In the morning we start with a short exploration of Vernal, the gateway to the Dinosaur NM. As such we are not that surprised to see the large scale dinosaur downtown but we are surprised at how he is dressed, it is quite funny.
Another attraction in downtown Vernal is the brick bank building. When it was built the post office had a flat rate for all parcels and because the cost of freight for shipping all bricks was prohibitive the builder decided the ship each brick individually by parcel. While they finished the bank it also led to changes in the postal service rules to ensure that no further buildings will be shipped through mail. We also stop to take pictures of a pioneer cemetery on the way, quite an interesting place.
Next we stop to watch a few geese and llamas on the way. Quite surprising to see the geese and we try to determine if they are domestic or no but cannot come to a decision.
Before the ranch we stop once more for a short hike and to find a cache in a nice looking side canyon where we even find a few petroglyphs before arriving at McConkie Ranch proper.
The claim to fame for McConkie Ranch is the huge number of petroglyphs on the rock faces on this private ranch that can be seen from the trails through the area. But the start already is quite weird with the parking lot surrounded by a wooden wall covered with antlers.
It takes a bit to find someone to pay for the entrance and then we are on our way. As the trail goes towards the cliffs we enjoy the nature, there are birds everywhere and likely also some of the many deers ,even though we don’t see them this time :).
The walk is quite scenic even without the petroglyphs but we are still happy when we get to the wall and start seeing the first petroglyphs.
We are not always sure what is ancient and what is new but the petroglyphs are quite interesting and unusual and we are looking forward to the next panels.
One of the more recognizable petroglyphs here is the one of two feet without any torso and head, is it intended to be comical or is there something else like the rest being eaten by cannibals?
There are also some well done drawings reminescent of Sego Canyon of shamans/spirits/aliens but they are not drawn in red color as in Sego Canyon. And of course we have the headhunter, the most famous petroglyph here, maybe that is where the head from the legs has gone?
There are also “friendly” petroglyphs where the figures are seemingly holding hands but who knows what the actual meaning is. And maybe holding hands was a bad thing during those times….
However by far the best drawings are high on a ledge at the end of the trail. We almost miss them though as we enjoy the other weird-ish petroglyphs all around, it is really quite a good petroglyph site.
They are done in color and arguably quite large given how well we can see them even from the bottom. We look at the details for some time especially at a dark red ghostly figure before returning to the car as we still have one more goal for the day, to get to Wyoming.
