"Newspaper Rock is a petroglyph panel etched in sandstone that records perhaps 2,000 years of human activity in the area. Etched into the desert varnish are symbols' representing the Fremont, Anasazi, Navajo and Anglo cultures. The exact nature of these symbols meaning is still not clearly understood. But they are typical of many sites throughout the U.S. in their use of universal symbols, be it graffiti or a true "newspaper," recording events of the times and earlier." https://www.desertusa.com/newut/du_newut_vvc.html
Southeast Utah has lots more to offer besides Monument Valley on the Arizona border and Arches National Park near Moab, UT. Ride 25 miles south of Moab on US 191 and you'll find Wilson Arch, a natural sandstone arch with a span of 91 feet and height of 46 feet, visible from the road to the east. There are turnouts for parking. Further south, Utah hwy 211 takes you to the Newspaper Rock petroglyph shown above.
Or click this link for a 360 degree view of Wilson Arch at http://www.naturalarches.org/panoramas/UTwilsonarch.html
"The Needles district is named for the Cedar Mesa sandstone spires that jut up from the landscape. Located in the southwest section of Canyonlands National Park ... The Needles district can be accessed from towns along Highway 191 by heading west on Highway 211 to the Visitor Center, which is open year-round. From there, a scenic road winds through a section of the Needles to Big Spring Canyon Overlook for an expansive view. Stops along the way include Roadside Ruin, Cave Spring, Pothole Point, and Slickrock Trail. Short interpretive trails at these stops are a great way to experience the park for visitors with only an hour or two to explore."
"There are three small campgrounds in the Needles district to accommodate overnight visitors: Squaw Flat, Wooden Shoe, and Split Top. Squaw Flat Campground is the largest, with 26 sites, bathrooms, grills, picnic tables, tent and RV pads. Campgrounds fill fast from March to October, and reservations are required for large groups."
http://www.utahscanyoncountry.com/utah-canyonlands.html
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
"Visit Edge of the Cedars Pueblo, a village inhabited by the ancestors of contemporary Puebloan peoples from AD 825 to 1125, and climb down a ladder to enter the 1,000-year-old kiva. View the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery on display in the Four Corners area. Enjoy programs for adults and children, including archaeology and art exhibitions. Our goal is to inspire and educate museum visitors about the prehistoric and contemporary American Indian cultures of the Four Corners region." https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/edge-of-the-cedars/discover/
Camping is available along US 291- Devils Canyon: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/devils-canyon/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70568
For more scenic byways in Utah's canyon country: http://www.utahscanyoncountry.com/utah-byways.html
