Ghost Town
Utah County, UT
Approximate location — plotted from published sources, not a site visit, and not a guarantee of access.
Thistle became a modern ghost town overnight in April 1983 when a massive landslide dammed Spanish Fork River and flooded the railroad/highway community. Partially submerged homes and the drowned highway alignment still mark the Utah County valley. View from public pullouts along US-6/89; do not trespass on active rail property.
| Region | Utah County, UT |
|---|---|
| Coordinates (approx.) | 39.9913, -111.4982 |
| ARPA | Artifacts & structures are protected by federal law (ARPA) — take only photos, leave every relic in place. |
| Event | 1983 landslide dam and flood |
| Feature | Submerged ruins |
| Access | Roadside views from US-6/89 corridor |
| Unique | Yes |
| Peak Pop. | ~600 (1917) |
| Era | 1870s-1983 (railroad) |
| Fee | Free |
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.