Ghost Towns, Utah

Giles (Blue Valley): Located about 4 miles west of Hanksville, this was once a thriving community of 200 people. Persistent flooding from the Fremont River eventually forced everyone to leave by 1919.

Aldridge: Founded in 1890 just 11 miles east of Fruita, this small village raised fruit and vegetables before being deserted around 1900 due to flooding.

Caineville: About 20 miles east of Fruita, this town still has a few residents today, but it is largely considered a ghost town. It was nearly destroyed by a massive flood in 1909.

Notom: Originally called "Pleasant Creek," this hamlet was renamed because the postal service said there were too many towns with that name. Legend has it the name "Notom" was chosen because there were "no Toms" living there.

Clifton (Kitchenton): Founded in 1889 by Bert Averey, this settlement sat just east of Giles. Like its neighbors, it was ultimately defeated by the Fremont River’s relentless flooding. Today, the site near milepost 112 on Highway 24 is nearly forgotten, with almost no physical traces of the village remaining.

Mesa / Elephant: Located on the rugged plateaus near Caineville, these small ranching outposts were named after the distinct, massive rock formations nearby. Settlers here braved extreme isolation and scarce water until the early 1900s, when the harsh environment and irrigation failures forced the families to abandon their high-desert homes.