Devil's Gate

Devil's Gate is a natural rock cleft carved by the Sweetwater River through granite, creating a distinct passage through the landscape. The narrow opening became a landmark that countless travelers encountered as they journeyed westward across the continent.

The cleft formed over millions of years as the Sweetwater River eroded through granite bedrock. During the 1800s, thousands of westbound travelers relied on this landmark to guide them along established migration routes.

The passage held deep meaning for Native American groups who traveled through the region long before settlers arrived. For pioneer travelers, the narrow cut through rock became a place where people left marks and inscriptions to record their passage.

The site is reachable on foot via marked trails starting from nearby visitor centers and historical landmarks. Spring through fall offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the cleft and surrounding canyon walls.

The canyon walls still display carved inscriptions and names left by travelers during the pioneer era, some dating back over 150 years. A burial ground nearby holds the remains of more than twenty pioneers who did not survive their journey.