This Utah Landmark Has A Fascinating History And Most Utahns Have No Clue
By Courtnie Erickson|Published April 04, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
If you have ever driven on Interstate 84 between Morgan and Henefer, you’ve passed one of Utah’s most unique landmarks – Devil’s Slide. While many Utahns can easily recognize this giant rock formation, most don’t know anything about it, especially its fascinating past. In fact, at one time, there was an entire community near the slide and the rock formation was actually used for — you guessed it — a slide.
Devil’s Slide is actually just two large layers of limestone. Each formation is approximately 40-feet tall, and the two formations are approximately 20-feet apart.
It is believed that approximately 75 million years ago, large amounts of rock were moved, forming mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains. This movement also caused the layers of limestone to move into their current vertical position.
The name Devil’s Slide dates back to the late 1800s. One of the first known uses of the name was by a local resident in the area who used it to describe the rock formation to railroad workers in the area.
It was also referred to as Devil’s Slide in an 1875 newspaper article by Carl Ege of the Utah Geological Survey.
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Not many years later, limestone was found in the area, resulting in the creation of a large cement company. The area began to grow, with nearly 500 residents at its peak. The residents embraced the name of Devil’s Slide, and eventually, this became the town name.
Unfortunately, the Great Depression and other factors hurt this small Utah town. Over the next several years, nearly all residents left, abandoning the area.
However, despite the town and the name, the rock formation itself drew quite a bit of attention. Ceremonies were held at the landmark — some known and some in secret.
One such ceremony was held by the El Kalah Temple of Salt Lake City. While much of the ceremony remains a secret, it was reported that thousands of people gathered in the area. Individuals had to change clothes, slide down the rock formation, and land in a pool of water.
There are also many stories and legends about Devil’s slide and how it came to be. One of the most well-known is a story of how the Devil fell down the mountain after being shown a crucifix and created the slide.
This landmark is located on private property and public access is not allowed. However, located along I-84 are pullouts where you can stop and admire these remarkable rock formations.
Did you know the history of Devil’s Slide? Have you ever stopped to admire this unique landmark in Utah? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! And, if you want to learn more about the geological features of Devil’s Slide, visit the Utah Geological Survey website.
Devil’s Slide is just one of many well-known landmarks throughout the Beehive State. If you want to learn about several more, hop in your car and take this epic landmark road trip in Utah.
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