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Newspaper Rock

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Since 1946, the Bureau of Land Management has managed over 10% of the nation's land, including millions of mineral acres beneath the ground. Its continuing mission is to maintain public lands for the enjoyment of the public and for future generations. Newspaper Rock is a historic site that displays a large rock panel covered by petroglyphs that extend back 1,500 years to when the Pueblo peoples inhabited the region. Lighter-colored sections of Newspaper Rock are more modern, some created by Ute people still living in the area. This rock panel is not the only draw for people in the area, as many visitors enjoy exploring the 520-square mile Canyonlands National Park located west of here on Utah State Route 211. You are also close to the Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. In addition, you will find plenty of outdoor biking, camping, hiking, and wide-open highways for scenic drives nearby to keep you busy when you finish visiting this day-use site.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Lloyd's Lake Loop

This trail surrounds its namesake lake in Monticello. It offers a 213-foot elevation change and may encounter occasional birders, joggers, or people running with their dogs. Length: 2.3-mile loop Intensity: Easy

Joint Trail

This nearby trail sits west of Newspaper Rock. Hikers can enjoy a 467-foot elevation gain without pushing extremely hard. Length: 4.0-mile out-and-back Intensity: Moderate

Harvest Scene

Those up for it can challenge themselves with a 1,663-foot elevation gain, but it offers plenty of solitude. You will have to leave your canine friends behind for this one, but it does provide scenic views that make it popular. Length: 9.3-mile loop Intensity: Hard

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

The US Forest Service manages the Monticello Lake Fishing Site, where the DWR stocks the waters with rainbow and tiger trout. For another option head to Lloyd's Lake, which is a small body of water only two miles outside Monticello and is stocked with rainbow trout. If you're looking for a place to launch small watercraft, try Recapture Reservoir south of Monticello. Fish species include black bullhead, green sunfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike.

ClimbingClimbing

The Indian Creek Climbing Area is west of Newspaper Rock, offering several cracks on the Windgate sandstone worth exploring. Bring 70 meters of rope for these long traditional routes and expect some company as it gets busy. That includes routes on the Supercrack Buttress.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Canyonlands National Park offers ideal nearby wildlife viewing opportunities. Several species of native and migratory birds frequent the area, including juncos, turkey vultures, white-crowned sparrows, and white-throated swifts. The region's desert climate favors smaller mammals due to the water conditions, so you have plenty of opportunities to see cottontails and blacktail rabbits, bobcats, foxes, kangaroos and woodrats, and skunks. Bighorn sheep and mountain lions live in the area but are harder to spot.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

Newspaper Rock is a day-use facility that does not offer camping options. There are RV-friendly camping areas in nearby Monticello, including Mountain View RV Park & Campground. These facilities can handle large motorhomes and provide full RV hookups. If you are looking for RV camping with fewer amenities, try the Superbowl Group Site further west of Newspaper Rock on Utah State Route 211. It has sites that are perfect for large groups between 10 and 30 people. Creek Pasture Campground is farther west on Utah 211, providing 32 first-come-first-served spaces, vaulted toilets, and fire rings.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Most BLM lands, unless otherwise posted, are open for dispersed camping if it does not disturb natural resources, negatively affect wildlife, or interfere with other authorized uses. You can camp on public lands for up to 14 days within 28 days. You will find plenty of pull-offs along Utah State Route 211, but the narrow width of the canyon makes these less-than-ideal spots. If you cannot find a parking space for the night along this route that fits your rig, head south on US Route 191 and look for any pre-existing sites along Utah State Route 95 or Recapture Reservoir.

RV Rentals Near Newspaper Rock Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Newspaper Rock BLM trip

The climate around Newspaper Rock offers four distinct seasons, most notable in the temperature fluctuations. Be prepared for sizzling summer days that can reach well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and winter nights that can drop to 15 degrees in January. Utah State Route 211 does see traffic going to and from Canyonlands National Park, but you will want to pack extra water and food for emergencies. The canyon is narrow in this section of the highway, and flash floods closed the nearby campsite in 2006. Keep this in mind if you visit during the Monsoon season between the second half of July through the first part of September. It is a day-use site that does not offer overnight camping. You will find paved parking here, and it has pull-through spaces for larger motorhomes and big rigs. The only amenities at Newspaper Rock are toilets, but you will find a picnic area across the roadway. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

When you practice "Leaving No Trace" on BLM lands, you help to preserve these natural settings for other visitors, including future generations. The Bureau of Land Management strives to keep areas under its care clean and sustainable. Follow the rules and restrictions enforced by the BLM and other agencies. Clean your campsite and other places you visit, pack out trash, and dispose of waste properly. Avoid disturbing or taking natural objects; allow others to enjoy them as you have.

Leave No Trace
Location

Newspaper Rock Location

The Newspaper Rock address is: Utah State Route 211, Monticello, UT 84535 From Monticello, drive north on US Route 191 until you reach the eastern terminus of Utah 211. Then, turn left and proceed west for 13 miles. If traveling from La Sal or Spanish Valley, take US Route 191 south until you reach Utah 211, where you can take a right and follow the road for the same distance. Several signs can direct you to the exact spot on Utah 211, where the panel lies off to the right. Ready to visit Newspaper Rock? An RV rental is a wonderful way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night to enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.

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