Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs are a relatively common sight in central Utah. Most have been attributed to the Fremont Civilization though different indigenous peoples have varying explanations of their origins and meanings. Probably the best known are those found in Ninemile Canyon and on Newspaper Rock in Canyonlands National Park. Over the years I have become acquainted with three lesser known sites which I would like to share in photos. Capitol Reef National Park contained an ancient Fremont village and was later settled by Mormon pioneers who turned it into the orchard growing community of Fruita. Here the Fremont River flows through a narrow valley where the Fremont People lived and raised crops. The walls of the valley are sandstone cliffs which provide a sheltered micro climate. In contrast, to the west the river flows through a narrow canyon and to the east the land is more open and exposed so both areas are more arid. Factory Butte east of Capitol Reef As was typi