
Sego Ghost Town
Explore the haunting ruins of Sego, a 1900s coal mining ghost town, and discover ancient petroglyphs in its dramatic canyon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, good light

Sego Ghost Town
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, good light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the haunting ruins of Sego, a 1900s coal mining ghost town, and discover ancient petroglyphs in its dramatic canyon.
"A captivating glimpse into Utah's past, with crumbling ruins and ancient art."
🚗 Access & Roads
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for reaching Sego Ghost Town. Roads can be rough.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Utah's desert climate is dry. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sego Ghost Town Ruins
Sego Canyon
Explore the crumbling structures and weathered wood of this once-thriving coal mining town.

Sego Canyon Petroglyphs
Sego Canyon
Discover ancient Native American rock art, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Sego Cemetery
Hillside near the ghost town
A poignant reminder of the town's past, this hillside cemetery holds the stories of its former residents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Access & Roads
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for reaching Sego Ghost Town. Roads can be rough.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Utah's desert climate is dry. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🚶♀️ Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for exploring the ruins.
Respect the Art
Do not touch or deface the ancient petroglyphs. They are a fragile cultural treasure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Access & Roads
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for reaching Sego Ghost Town. Roads can be rough.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Utah's desert climate is dry. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🚶♀️ Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for exploring the ruins.
Respect the Art
Do not touch or deface the ancient petroglyphs. They are a fragile cultural treasure.
📸 Photography Tips
Morning and late afternoon offer the best light for capturing the ghost town's atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sego Ghost Town offers a fascinating glimpse into Utah's mining past, with its atmospheric ruins and the intriguing Sego Cemetery. Visitors also appreciate the nearby ancient petroglyphs in Sego Canyon. The main drawbacks are the challenging road access, requiring a high-clearance vehicle, and the lack of facilities, making it a destination best suited for prepared adventurers.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sego Ghost Town is located near Thompson Springs, Utah. Access typically involves driving on unpaved roads, and a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is often recommended, especially after rain. Many visitors access it via off-roading trails.
While some visitors may attempt it, a regular car is generally not recommended due to the rough and unpaved nature of the access roads. High-clearance vehicles are best.
Thompson Springs, Utah, is the closest town to Sego Ghost Town. It's a small community that serves as a gateway to the area's attractions.
Absolutely! Sego Ghost Town is a unique stop for road trips, offering a glimpse into Utah's mining history and ancient rock art. It's often mentioned as a worthwhile detour.
Yes, Sego Canyon is often explored via off-roading or Jeep trails, such as those along the Book Cliffs. These trails can lead you to the ghost town and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sego Ghost Town is an open-access historical site, and there are no admission fees. You can explore the ruins freely during daylight hours.
As an outdoor historical site, Sego Ghost Town does not have set operating hours. It is best visited during daylight for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee for Sego Canyon itself. The primary attractions, including the ghost town and petroglyphs, are freely accessible.
Sego Ghost Town can be visited year-round, but road conditions can vary significantly with weather. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. Most visitors explore independently, often using off-road vehicles.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remnants of old buildings, including homes and mining structures, as well as a historic cemetery. The area also features ancient petroglyphs in Sego Canyon.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the ghost town ruins and nearby petroglyphs. If you plan to hike or explore further into Sego Canyon, you might need more time.
While generally safe, exercise caution when exploring the old structures, as they are dilapidated. Be aware of your surroundings and the terrain.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers at Sego Ghost Town. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
You might encounter desert wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance and do not feed any animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon provide the most dramatic lighting for photographing the ghost town ruins and the surrounding landscape.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current FAA and local regulations before flying a drone in the area. Respect any posted signage.
Popular shots include wide-angle views of the decaying buildings, close-ups of weathered textures, and capturing the vast desert landscape. The petroglyphs also make for unique photographic subjects.
Yes, you can photograph the petroglyphs, but it's crucial to do so respectfully. Avoid using flash if it might disturb the rock art or its surroundings.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on buildings or distant landscapes. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, focus on the storytelling aspect of the ghost town. Discuss the challenges of mining life and the reasons for the town's abandonment. The petroglyphs in Sego Canyon can also be a point of interest, teaching them about ancient cultures. Emphasize respect for the historical sites and the importance of not disturbing anything.
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts
Ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for off-road conditions, and always carry essential supplies like water, food, and a first-aid kit. Check local trail conditions before you go, as they can change rapidly due to weather. Respecting the environment and leaving no trace are paramount when exploring these rugged landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rise and Fall of Sego
However, Sego's prosperity was short-lived. The town was notoriously prone to flash floods, a recurring problem that ultimately led to its demise. One particularly devastating flood, reportedly caused by a boulder dam break, is said to have wiped out much of the town and its infrastructure. This natural disaster, coupled with the declining profitability of coal mining in the region, led to Sego's abandonment. Today, only the skeletal remains of buildings and a haunting cemetery stand as testaments to its past.
Exploring Sego offers a tangible connection to Utah's frontier history. The crumbling adobe walls and weathered wooden structures evoke a sense of a bygone era, inviting visitors to imagine the lives of those who once called this remote canyon home. It's a stark reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers and the ephemeral nature of boomtowns.
Ancient Art in Sego Canyon
Visitors are urged to treat these ancient artworks with the utmost respect. Touching, climbing on, or defacing the rock art is strictly prohibited and can cause irreparable damage. The petroglyphs are a fragile cultural heritage, and their preservation is paramount. Many creators emphasize the importance of treading lightly and showing respect when visiting such sites.
When exploring Sego Canyon, take the time to observe the petroglyphs from a distance. Appreciate the skill and artistry of the ancient peoples who left their mark on these canyon walls. It’s a powerful experience to connect with such a deep history in this remote and beautiful landscape.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit