A journey through time in your Bronco or Bronco Sport
If you have a taste for history, the all-Bronco trail to the ghost town of Thompson and the rock art site in the Book Cliffs near Moab is an adventure you won't want to miss. This scenic route takes you on a journey through time, where you can immerse yourself in the remnants of a bygone era and witness the ancient artistry of Native American cultures.
Thompson Springs is almost a ghost town itself
The trail begins in the small town of Thompson Springs, located just north of I-70, one exit east of the Moab exit, which is Hwy 191. While Thompson itself may be a ghost town in its own right, with only a few campgrounds, houses, and a gas station, it still bears the traces of its past as a bustling railroad stop and coal mining hub. Evidence of the old restaurant and hotels can still be seen, serving as a reminder of the town's former glory.
Unfortunately, with the construction of I-70, Thompson was left just far enough off the highway to experience a decline in traffic. The removal of the Amtrak stop dealt the final blow, leading to the slow decay of this once-thriving community. Despite recent efforts towards tourism, the town still retains an air of faded grandeur.
Pristine Petroglyphs and Pictographs nestled in the Book Cliffs
Leaving Thompson and heading north towards the Book Cliffs, you'll come across a tiny one-room schoolhouse, a historic gem worth a quick stop. Continuing a few miles up the old pavement, you'll reach the Sego Canyon rock art site. Complete with a parking area and bathroom facilities, this site offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the rich Native American history spanning hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Here, you'll encounter a fusion of artistic styles, ranging from the ancient Barrier-style pictographs, created through painting, to the more modern Fremont and Ute petroglyphs, made by pecking and removing the desert varnish from the rock surface.
It's essential to approach this sacred site with reverence, taking only photographs and leaving behind only footprints. While there are other pictographs and petroglyphs in the vicinity, it's crucial to respect private property boundaries.
Sego Canyon also contains a miner’s cemetery
Continuing your northward journey, you'll cross a wash and transition to dirt roads. After approximately a mile, you'll reach an intersection with a ranch on the left and a dirt road to the right. Take the right turn, leading you to the ghost town of Sego. Along the way, you'll notice remnants of old tracks and sluices, providing glimpses into the area's mining history. Before arriving at Sego, keep an eye out for an old cemetery on your right. Taking a moment to explore this serene resting place will give you a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by coal miners over a century ago.
Lots of careful exploring in Sego Ghost Town
Sego experienced its heyday in the early 1900s with the need for coal powered locomotives but met its demise in the 1950s when coal demand ceased. The town's history is a testament to the struggles faced by its residents, many of whom were paid in script that could only be used for goods at the company store.
Arriving in Sego, the town's remains will be impossible to miss as the road passes right through it. Find a shady spot under the Cottonwood trees to park your Bronco and embark on a careful exploration of what's left of the old hotel and the company store. You'll stumble upon fragments of old cars and remnants of building walls. Sego experienced its heyday in the early 1900s with the need for coal powered locomotives but met its demise in the 1950s when coal demand ceased. The town's history is a testament to the struggles faced by its residents, many of whom were paid in script that could only be used for goods at the company store.
Keep exploring if you have time
If you're up for more adventure, you can choose to continue your journey north out of Sego town. However, keep in mind that the road eventually leads to a closed and locked gate, marking the boundary of a Native American reservation. While the gate signals the end of the trail, the experiences and memories you've gathered along the way will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable journey.
The all-Bronco trail to Thompson, Sego, and the surrounding areas is an ideal day trip to incorporate into your visit to Moab. The route combines the thrill of easy off-roading with the allure of history and ancient art, allowing you to immerse yourself in the past while reveling in the beauty of the present. As you embark on this adventure, remember to tread lightly, respect the rock art, and leave these historic sites as you found them — preserved for future generations to appreciate.
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