It’s always amazing to me how far-flung the early settlers of Utah were scattered. During a time when a trip to get supplies might take days with a horse and wagon, and the nearest law enforcement might be a week away, it’s incredible to think of settlers building cabins in places that are still in the middle of nowhere in the 21st century.
This little historic ranch is just such a place. It’s truly a hidden gem, though, so if you happen to be in the area, it’s worth checking out.
The John Jarvie Historic Ranch is located in the far northeastern corner of the Beehive State.
Google The BLM recommends reaching the ranch via Highway 191, which takes you just over the Wyoming border. Then head east on Brown’s Park road, which drops you back down into Utah and takes you directly to the ranch. Brown’s Park Road is dirt and gravel, so you’ll want to allow plenty of time to travel the 22 miles along this stretch of your journey. Click here for the interactive map with directions.
The ranch sits on the banks of the Green River, which was used by trappers and natives.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
The stone house was built in the 1880s by Jack Bennett, an outlaw who had served prison time and learned some masonry skills while he was there.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
In 1880, John Jarvie and his wife Nellie established their ranch.
scrosske2/flickr
The ranch included the original dugout house, a store, post office, cemetery and ferry.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
The original blacksmith shop still stands on the ranch today. It was built from railroad ties that drifted downstream from Wyoming when the Green River was high.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
When you visit, you can see the stone house, the dugout, the blacksmith shop and a replica of the general store.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr John Jarvie was robbed and murdered on his ranch. The safe that was cleaned out by the outlaws is still on the ranch for you to see, along with lots of other artifacts from the ranch’s early history.
The John Jarvie Historic Ranch is operated by the Bureau of Land Management. The hours there aren’t regular, so contact the BLM office at (435) 781-4400 to see if someone is there to show you inside the structures. If no one’s there, you can still see wander around the ranch and have a picnic at the picnic tables or in the shade under the trees.
The BLM recommends reaching the ranch via Highway 191, which takes you just over the Wyoming border. Then head east on Brown’s Park road, which drops you back down into Utah and takes you directly to the ranch. Brown’s Park Road is dirt and gravel, so you’ll want to allow plenty of time to travel the 22 miles along this stretch of your journey. Click here for the interactive map with directions.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
scrosske2/flickr
John Jarvie was robbed and murdered on his ranch. The safe that was cleaned out by the outlaws is still on the ranch for you to see, along with lots of other artifacts from the ranch’s early history.
Have you visited the John Jarvie Historic Ranch? Tell us about it!
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