Preserving History at McConkie Ranch: An Archaeology Grant Initiative

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Vernal, Utah, McConkie Ranch is home to one of North America’s most significant collections of petroglyphs. These pre-contact rock engravings provide a fascinating window into the ancient world, drawing visitors from all over to appreciate the unique, timeless artistry and cultural heritage they represent. The ranch sees thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at these incredible cultural resources. In 2023 alone over 5,000 people visited McConkie Ranch, attesting to its importance as both a local treasure and an international archaeological marvel.

To support preservation of this site and provide education about the site to the public, the ranch owners partnered with SHPO’s Archaeology Grant and received a 50/50 match grant for a $32,000 project aimed at protecting the petroglyphs for future generations and enhancing visitor education.

A key part of the project was focused on helping visitors understand the cultural and historical significance of the petroglyphs. With funding from the grant, the ranch owners worked with archaeologists from SWCA to develop a range of educational materials. These included a walking tour brochure and informative signage along the trails, which educate visitors about the rock imagery and the people who created it. For those unable to make the trip to McConkie Ranch, a new website has extended this educational mission online, bringing the petroglyphs and their story to a global audience.

Protecting a Fragile Legacy

While educating visitors is essential, preserving these delicate petroglyphs is equally important. The grant enabled the land owners to implement crucial measures for the protection of the rock art. This includes reinforcing fencing along the trails, installing etiquette signs that outline visitation guidelines, and introducing an online reservation system to control the number of visitors on the trail at any given time. These steps protect the petroglyphs and improve visitor experience by creating a less crowded and more respectful environment. Through preserving this site the Archaeology Grant is helping ensure that all Utahns—now and in the future—can explore and appreciate the state’s unique ancient heritage.

A Grantee’s Perspective

The land owners shared their gratitude for the grant and the support provided by the Archaeology Grant program. They noted, “[w]e have had concerns about the protection of the site for quite a few years and wanted to make changes but lacked the resources. We heard about the grant, and the 50/50 match seemed like a good fit for our situation…We are now nearing the completion of our project, and we’re so thankful for the resources we’ve received to continue protecting our site.”

Supporting Utah’s Shared Heritage and Looking to the Future

McConkie Ranch is a testament to Utah’s rich archaeological heritage and this project is an excellent example of how private landowners, with the help of grants and community support, can safeguard our shared history. By educating the public about the rock imagery and fortifying preservation efforts, the land owners are ensuring that the stories etched in stone at McConkie Ranch will be accessible and protected for generations of Utahns to come. Using the Archaeology Grant to invest in these projects means that Utah is safeguarding its past, enriching its present, and inspiring a future where more people understand and appreciate the incredible legacy within their own state.

Whether you’re planning a visit to McConkie Ranch or exploring it virtually through the new website, this remarkable site invites everyone to experience the enduring legacy of Utah’s ancient rock art and the power of community-driven preservation.

Interested in applying for the Archaeology Grant?

Do you have archaeological sites on your private land? Would you like to learn more about the history of your land? Find details about the archaeology grant on our webpage located here, or contact our grant administrator with any questions you may have about this opportunity.