Holt Canyon facts for kids
Holt Canyon, also known as Meadow Canyon or Meadow Valley, is a beautiful valley located in Washington County, Utah. It's like a natural pathway through the land!
The canyon starts at its "mouth" where it opens into the Escalante Valley. This spot is about 5,387 feet (or 1,642 meters) above sea level. The "head" of the canyon, where it begins, is higher up at 5,600 feet. You can find this starting point west of where the old ghost town of Hamblin, Utah used to be. Hamblin was a town that existed from 1856 to 1905.
A Look Back: The History of Holt Canyon
Holt Canyon has a rich history, especially because of its location.
Early Travelers and the Old Spanish Trail
Long ago, this area was known as Meadow Canyon. It was part of a much larger, well-watered area called Mountain Meadow. This meadow was perfect for grazing animals and was a very important stop for people traveling on the Old Spanish Trail. This trail was a famous trade route used by merchants and people moving goods. Later, a wagon road, called the Mormon Road, followed this same path, making it a busy route for many travelers.
How Holt Canyon Got Its Name
The canyon was later renamed Holt Canyon. This name came from a man named James Holt. He visited the area in 1867 to see his brother-in-law, who was living in Hamblin, Utah. James Holt liked the area so much that he decided to settle there himself! He claimed land and built a house about five miles north in the canyon. This spot eventually became a small settlement known as Holt, Utah. Today, it's recognized as the Holt Historical Site, sitting at an elevation of 5,482 feet (1,671 meters). Not far from this site, you can also find the Holt Cemetery, which is about 5,453 feet (1,662 meters) above sea level.
