Hole in the Rock Pioneer Trail Historical Marker

This roadside monument commemorates one of the most audacious pioneer journeys in the American West. In 1879, 230 Mormon settlers with 83 wagons attempted to reach southeastern Utah by blasting and chiseling a wagon route through what seemed impossible terrain. The actual “hole in the rock” – a narrow slot they widened with dynamite – lies 4 miles south at Lake Powell, but this marker tells the full story of their 6-month odyssey.

Located directly on Hole-in-the-Rock Road at mile marker 36, the monument offers interpretive panels and a short walking path with views over the slickrock country the pioneers crossed. The road continues another 25 miles to the original blasting site, now partially submerged by the reservoir. This spot makes an excellent lunch stop while running the full Hole-in-the-Rock route.

Monument to Mormon pioneers' impossible journey