From Salt Lake City, we were planning to go to Durango, CO. However, we spend a night in Green River, Utah. On our way, we added another two hours by taking the scenic route Highway 95 to Hite.
The town of Hite was used in the Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner film Maverick.
From Hanksville, we followed highway 95 south to mile post 33.1 and stopped by The Hog Spring Rest area. It is picturesque area and has a short hike and several pictograph and petroglyph panels in the area.
There is no cell phone service and the route is very remote.
We didn’t have time to hike but Hog Spring is known to have a beautiful waterfall and plunge pool. During warm weather bring your swimming trucks and food. The waterfall is approximately one mile up canyon.
Don’t miss the Hite Overlook.
About 10 miles from the overlook is the turnoff on the right (just after the second bridge) for Hite Adventure outpost. At Hite you will find a gas station, campground, basic convenience store and boat rental. Camping offers drinking water and picnic tables.
History of Hite
In the early 1870s, Cass Hite arrived in the area. Hite was named for Cass Hite, an early settler, a prospector. He settled at the site and became friendly with the Indians.
If you decide to take a trip there, make sure your gas tank is full and that you have water and some snacks because it will be a few hours before you get to a place to eat or purchase gasoline.
Take your time, stop at the rest areas, take pictures and spend time at the overlooks particularly in Hite where you can see the Colorado River flow into Lake Powell.
Shortly after that lookout is a bridge spanning the Colorado. There a place to pull over there and take a look. Then the route climbs to Natural Bridges and Bears Ears National Monuments and passes some ancient ruins at Mule Canyon and Butler Wash before it reaches Blanding.
Happy Roadtripping!
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