Utah definitely has some white-knuckle canyons, with twists, turns and steep drop-offs. But, we have very few really scary bridges. Here's one that might make you weak in the knees - especially if you're afraid of heights.
Hell's Backbone Road is a 38-mile loop that takes you from Boulder to Escalante. In dry weather, this graded, gravel road is suitable for cars, and the scenery is incredible.
The bridge is only 14 feet wide, so if you're facing down a big RV coming toward you, you'll want to pull over and wait your turn. The 109-foot-long bridge was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can see that the bridge basically just sits on columns of rock that tower up from the gully below.
To be honest, if you're driving in a small car, this bridge isn't too scary. You can't really see over the edge as you're driving. But...if you're in an RV or a high-profile vehicle, it's pretty nerve-wracking. It's 1,500 feet down, on either side.
If you take this bridge, you've got to hop out and get a look over the edge. If another car is trying to cross, go all the way across the bridge - there's room to park safely on either side.
It's hard to get an idea of just how far down it is on either side of this bridge. Take a look at this video posted on YouTube by Dave Clark. It's a little shaky, but you'll see some good shots of the ravine below the bridge.
Have you driven across Hell's Backbone Bridge? When I did it, I was a little nervous...how about you?
Many will agree when I say that Utah is one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country. From the stunning sandstone arches to the jaw dropping canyons to the Bonneville Salt Flats to the Great Salt Lake, and more, the natural treasures here are unlike anything most people have seen. Over the years, we have covered many of these natural wonders in Utah. However, today, we’re shining the light on a man-made marvel that is literally mind-blowing. The Garfield Smelter Stack near Magna is the tallest free-standing structure in the western part of the US. Not many Utahns have seen this smokestack in person, and some don’t even know it exists, making it the perfect definition of a hidden gem in Utah.
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At a whopping 1,215 feet tall, the Garfield Smelter Stack is truly a sight to behold. Nestled on the south shore of the Great Salt Lake, off Interstate 80, this man-made tower is part of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper Mine.
Garfield Smelter Stack – smokestack west of Magna, Utah, alongside Interstate 80 near the Great Salt Lake
But why are we featuring such an odd structure? Glad you asked! This isn’t your ordinary smokestack as it’s the second-highest smokestack in the country and fourth-highest chimney in the entire world. Plus, it dwarfs all the tallest buildings in the area, and it was ranked as the fifth-highest structure in the US. How about those stats?
Can you guess what buildings are taller than the smokestack? Well, one of the most notable is the Empire State Building in New York City. I have been to the top of the Empire State Building before, and standing at that height will take your breath away. You’ll also come to understand why those buildings are called skyscrapers, especially when you see the helicopters and small planes flying below.
Though the smokestack might not be the most aesthetically stunning tower, it’s quite an engineering marvel. The stack was built in 1974, at a cost of a whopping $16.3 million, which is approximately $102 million today. The crew worked 24 hours per day and 7 days per week to finish this monumental tower in only 84 days. The base is 124 feet in diameter and the walls are 12-feet thick, and it was built to eliminate toxic fumes based on the Clean Air Act of 1970.
Since then, the stack has been improved to provide cleaner methods of toxic elimination, which is better for the environment. Like many skyscrapers, the stack was built to withstand strong winds and earthquakes. It also has an employee-only observation deck that boasts expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Of course, this smokestack doesn’t compete with the highest peak in Utah, nor the Oquirrh Mountains in the backdrop. But for a man-made structure, it's quite impressive, if I may say so myself. Unfortunately, the public is not allowed inside the stack. However, you can tour the Bingham Canyon Mine to see this giant monumental structure for yourself.
Fun fact: The Bingham Canyon Mine is the largest man-made excavation on earth. So, if you visit, you get to witness another jaw-dropping man-made creation.
Utah’s ghost towns can possess an eerie, chilling atmosphere. They are a draw for ghost hunters and those who are fascinated with the paranormal. However, these destinations offer so much more. They provide a look into Utah’s past. They tell stories and can give a small glimpse into life decades ago. Verdure, Utah was once a humble, charming pioneer town in San Juan County, several miles south of Monticello. Today, it sits abandoned, with only a handful of structures remaining.
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If you love creepy content, Only In Your State’s Vacant series – which partners with talented photographer Johnny Joo – explores a dozen other fascinating abandoned places just waiting to be discovered.
Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.
Similar to many other communities across Utah, Verdure began as a pioneer town and is the oldest Mormon settlement in the Blue Mountain Region. It was settled by individuals in 1887 under the guidance of President Francis A. Hammond of the San Juan Stake in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was first known as South Montezuma, but as the settlers spent more time in the area and saw the greenery that it possessed, the name was changed to Verdure, meaning a condition of freshness or the fresh green color of vegetation.
Originally the settlement was used as a base while preparations were made to establish a more permanent community in North Montezuma (now known as Monticello). But, two families — the Adams and Butt families — loved the area and planned to remain. Eventually, more families were drawn to Verdure, and in the early 1890s, a store, school, church, and even a post office were established.
The community was centered around agriculture with many settlers possessing farming roots that went back many generations. If you visited Verdure decades ago, you’d see cattle grazing, fields of growing crops, and farmers busily moving from one task to the next. The main occupations in Verdure included cattle, farming, and cheese making.
Agriculture was so successful in this area that in 1903, the Utah State Agricultural College in Logan established an experimental station to learn more about dry farming techniques and crops that could survive in unique climates like Verdure. This exploration station remained in the area for more than 13 years.
Unfortunately, residents began to move away from Verdure as growth occurred and opportunities developed in nearby Monticello. The community of Verdure slowly started to dwindle and homes and businesses that were once filled with smiles began to sit empty.
Decades later, remnants of Verdure still sit abandoned, reminding us of times gone by. In 1995, a historical marker was erected, helping visitors to reflect on the people who once called this area home.
Verdure is a piece of Utah's history that not many people know about. It’s a destination where we wish that walls could talk. Think of all the stories these incredible vacant buildings would tell.
Did you know there are more than 100 ghost towns in Utah? If you love creepy and abandoned places, one of the best ways to see these unique destinations is on a road trip. Check out this road trip itinerary that takes you to six ghost towns in Utah. Just make sure you are fully prepared for the drive — including the snacks!
Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. To discover more creepy and abandoned places, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife.
