Piute County

Piute County is an administrative division in south-central Utah covering roughly 2,000 square kilometers, defined by the Tushar Mountains and crossed by the Sevier River. The landscape reaches over 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) at its highest point, Delano Peak, showing the terrain's rugged character.

The county was established in 1865 from neighboring Beaver County's territory and grew through mining activity, particularly during the gold rush period spanning the 1870s through the 1950s. Several small mining towns rose and fell as demand for minerals shifted over the decades.

The region takes its name from the Paiute Native American people and their legacy lives on through monuments, museums, and stories shared by the community. Visitors can see this influence in how locals speak about and preserve the past.

Junction serves as the main hub and administrative center, offering shops and services for visitors exploring the mountain and river areas. The 900-mile (1,450-kilometer) ATV trail system winds through the landscape and draws outdoor enthusiasts seeking off-road riding experiences.

During World War I, specialized minerals from the Tushar Mountains were extracted to support wartime industry, leading to the brief rise of an industrial town built solely for this purpose. This period of intensive resource extraction played a vital role in supporting national defense production.

Location: Utah

Inception: 1865

Capital city: Junction

Shares border with: Sevier County, Wayne County, Garfield County, Beaver County

Website: http://piutecounty.org

GPS coordinates: 38.34000,-112.13000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41