Pros & cons
PROS
- Quick roadside stop with interpretive signage
- Photogenic sandstone cabin set against dramatic cliffs
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
CONS
- Limited parking, especially for large vehicles
- You can’t go inside; interior is hard to see
Overview
A tiny slice of frontier life right off UT‑24, the Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin was built in 1883–84 beside the Fremont River. It’s a one‑room sandstone homestead—about 13 by 16.5 feet—where the Behunin family tried to make a go of it before floods washed out their crops and they moved on after roughly a year. The contrast between this humble structure and the towering cliffs is the whole point: resourcefulness, hardship, and big scenery wrapped into a five‑minute stop.
What You’ll See
- A compact, restored sandstone cabin you’ll mostly appreciate from the outside
- An interpretive sign that fills in the backstory
- A large alcove in the cliff behind the cabin—reportedly where the boys slept
You can’t enter the cabin, and photographing the interior through windows is tricky. Plan to walk around, peer in, and soak up the setting.
Why It’s Unique
This is one of the most intact settler cabins in the park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The family’s short, flood‑plagued tenure says a lot about how tough homesteading was along the Fremont River corridor.
Best Time to Visit
Swing by in the morning or late afternoon for softer light on the cabin and cliffs. Midday can be harsh and flat. It’s a quick roadside pull‑off, so aim for non‑peak times if you’re in an RV or towing—parking is limited.
Practicalities
There are no facilities here—no restrooms, water, or shade—so bring what you need and keep it brief. Expect a short, self‑guided visit of about 15–30 minutes, depending on how long you linger with the signs and camera.
Photography Tips
Interiors are tough to capture; focus on exterior angles and the dramatic backdrop. A slightly elevated vantage from the hill behind can frame the cabin nicely with the cliff alcove.
Where it is
38.2822, -111.1706Tips for Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin
- 01Look up at the cliff alcove behind the cabin—the boys reportedly slept there.
- 02Come early or late if you’re in a large vehicle; parking is limited.
- 03Plan for a short stop and bring sun protection; there’s no shade or water.
- 04Photograph the exterior and the wider setting; interiors are hard to capture.
Amenities
Near Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin
All places →All trails →
0.6 mi awayFremont River WaterfallRoadside desert waterfall with a photogenic plunge poolPullout · Parking
1.2 mi awayGrand Wash TrailEasy canyon walk between towering Navajo sandstone wallsEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.5 hr
1.3 mi awayGrand Wash NarrowsEasy stroll to soaring, slot-like canyon walls and cool shadeTrailhead · Parking
2.6 mi awayCapitol DomeWhite sandstone namesake dome you can admire from the road
2.6 mi awayCassidy ArchWalkable arch with sweeping views over Grand WashTrailhead · Restroom
2.6 mi awayCassidy Arch TrailShort, steep climb to a photogenic arch you can stand onModerate · 3.4 mi · 2.5 hr
3.1 mi awayNavajo Knobs TrailA big-view grind to unbeatable 360-degree panoramas.Challenging · 9.4 mi · 7 hr
3.1 mi awayHickman Bridge TrailShort, family friendly walk to a giant natural bridge and vistas.Moderate · 1.8 mi · 1 hr
