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