If you’re planning a spooky road trip, how about trying something a little different? Here’s is a list of some of Utah’s scariest Ghost Towns.
1. Sego, Utah
Once a booming coal town and now a lonely ghost town. The discovery of coal brought this small town to prominence. Natural resources couldn’t keep up with its growth and shortage of water became a constant problem. Mines kept experiencing power outages and one after the other, miners left to test their luck elsewhere. Despite a majority of miners leaving, a small group decided to stay behind. With all odds against them they brought back to life the once thriving mining town. Everything seemed to be in their favor until the town caught fire twice. All that’s left: a big red rock building and coal fires that still burn within the mining shafts.
2. 9 Mile Canyon
This ghost town is located in Price, Utah which is approximately two hours away from Salt Lake City. It has been described as “the world’s longest art gallery.” 9 Mile Canyon offers a variety of recreational activities ranging from hiking, biking and picnicking. In addition, visitors can spend time viewing the prehistoric drawings lining the walls of the canyon. Overall, 9 Mile has plenty of history and recreation to offer if you’re willing to make the trip this summer.
3. Thistle Ghost Town
Established in 1883, Thistle was once a thriving farming community. In April 1983, a massive landslide hit the town forcing its residents to evacuate. Currently labeled as one of the costliest landslides in U.S. history. Visitors traveling from along Route 89 can still see houses popping up out of the water.
4. Home of Truth
After the death of her husband Marie Ogden started The Truth Center out in New Jersey. Eventually, her and her followers relocated to Dry Valley, Utah. Three groups of buildings made up the compound. The innermost building housed Ogden and her divine typewriter which she claimed received revelations from heaven. Things really turned a wrong corner when one of Ogden’s followers, Edith Peshak, died of cancer. Eventually, people found out that Ogden had one of her followers burn the body while telling the rest of the group that she would come back to life. Consequently, many of her followers left and Ogden eventually passed away. The three buildings are still in tact and visitors can still see the Inner Portal building which housed Ogden. Home of Truth is located near Monticello, Utah which is roughly five hours from Salt Lake City.
