Hite ~ Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Hite, Utah is a unique spot that the mainstream tourists tend to overlook, simply because this destination is located way off the beaten path. Goods and services are very limited in this region, while camping is the only lodging option, so this limits the mainstream appeal even more. To top it all off, because of water depletion in Lake Powell, the big lakeside concrete boat ramp at Hite has been relegated as being useless for anything other than small craft launching on the Colorado River. All this has contributed to the decline in the popularity of Hite, but for adventurists seeking a place to make the great escape happen this is like music to the ears. With no big crowds and no heavy boat traffic, this area is now as peaceful as can be and there is plenty of breathing room to be found.

For those who wonder how Hite got its name, this spot was a pioneer settlement back in the days of the wild west. The small community of Hite is not easy to find, because the original location is further downstream under the waters of Lake Powell. This small town was submerged when the Glen Canyon Dam was built many decades ago. The boat launch and outpost commemorates the old hidden Hite ghost town, which is an interesting story in itself.

Modern Hite is located where the vast White Canyon high desert wilderness meets the Colorado River in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The contrast of pale color sandstone slot canyons, towering red rock outcrops and snow capped mountains in the distance make this a stunningly beautiful place to be. There is a developed campground next to the river in Hite that is rarely crowded ever since the lake water receded, so this is an attractive spot for RV enthusiasts and tent campers. The outpost offers basic goods and a fueling station, so it is easy to spend extra time enjoying this picturesque setting.

The lakeside boating access at Hite may no longer be busy, but a new outdoor sports trend is taking up the slack. Hite has now turned into a premier hotspot for canyoneering adventures. There are endless slot canyons to explore in the pale sandstone White Canyon basin and unique spots like the Black Hole have become world famous. Colorado River adventures abound in this area too and the Dirty Devil River is nearby, which is a whole new world of its own. When in the area, checking out the Hite Crossing Bridge is a must to do too, simply because this steel arch span looks so surreal in this unforgiving landscape. As can be imagined, Hite offers a world of adventure for those who stray from the beaten path!
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