Discovering Utah’s Unique Car Graveyard: The Catstair Canyon Curiosity

Utah is often celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and national treasures, including the illustrious “Mighty 5” national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. These parks are a treasure trove of natural wonders, featuring dramatic slot canyons, ancient fossil beds, cliff dwellings, and intricate petroglyphs. However, nestled along U.S. Route 89—known as Utah’s Heritage Highway—lies an unusual attraction that beckons travelers with a slightly more modern tale.

As you journey eastward from Kanab and approach the 24.5-mile mark on Route 89, be sure to pull over to explore a curious site known as Catstair Canyon. While it may not boast the historical significance of ancient rock arts or fossils, this spot offers a fascinating glimpse into mid-20th-century ingenuity.

A Wall of Wonders

Catstair Canyon is characterized by a massive construction project that dates back to the 1960s. It features a unique wall built from an assemblage of old, junked cars that were compacted and filled with rocks, dirt, and gravel. This peculiar formation, known by locals as the “Detroit Rip-Rap,” serves a dual purpose. Not only is it a testament to the assembly line marvel of the Motor City, but it also acts as an innovative engineering solution to landscape erosion.

Understanding Rip-Rap

For those unfamiliar, a rip-rap is typically a construction feature used to mitigate erosion risks along slopes or shorelines. When relentless rain began to undercut Route 89, the need for a stable structure became apparent. The solution? Using buried automobiles as an environmentally friendly measure to absorb and disperse rainwater’s erosive power. Constructed from varied models of vehicles synonymous with Detroit, this wall stands as a blend of practical engineering and a nod to Americana.

In addition to this automotive assemblage, the nearby rock walls bear ancient pictographs and petroglyphs, whispering tales of the Indigenous peoples who once roamed these majestic landscapes long before the cars rolled in.

So, whether you’re a history buff, a lover of nature, or just searching for an offbeat stop on your journey, Catstair Canyon offers an eclectic mix of the old and new, inviting you to uncover the stories etched into both rock and metal.