ToDoInProvo: Ghost Stories of Utah County

Rock Canyon is known to us all for the incredible hiking and rock climbing that brings in hundreds of people each summer. But, do they know about all the deaths and murders that happen here too? For the past few decades there are rumors of satanic rituals, apparations and murders that take place here. Rock Canyon has a very dark and grim history....

2017 Rock Canyon

PHOTO 2 - Fort Utah in 1859 during the time of the Provo River Battle.
Howard Stansbury's Exploration and Survery of the Great Salt Lake of Utah, 1852.

PHOTO 1 - Big Elk and his Squaw

It was surprisingly difficult to track down the most accurate historical story of this canyon. As most locals know, early Mormon settlers made their way to Utah beginning near the 1800s. The Ute Indians had been here for hundreds of years already and did not like the idea of having their land taken over. Big Elk was the leader of the Ute Indians at the time. Relationships were somewhat civil to begin with between the Ute Indians and Mormon settlers, but it wasn't always easy. There were groups on both sides that despised the other, but things stayed relatively cordial for the next few years.

As time went on it was obvious that tensions grew between Indians and Settlers as to fight over the land. The one that is believed to be located near Rock Canyon was called Battle at Provo River. Not long after was the Battle at Fort Utah which has a very similar story as does the Battle of Provo River. It was somewhat difficult to determine the differences, but here is what we know...

PHOTO 3 - Ute Indians

Around the year 1850, Big Elk took 70 Ute Indians with him to face the Mormon Settlers to end the arguments and reclaim their land. The battle went on for a few days. There were many Utes that were injured or wounded that needed refugee and fled from the fight. Most were split into two groups, some headed South and other group went to hide in Rock Canyon. The Mormons gave one more final push and took over the land. Big Elk himself was wounded as well and took refuge inside the canyon, but later died near the mouth of it. Legend says that his Squaw was attempting to flee the scene and climb the cliff, where she misstepped and fell to her death, hence Squaw Peak named after the incident.

Over the years, ghostly encounters and strange phenomena have taken place in the canyon. Multiple rock climbing accidents, satanic rituals, disappearances and murders have taken place in this canyon. It is rumored that there is a small girl that haunts the creek running through the canyon. People have heard her singing and humming to herself as she plays with the rocks and water. If spectators get too close, she disappears into thin air. There have also been reports of woman waling and crying out, that echoes through the vast rock walls. Rock climbers and hikers have also seen a figure/apparitions of a man dressed in 1970s clothing that stands a top of the rock staring down at the people below. You see him charging down the mountain directly to you, and then he vanished just before impact.

Whether you plan to climb, hike, jog or bike around Rock Canyon, always make sure to bring a friend. Whenever you leave, you may feel like someone is watching you or following you out of the canyon.

Don't worry, apparently other people have felt the same thing...