Moore Cutoff & Rochester Creek

Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks
(Text and photos from a "Roads Less Traveled" brochure by Way Out Ideas.)

Moore Cutoff Road

This scenic and varied road is very well maintained. There are some very fine petroglyphs and a set of dinosaur tracks. There are also some wonderful vistas to enjoy!

The Moore Cutoff Road can be taken from two points I-70 or Highway 10. The first option meets I-70 EXIT 114. Or pick it up at the intersection of the Moore Cutoff road and Utah Highway 10, near milepost 22. The town of Ferron is just to the North, and the town of Emery is just to the south. Use these directions starting at the top if you begin the journey at I-70. Begin at the bottom and go to the top of the directions if you enter the road off of Highway 10.

Mile 21.6 Mile 0
The Moore Cutoff Road meets I-70 here at EXIT 114. There is a rest area here. The road is generally passable in all but the worst weather conditions.

Mile 21.6 Mile .5
There are great views of Eagle Canyon just East of the road.

Mile 14.3 Mile 7.3
The Red Ledges are South of here. There is also a slender arch along the edge of the cliffs.

Mile 7.6 Mile 14
At this point, as the road bends around a bluff, there are several boulders with Fremont Indian petroglyphs upon them. There are two especially nice snake petroglyphs here. Also, about 50 feet East of these boulders is a massive, sloping boulder with a long set of dinosaur tracks upon it. They are on the upper surface. The tracks are not very clear, but are a long series of regularly spaced rounded bumps. The cliffs at this point are called the "Molen Reef". There are more petroglyphs and large spherical concretions near here-ask a nearby information center for more information!

Mile 3.5 Mile 18.1
Paved intersection. You have reached the farming hamlet of Moore. At this point, those heading towards I-70 turn left, while those heading towards Utah Highway 10 turn right. Those that are interested in viewing the Rochester Creek petroglyph panel should head West at this intersection for 2 miles, where the Rochester Creek Panel road begins.

Mile 0 Mile 21.6
This is the intersection of the Moore Cutoff road and Utah Highway 10, near milepost 22. The town of Ferron is just to the North, and the town of Emery is just to the south.

Rochester Creek Rock Art Panel Access Road

This graded road leads to the fantastic Rochester Creek Petroglyph Panel. The road is only 5.5 miles one-way, followed by a fairly easy one-mile, round trip hike. Some rock art experts attribute the panel to the Fremont Culture, while others believe it was created by the Barrier Canyon Culture. In any case, it is one of the most interesting and varied rock art sites in the entire state. This should be a highlight of any trip to the Swell! To access this road, either approach it from the East via the Moore Cutoff Road (as detailed last section) or from Utah Highway 10, at milepost 16. If approaching from Highway 10, continue east for another .25 mile, where you will reach a graveled road, with a sign pointing the way to your destination. The road log begins at that Intersection.

Mile 0
Head south from this intersection.

Mile 2.0
Turn left on a graveled road.

Mile 3.6
The road forms a "Y" at this point. Go left, towards the radio tower.

Mile 4.8
At this intersection, go to the right, and up a small hill.

Mile 5.5
This is the trailhead for the Rochester Creek Rock Art Panel hike. The hike is fairly easy, with a trail to the rock art. There are some rocks that are embedded in the trail, so watch your footing, or you may trip yourself! The hike is .5 mile one way and is fine for anyone with good health. The panel is quite a treat! When finished, return the way you came.