Salt Lake City, nestled between majestic mountains and vast desert landscapes, is more than just a hub for skiing and outdoor recreation—it’s also a city with a chilling side. With its pioneer history, eerie cemeteries, and remote mountain passes, Salt Lake City offers plenty of haunted roads and spooky night drives for those who crave thrills behind the wheel. Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, exploring eerie landmarks, or just enjoying the unsettling quiet of Utah’s backroads, there’s no shortage of spooky adventures in and around the city. Local legends like the haunting of the Rio Grande Depot and paranormal sightings in nearby canyons make Salt Lake City a true hotspot for those who love combining driving with ghost hunting.
Spooky Drives & Haunted Destinations
1. Emigration Canyon Road
Location: East of Salt Lake City, accessible from Sunnyside Avenue
This scenic canyon drive is beautiful during the day, but at night it’s a different story. Locals claim the canyon is haunted by the “White Lady of Emigration Canyon,” a ghostly figure who appears along the roadside searching for help. The twisting mountain roads, thick fog, and eerie silence make this route a must for thrill-seekers.
2. Manual Driving Academy – Confidence for Night Driving
Location: Book in Salt Lake City
Before you head out onto Utah’s haunted roads, mastering the control of a manual transmission can make all the difference. Manual Driving Academy offers one-on-one stick-shift lessons in Salt Lake City, giving drivers the confidence they need for navigating dark, winding canyon roads. Lessons are conducted in safe, open lots before progressing into real-world scenarios, ensuring you’re prepared for any eerie adventure. Gift certificates are also available and never expire, making it easy to prepare for your next spooky drive.
3. Rio Grande Depot
Location: 300 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT
One of the city’s most famous haunted landmarks, the Rio Grande Depot is said to be haunted by the “Purple Lady.” Many claim to see her roaming the halls at night, searching endlessly for her lost love. While the depot itself is historic and beautiful, its reputation as one of the most haunted spots in Utah makes it a chilling stop before a night drive.
4. Old Bingham Highway – Copperton
Location: West of Salt Lake City, near Copperton, UT
This road is infamous for ghost sightings linked to mining accidents from the area’s copper industry days. Drivers report phantom headlights appearing in the distance only to vanish suddenly. With minimal lighting and a long, lonely stretch of asphalt, the Old Bingham Highway is perfect for those who want a truly spine-tingling drive.
5. American Fork Canyon – Extended Adventure
Location: About 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, via I-15
If you’re looking for a longer trip, head to American Fork Canyon. Known for its dark, narrow roads and stories of paranormal activity, it’s a favorite among thrill-seekers. The canyon is home to tales of shadowy figures and unexplained sounds echoing through the trees, making it a perfect late-night adventure outside the city.
Conclusion
Salt Lake City offers more than just natural beauty and outdoor fun—it’s also a gateway to eerie drives and haunted tales. From mountain canyons where ghostly apparitions are said to roam, to historic landmarks filled with paranormal legends, there’s no shortage of destinations for those who crave both a thrill and an adventure.
Before you hit these haunted roads, make sure you feel confident behind the wheel. Whether navigating city streets or dark canyon routes, mastering stick-shift driving with Manual Driving Academy ensures you’re ready for the journey. So grab your friends, fuel up, and prepare for a spooky night drive you won’t forget!
