12 Terrifying Views in Utah That Will Make Your Palms Sweat

Pretty, pretty Utah. Sometimes you are truly terrifying. These photos are evidence that there is a scary side to our spectacular beauty.

1. Snowbird

Sure, it doesn’t look THAT scary to you, as you sit here reading. Put on some skis and stand at the top of Upper Cirque at Snowbird, then look down. Terrifying.

2. Angel’s Landing

It’s a long, long way down.

3. Angel’s Landing, Take Two

Sometimes it’s just as scary to look up.

4. Moose

When you round a bend on your favorite hiking trail and this is standing right in the middle, giving you the stink eye, your heart starts racing, your palms get sweaty and you look for the easiest exit off the trail.

5. Mount Timpanogos

Eric Ward poses at the 11,750 foot high peak of Mount Timpanogos. He made it back down to share his photo on Flickr, so he must have maintained his balance!

6. False Kiva, Canyonlands National Park

Archaeologists aren’t quite sure what the original purpose of this circle of stones was, located in a cave above the valley. It’s possible that it was used for religious rites. The view is absolutely stunning, but also a little scary.

7. Above Fairview

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Utah National Guard jump from a plane during a training exercise. I’m grateful that our brave soldiers undertake this kind of training because it looks too terrifying for me to even contemplate.

8. Alpine

A terrifying view of a different nature. Utah’s wildfires can get pretty scary, especially when they get close to our homes. This photo depicts the Alpine Quail fire of July, 2012.

9. Hell’s Backbone

Driving across Hell’s Backbone isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re afraid of heights, ask someone else to take the wheel and curl into a fetal position in the backseat with your eyes shut tight until you get across.

10. Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is one of the most picturesque locations in the state. If you find a quiet time to stand at the edge, looking out at the vastness of the park it can feel a little overwhelming.

11. Cannibal, Lagoon

12. Slick Rock, Moab

What’s the most terrifying view you’ve seen in Utah, besides rush hour on I-15?