Archaeologist Speaks on Utah’s Nine Mile Canyon

A man lectures in a classroom with a projector showing a portrait. Audience listens, seated at desks.

For our lunch hour the CRATE team decided to go up to the University of Utah and listen to Jerry Spangler, professional archaeologist, Director of the Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance, and expert on Utah’s Nine Mile Canyon. Spangler’s presentation “Nine Mile Canyon: The Archaeological History of an American Treasure” is named after his new book which chronicles the history of archaeological research in the area dating back to 1890.


For those unfamiliar with the area. Our Desolation Canyon river trip on the Green River originates at Sand Wash. Just below Sand Wash on river right Nine Mile or Minnie Maud Creek joins the Green River. This Nine Mile Canyon is known as the “world’s longest art gallery”, and it is believed to be home to one of the most concentrated areas of Rock Art in the United States.


From the presentation we learned that 9-mile canyon is actually 45 miles long and John Wesley Powell had actually named Rock Creek, further downstream in Desolation Canyon, 9-Mile Canyon because he had spent some time mapping there. Unfortunately somewhere along the way Powell’s map has been misinterpreted.


In addition to the wonderful photos of the archaeology of the area Spangler gave a very interesting history of the archaeologists who have worked in the area. Colorado River & Trail Expeditions is really excited because we have a Desolation Canyon Archaeology Rafting Expedition slated for June 1-8, 2014 and Spangler or one of his crew has agreed to join us on the trip and talk about the area and show us some of the sites they have found.


For more information about CRATE’s Desolation Canyon Archaeology Rafting Expedition call Vicki at 1-800-253-7328.


< Older Post

Newer Post >

More About the Archaeologist Speaks on Utah’s Nine Mile Canyon

Avon rafts camped at the confluence of the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers on a sunny warm day.

Tatshenshini–Alsek vs the Grand Canyon: Two of the Greatest River Trips in the World, Shaped by Completely Different Landscapes

By Walker Mackay • March 19, 2026
Grand Canyon vs. Tatshenshini–Alsek: two legendary river journeys shaped by desert and ice. Discover how each delivers a completely different wilderness experience.
Rafting on a river with mountains and glacier in background. People paddle on a raft.

Why the Tatshenshini is one of the Last True Wilderness River Trips on Earth

By Walker Mackay • March 10, 2026
The Tatshenshini River offers one of the last true wilderness rafting expeditions on Earth—glaciers, wildlife, and untouched landscapes in Alaska and Canada.
Sandy beach inside a cavern overlooks a river, with red rock canyon walls and a blue sky.

Horseshoe Bend Section of the Colorado River

February 15, 2026
The Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam flows through the lower reaches of Glen Canyon on its way to Lees Ferry , forming one of the most studied and discussed stretches of river in the American Southwest. Released from the base of the dam, the water is typically clear and tightly controlled. In recent years, however, lower water levels in Lake Powell have caused releases to come from shallower depths, warming the river compared to past decades and changing the conditions downstream. This reach is calm and approachable, making it a popular destination for kayaking, rafting, fishing, and flatwater exploration. Visitors often take time to linger along the banks, explore side canyons, and pull over at small beaches and alcoves—experiencing the river at an unhurried pace that encourages observation and learning.  Quick facts about this stretch of river naturally help frame why it matters: