Devil's Slide (Utah)

Coordinates: 41°03′49″N 111°32′53″W / 41.06361°N 111.54806°W / 41.06361; -111.54806

October 2013

Devil's Slide is a geological formation located near the border of Wyoming in northern Utah's Weber Canyon, near the community of Croydon in Morgan County, Utah, United States. The Slide consists of two parallel limestone strata that have been tilted to lie vertical, protruding 40 feet (12 m) out of the mountainside. Intervening layers have eroded more quickly, forming a channel some 8 feet (2.4 m) wide running hundreds of feet down the mountain.^[1] The distance between the two slabs is around 7.6 m. ^[2]

I-84 runs right past Devil's Slide, which can be clearly seen from the road. The Weber River flows between the formation and the freeway. There are parking areas on both sides of the highway for viewing the Slide.^[3]

Background[]

Devil's Slide was originally discovered by Utah settlers in the 1840s in upper Weber Canyon. Early settlers, including a well known railman by the name of John Walker, called the side "Gutter Defile" on their maps.^[4] The settlers were working with the Transcontinental Railroad to establish tracks through the Weber Canyon, Utah area.^[5]

There are four other geological formations in the United States called "Devil's Slide," including California and Montana, just north of Yellowstone in addition to the one in Utah. Utah Geologist believe the Slide was formed 170 to 180 million years ago by a draining sea that poured down the center of the Slide.^[6] The first mentioning of Devil's Slide by its current name was in 1875.^[4]

The Salt Lake Tribune printed a story on the workcamp turned small town near the Slide on June 28, 1888, authored by Allan Forman.^[5] The town had sprung up due to the abundant limestone available in the area. The Native American tour guide the newspaper had hired called the formation, "Devil's War Club."^[4] The mining town was originally called Portland, but would be renamed Devil's Slide in honor of the proximity to the Slide nearby. Before the Great Depression, Devil's Slide had 500 residents, but would slowly close down until only a school and small group of families remained. The town would eventually be closed after the mining company shut down operations. A large gravel pit is the only evidence the town exited that remains to this day.^[5]

Legends of the Slide[]

Local legend about the Slide states that when God threw Lucifer out of heaven after he betrayed him, before the start of mankind, he slid down the mountainside to hell along the route of Devil's Slide.

Another legend states that Father Pietro del Torra, a Christian Missionary traveling through the canyon encountered the Devil, disguised as a Spaniard. The Father was tempted of the Devil with food, spirits, wealth, and other fine material things. When the Priest resisted, the Devil threatened to kill him. The Father held up a crucifix and prayed, which weakened the Devil, causing him to fall down the side of the mountain, thus forming Devil's Slide, the Devil's Club, or the Devil's Gate, another term by which the Slide was previously known.^[5]

Slide Tourism[]

There are not many markers along the road in either direction indicating you are coming upon the Slide. Until recently, the signs read "Scenic Viewpoint." It is most certainly a "blink and you'll miss it" landmark.

Because of the mountainous region, the best time to visit the Slide is generally April to October of any given year.^[2] During the winters, which can be wildly unpredictable in Utah, the Slide is generally covered with snow. The snow can be so deep that it completely covers both sides of the Slide. Early spring in Utah, at the altitude of the Slide, can also mean snow still remains in the Slide. Many that have commented on social media and review sites on their own visits to the Slide have stated that the fall months are particularly beautiful to tour the Slide. The vegetation that grows wild along the sides of the river that flows directly in front of the Slide change various shades of yellows, reds, greens, and orange. There is no information board discussing the Slide. The northbound pullover is closest to the Slide, and a footpath goes around a chain-link fence to the Weber River. The land directly in front of the Slide is owned in private (aka, Private Property), and a gate blocks further intrusion to the region. This area is what's left of the old town of Devil's Slide as mentioned previously in the article. You can still see the Slide in full from the southbound pullover, but photography may be harder as you have to take shots through potential canyon traffic. The formation is not directly accessible for hiking or nature walking due to the river and private property surrounding the formation. It is also visible during rafting trips that are offered down the river.

Keep in mind when visiting the Slide that there are no restrooms, phones, gas, or even trash cans in the area. Most that have commented on their visit stated that it was "a good place to stretch your legs during a long trip." You can typically visit and resume your trip in under 10 minutes.