Hite, Ghost town in Garfield County, Utah
Hite is a ghost town in Garfield County, Utah, located near the shores of Lake Powell in a dry desert canyon. Weathered wooden and stone structures stand empty today, remnants of a place that once had homes, shops, and services for residents and travelers passing through.
Hite was founded in 1883 by Cass Hite, who came to the canyon searching for gold and set up the first settlement there. The town later became a center for uranium mining before it was submerged by the rising waters of Lake Powell in 1964.
Hite once served as a meeting point for prospectors, farmers, and travelers who stopped at the ferry, post office, or hotel to share news. Fig and pomegranate trees grew along the riverbanks, offering fresh fruit to the small community despite the dry desert surroundings.
A visit to Hite requires preparation since there are no shops or services in the area, so carry everything you need before arriving. Days can get very hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Arthur Chaffin built a ferry in the 1930s powered by a Ford Model A engine to carry cars across the Colorado River at this spot. It ran from 1946 to 1964 and was the only way to cross the river by vehicle in this area during that time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
