RS 2477 PHOTO GALLERY

No, we're not joking. The counties really do claim that these are "highways" under RS 2477. Drive them at your own risk, and carry extra water, food, reading material, and good hiking shoes.

Garfield County, Utah

Photos by Gordon Swenson

The slot in the photo on the right is narrower than the width of a normal vehicle. To get into the slot, a motorist on this Garfield County "highway" would have to drive down a waterfall. Even AAA service doesn't reach this far.

Location:
The Gulch, North Escalante Canyons,
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Sources:
Garfield County/UDOT map:
CLASS "D" ROAD SYSTEM, 1978, Data Furnished by Local Government Agencies;
also live testimony of Louise Liston, Garfield County Comissioner, Cedar City, Utah

Emery County, Utah

Photos by Amy O'Connor/Ray Wheeler

You may have to compete with boaters, but at least you won't die of thirst when you take your car out for a spin on this Emery County "highway."

Location:
Muddy Creek, San Rafael Swell

Source:
Emery County/UDOT map:
CLASS "D" ROAD SYSTEM, 1978,
Data Furnished by Local Government Agencies

Grand County, Utah


Counties often try to justify RS 2477 claims by saying that they are essential to local economies. But if you can't spot the restaurants, motels, stores and shopping malls in these photos, you're not alone. You won't need your American Express card when you go for a drive on this Grand County "highway."

Location:
Pritchett Canyon

Source:
Grand County/UDOT map:
CLASS "D" ROAD SYSTEM, 1978,
Data Furnished by Local Government Agencies

San Juan County, Utah


OK, we admit that these photos show almost as much traffic as you'll see on some highways during rush hour. San Juan County probably wants to install traffic lights. These aren't exactly your standard two-wheel drive passenger cars, though.

Location:
Little Baullie Mesa

Source:
San Juan County/UDOT map:
CLASS "D" ROAD SYSTEM, 1978,
Data Furnished by Local Government Agencies

Kane County, Utah

Photos by Bill Wolverton

Location:
Route to Trail Hollow,
Kaiparowitz Plateau,
Grand Staircase-Escalante
National Monument

Source:
Kane County/UDOT map:
CLASS "D" ROAD SYSTEM, 1978,
Data Furnished by Local Government Agencies

Happy driving . . .
Send comments to:
Gordon Swenson, gjswen@aol.com