Unique Sites Utah’s Uintah Basin

Welcome to the last article in my series unique to Utah with the help of Atlas Obscura and my mom, who helped me get some pictures. For this piece, we’ll journey from the ancient past, through the Old West, and to the modern day. 

Nine Mile Canyon: According to Carbon.utah.gov, the 46-mile canyon is full of archaic Fremont and Ute rock art. Atlas Obscura says the site is protected under the Antiquities Act and the BLM wants people to leave only footprints and only take pictures so the area can stay protected and preserved. 

First Lady Dolls: In the Uintah County Heritage Museum. The collection of dolls was established in 1976 and is hand-crafted and stitched. The Uintah County Heritage Museum is at 155 East Main in Vernal.  

McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs: Are in Dry Fork Canyon just north of Vernal. The petroglyphs date from 1000-1200 AD and are examples of the Fremont People’s. 

Josie Morris Cabin: Josie Morris and her four siblings grew up in Brown’s Park. Josie’s family hosted many guests in their home, which instilled a sense of community. Sometimes these dinner guests included outlaws like Butch Cassidy. Unusual for the time, Josie married five times and divorced four. In 1913 she decided to homestead in Cub Creek where she built a cabin and lived on the homestead for over 50 years.