Hite, Ghost town in Garfield County, Utah
Hite is a ghost town in Garfield County, Utah, sitting near the Colorado River in a rugged desert landscape. The town contains weathered wooden and stone structures that now stand empty, where homes, shops, and services once served the local community and passing travelers.
Hite was founded in 1883 by prospectors led by Cass Hite, who discovered gold deposits in the canyon and established the first mining settlement. The town later grew through uranium mining and served as a river crossing point before Lake Powell's waters submerged it in 1964.
Hite was a gathering place where prospectors, farmers, and travelers met at the ferry, post office, or hotel to share news and stories. Fig and pomegranate trees grew along the riverbanks, providing fresh fruit to the small community despite the harsh desert surroundings.
Visiting Hite requires preparation since there are no shops or services nearby, so bring all supplies you need. Summer days can be hot while nights turn cold, so pack light clothing for daytime and warm layers for evening temperatures.
Arthur Chaffin transformed the area in the 1930s after Cass Hite's death and built a ferry powered by a Model A engine to transport cars across the Colorado River. This ferry operated from 1946 to 1964 and was the main transportation link before highways and paved roads made river crossings easier.
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