How to get by car to Lucky Strike Mine in Emery County?

Lucky Strike Mine is an old abandoned mining ghost town at an elevation of 1,771 m (5,810 ft) above sea level, located in Emery County, in the U.S. state of Utah. You are best exploring it with a high-clearance 4WD.

Where is Lucky Strike Mine?

This abandoned vanadium and uranium mine is located near Moore, in the east-central part of Utah, in the southern section of the San Rafael Swell in the Reds Canyon area. The area is pretty remote. This hidden gem sits in the heart of the swell beneath towering sandstone cliffs.

What’s the history of Lucky Strike Mine?

The Lucky Strike Mine was discovered in 1949 by four prospectors from Ferron, Utah, who trekked deep into the Swell in search of uranium. After staking three claims named Lucky Strike 1, 2, and 3, they built a road to the site and began extracting ore by 1950. Many of today’s Swell roads originated from these early mining routes. From 1955 to 1965, a small community of miners lived in the area. Remnants of the uranium boom remain scattered across the canyon floor, including decaying cabins, shacks, and an old storage shed.

Is the road to Lucky Strike Mine unpaved?

The road to the abandoned town and mine is totally unpaved. It’s graded and usually passable without a 4x4 vehicle, but high clearance is recommended. 2WD or cars are not advised. Starting from Reds Canyon Road, the road is 1.44 km (0.9 miles) long. The weather is moody at times and can quickly turn the road surface into a challenge.

How to get ready to drive to Lucky Strike Mine

Check the weather forecast before heading out and prepare for emergencies with extra food, water, and supplies in case you get stranded.
Do not enter any mine shafts unless you are experienced – abandoned uranium mines carry radiation risks in addition to general hazards.
The area is very remote, with no services and no cell signal. It’s not unusual to spend days in the region without encountering other travelers, so plan accordingly.
Avoid visiting after heavy rain, as the unpaved roads can become treacherous.
Ensure you have at least 100 miles of off-road fuel capacity, as fuel stations are far away.

Pic: Chris Reed