Just north of I-70, tucked in the Book Cliffs is Sego Ghost Town. The town was inhabited from 1910-1955 and came into existence when a local, Henry Ballard from Thompson, was exploring the area and found an exposed vein of coal. Being a sharp businessman, Ballard bought up the land and began mining the coal. He sold his interests in 1911, and by 1912 a railroad spur was completed to the then named Neslen. The railroad spur and mining brought a post office and growth to the town that was re-named Sego in 1918 after the beautiful sego lily's that flourish in the canyon.

Due to poor quality and quantity of water, the town never flourished beyond a few hundred people at most. Though high coal production occurred from 1920 to 1947, costs finally outgrew profits and the town dwindled. A flash flood sometime in the 1950's laid waste to the few people remaining.

Today, the area has several old foundations and wooden structures. Most interesting is a large stone building that is still in fairly good shape. Remains of the old railroad cuts and trestles are also still visible. I first visited in the late 1990's and was last there in 2013. Just in that 15 or so years since my first visit, a lot more has collapsed and become more dilapidated. Sego is a fascinating roadside attraction I would recommend visiting while the remnants are still visible and somewhat standing.

Note: The road is usually passable to all vehicles, except when wet, then it can be impassable even to 4x4s.

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