Bluff City, Utah, is located in a beautiful bluff-lined canyon in southeastern Utah. Throughout prehistoric, historic, and recent times, several groups have lived at and near Bluff, including Anasazi, Ute, Navajo, and early Anglo cowboys, but it was not established as a city until 1880 when a group of Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) were "called" by church leaders to leave their homes in other areas of the state to settle the area. That group, later known as the "Hole-in-the-Rock" party, endured incredible sacrifice and hardship on their journey to Bluff. For more in-depth information about the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition and the establishment of the town of Bluff, see "The Land of Red Sandstone Cliffs: Bluff City, Utah" by Susan Dyer and "Bluff City, Utah: An Historical Sketch" by Michael T. Hurst.
Because of the spectacular beauty of the setting and several homes and other buildings that have survived there since the late 1800's and early 1900's, Bluff has been nominated as a National Historic Registry site.
A local community group has prepared a bicycle and walking tour to guide interested visitors through Bluff to the historic structures still standing. Those of you unable to visit Bluff in person may take an internet tour of Bluff City. Start your tour by clicking the sites you would like to visit on the map below. When you "arrive," you will find information about the structure itself, as well as the people who built and lived there.
Should your internet tour prompt you to visit Bluff in person, please remember that these historic buildings, interesting as they may be, are still homes filled with living, breathing families. Show your consideration by allowing them the privacy they deserve.