As the Mormon pioneers who went through the Hole-in-the-Rock from 1879-1880 drew near to their final destination in southeastern Utah, they encountered a formidable barrier known as Comb Ridge. They had already descended down through the hole in the rock to the Colorado River, blasted roads through sandstone, and forged other trails around Grand Gulch. They were broken and discouraged.
Identifying the original trail up San Juan Hill is difficult but can still be done at certain sites along the way. | Photo by Kenneth Mays
To overcome the obstacle of Comb Ridge, these members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints labored on a steep road they could ascend to get on the other side. They called this site on the ridge San Juan Hill.
Evidence can still be seen of where that route angled up the face of the rock. To do so gives a sense of awe and wonder that such a thing could be done.
A local guide noted that aside from the Hole-in-the-Rock itself, San Juan Hill was the steepest spot of the entire journey. Multiple spans of animals were required to pull a single wagon up and over the hill. Many of the animals slipped as they struggled to find a foothold on the steep and slippery sandstone. After the months of difficult travel, some of the underfed and exhausted animals died right there on the trail as they struggled.
This view shows stairs chiseled into the rock of San Juan Hill, allowing animals to get their footing as they climbed, often pulling wagons. | Kenneth Mays
Footholds where the animals could place their hoofs were carved into the rock. Some of those are still visible today. The effort and sacrifice of these beasts approaches that of the Saints themselves; to witness the site is a sobering experience.