Temple Mountain

Only one structure stands from the latter period of the town.

Temple Mountain is well worth visiting. If not for the ghost town, then for the backdrop and the drive into some very beautiful territory. Temple Mountain is also about ten miles away from Goblin Valley - another place worth visiting for the intriguing landscape.

In 1898, valuable uranium and vanadium ores were discovered in the area. A vein of uranium was found at the base of Temple Mountain in 1904 and in 1910 a small village was established. After World War I, a combination of cheaper ore from Africa and depression closed the mine. The mine camp of Temple Mountain became a ghost.

More prospectors moved into the area in the 1950's. A few more buildings went up and a couple of the miners stayed in the 50 year old stone huts that still remained. In 1962, the uranium boom was over and miners hitched up and left town. Up until the mid-eighties, many of the newer buildings still stood. Then they were all torn town, except for the single cement eyesore seen above.  A few of the old stone homes still stand and their backdrop makes them quite picturesque.

Exploration to the north of the town site, up over the mining area, will reveal more structures and mining remains.  This is a great area to explore.

To find Temple Mountain, head west on the Temple Mountain junction, which is located off State Highway 24. The junction is about 20 miles north of Hanksville and 37 miles south of Green River. From the junction, head west 7 miles until you reach the town and mine site. The mines can be seen from the town, up on the mountainside.

  3 stars.