Notable Cisco Utah

History and Overview

Nestled in eastern Utah’s vast, rugged landscapes, Cisco is a ghost town that tells a story of boom, bust, and abandonment. Established in the late 1800s as a crucial water stop for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, Cisco quickly became a thriving hub for railroad workers, ranchers, and travelers crossing the unforgiving desert terrain. The town flourished for decades, serving as a supply point and even hosting a small but bustling community.

However, as rail travel declined and the construction of Interstate 70 bypassed the area, Cisco fell into decay, leaving behind a collection of weathered buildings, rusting vehicles, and remnants of a once-busy outpost. Despite its desolation, the town has remained a source of fascination, drawing travelers, photographers, and filmmakers intrigued by its eerie yet captivating remnants of the past. Today, Cisco stands as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of frontier settlements and the relentless passage of time in the American West.

Cisco Activities

1. Explore the Ghost Town of Cisco

Cisco is a living relic of the American West, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the eerie beauty of an abandoned town. Once a bustling railroad stop in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it has now been reduced to a collection of decaying buildings, rusted vehicles, and remnants of old infrastructure.

Walking through the town, you’ll see remnants of the past, from collapsed wooden structures to graffiti-covered walls that tell the story of its long decline. Cisco has become a favorite spot for photographers, artists, and urban explorers who are drawn to its stark, post-apocalyptic feel. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble across installations from local artists who have used the ghost town as an unconventional canvas for their work. Just remember—Cisco is remote, so come prepared with water, good shoes, and a camera to capture its haunting yet fascinating atmosphere. 

2. Off-Road Adventure on the Kokopelli Trail

For those who crave adventure and off-the-grid exploration, the Kokopelli Trail is an incredible way to experience the rugged beauty of the Utah-Colorado border. This legendary trail stretches over 140 miles, starting in Loma, Colorado, and winding through the dramatic desert landscapes of Utah before reaching Moab. Along the way, it passes near Cisco, making the ghost town a great starting or stopping point for those looking to take on the trail.

The Kokopelli Trail is a paradise for mountain bikers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, and long-distance hikers who want to experience diverse terrain, from towering red rock formations to sandy washes and steep inclines.

Because of its length and difficulty, it’s recommended that adventurers be well-prepared with plenty of water, food, and navigation tools, as parts of the trail can be extremely remote. Whether you tackle a short section or attempt the entire route, the Kokopelli Trail provides an unforgettable off-road experience in the heart of the American West. 

3. Rafting in Westwater Canyon

Just a short drive southeast of Cisco lies one of Utah’s most exciting whitewater rafting destinations—Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River. This stretch of the river is famous for its breathtaking scenery and exhilarating rapids, making it a must-do for adventure seekers.

The canyon features dramatic black granite walls, some of the oldest exposed rock in North America, which contrast beautifully with the rushing waters of the Colorado. Rafters can expect a mix of calm stretches perfect for soaking in the scenery and thrilling Class III and IV rapids like “Sock-It-To-Me,” “Skull,” and “Funnel Falls” that challenge even experienced paddlers.

Guided rafting tours are available from outfitters in nearby Moab and Grand Junction, ensuring that both beginners and seasoned rafters can experience the adrenaline rush safely. If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience the wild beauty of the West, rafting through Westwater Canyon is an unbeatable choice.

Places to Eat Near Cisco

RV Parks Near Cisco (In Moab)

1. Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

• Description: Located in Moab, about 32 miles southwest of Cisco, Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway (formerly Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground) is a highly regarded RV park ideal for those exploring Arches National Park, just minutes away. The park offers a variety of spacious RV sites with full hookups (water, electric, and sewer), accommodating rigs of all sizes, including pull-through options for easy access.
  
  Amenities include a hot tub, a putting green, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked camp store. The park also provides tent sites and vacation rentals, such as Airstream trailers, for those without RVs. Its scenic surroundings feature stunning views of red rock formations, and its proximity to the Colorado River and downtown Moab’s shops and restaurants adds convenience. Reviewers praise its cleanliness, friendly staff, and excellent location for outdoor adventures like hiking and sightseeing. 

2. Ballard RV Park

• Description: Situated approximately 35 miles southwest of Cisco in Moab, Ballard RV Park is a smaller, family-friendly option known for its spacious pull-through sites and full hookups, including 50-amp electric service, making it suitable for larger RVs.
  
  The park emphasizes a hassle-free experience with well-maintained facilities and a peaceful atmosphere.

  It offers easy access to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, ideal for day trips, and is appreciated for its friendly staff and clean amenities. While it may lack some of the resort-style features of larger parks, its simplicity and proximity to outdoor recreation make it a solid choice for RV travelers seeking a quieter stay. The surrounding desert landscape provides a classic Utah experience, with opportunities for stargazing and exploring nearby trails.

3. Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway

• Description: Also in Moab, roughly 35 miles from Cisco, Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway (formerly Archview RV Resort & Campground) offers a blend of modern amenities and a rustic Western vibe. This park features full-hookup RV sites, tent camping options, and vacation casitas, set against Utah’s iconic red rock country.
  
  Amenities include an outdoor pool, a splash pad, laundry facilities, and a unique on-site old Western church for photo opportunities. It’s located near Arches National Park and provides easy access to hiking, biking, and off-road adventures.

  The park’s 40-acre property offers unobstructed views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains, and its pull-through sites cater to big rigs. Guests enjoy the clean facilities, friendly service, and the chance to unwind around a campfire under starry skies.

  A Couple Explores Cisco…

  Lila and Ethan had been itching for a weekend escape from their routine in Salt Lake City. They’d heard whispers of Cisco, Utah—a ghost town off State Route 128 near the Colorado border—through a travel blog Ethan stumbled upon. It promised a hauntingly beautiful detour on their way to Moab, and with their love for offbeat adventures, they packed their camera, a tent, and some snacks, hitting the road early Saturday morning on April 19, 2025.

  The drive along SR-128 was breathtaking, with the Colorado River winding alongside, framed by towering red rock cliffs. They arrived in Cisco just before noon, the sun high and the air dry. The town was eerily quiet, save for the occasional gust of wind rattling loose tin on abandoned buildings. Once a bustling stop for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in the 1880s, Cisco had crumbled into a scattering of dilapidated structures—old shacks, a tiny post office, and rusted vehicles abandoned like forgotten toys. Lila, a history buff, noted that the town had boomed with oil and gas in the 1920s but faded when I-70 bypassed it in the 1970s.

  They parked near the old Buzzards Belly General Store, which, according to a sign, was closed for restoration until March 1, 2025. “Too bad,” Ethan said, peering through the dusty window. “I heard they had fresh coffee and quirky collectibles.” Lila snapped a photo of the store’s faded dinosaur statues out front, their paint peeling but still charming.

  The couple wandered cautiously, mindful of the “No Trespassing” signs on some properties. A few buildings looked recently touched—graffiti splashed across a crumbling wall, a broken RV with a tattered curtain fluttering in the breeze. Ethan, ever the thrill-seeker, half-joked about a chainsaw-wielding lunatic jumping out, a nod to Cisco’s creepy reputation in horror film lore like *Vanishing Point*. Lila laughed but stayed close, the silence of the town amplifying every creak and rustle.

  They found a rusted railroad tie building, a relic from Cisco’s rail days, and spent an hour photographing the eerie decay—old oil cans, shattered glass, and a discarded tent inside. “People actually camped here?” Lila wondered aloud, imagining the solitude. The Mancos Shale landscape stretched endlessly around them, a stark reminder of the town’s isolation.

  By late afternoon, they drove a short distance to Cisco Landing on the Colorado River, a spot popular with rafters. The river’s gentle flow was a stark contrast to the desolation of the town, and they sat on the bank, eating sandwiches and watching a group of kayakers float by. Ethan pointed out the Book Cliffs to the north, where ranchers once grazed cattle, and they debated hiking but decided to save their energy for the next day.

  As the sun dipped, casting long shadows over Cisco, they set up their tent near the edge of town, where the ground was flat and the interstate’s hum was faint. The lack of light pollution made the stars pop, and they lay on a blanket, tracing constellations. “It’s so peaceful,” Lila whispered, though the distant howl of a coyote sent a shiver down her spine. Ethan pulled her close, and they fell asleep to the rhythmic sound of a passing Union Pacific train.

  Sunday morning, they woke with the sunrise and explored more of Cisco’s relics. They found the old post office, a tiny shack barely big enough for a desk, and imagined the postmistress who once ran it daily to keep her license. A few structures looked like they might still be sporadically inhabited—one had a newish-looking chair outside—but they kept their distance, respecting the privacy of any lingering residents.

  Before leaving, they drove the short distance to the Fisher Towers, about 25 miles away, for a quick hike. The towering sandstone pinnacles and narrow ravines were a stunning contrast to Cisco’s decay, and they marveled at the wildflowers dotting the trail. By noon, they were back on SR-128, heading to Moab for lunch, their camera full of haunting photos and their hearts full of stories. Cisco had been a strange, melancholic detour—a reminder of how time and progress leave some places behind—but for Lila and Ethan, it was a weekend they’d never forget. 

Books About Cisco 

1. “Roadside History of Utah” by Cynthia Larsen Beckwith

• Summary: “Roadside History of Utah” is a comprehensive guide to Utah’s historical landscape, blending storytelling with factual accounts of the state’s towns, highways, and byways. Written by Cynthia Larsen Beckwith, this book takes readers on a journey through Utah’s past, organized by major travel routes like I-70, which runs directly through Cisco. Cisco is featured as a notable stop along this route, described as a faded relic of its mid-20th-century heyday when it thrived as a service hub for railroad workers, oil drillers, and travelers.

  The book delves into how Cisco’s strategic location near the Colorado River and its role in supporting the uranium and oil industries shaped its brief prosperity, followed by its decline as economic shifts left it nearly abandoned. Beckwith paints a vivid picture of Cisco’s crumbling gas stations, deserted homes, and eerie quietness, contrasting it with its bustling past. The narrative is enriched with anecdotes, photographs, and historical insights, making it appealing to both casual readers and history buffs. Beyond Cisco, the book covers Utah’s diverse regions—from the Mormon settlements to the mining towns—offering a broader context of how places like Cisco fit into the state’s tapestry.

  This second edition, published in 2010 by Mountain Press Publishing Company, updates earlier versions with additional details and refined storytelling, making it a valuable resource for understanding Utah’s lesser-known corners.

2. “Ghost Towns of the West” by Philip Varney

• Summary: “Ghost Towns of the West” by Philip Varney is an expansive exploration of abandoned settlements across the western United States, including a detailed section on Utah’s ghost towns, with Cisco prominently featured. Published in 2010 by Voyageur Press, this book is a treasure trove for those fascinated by the rise and fall of frontier communities.

  Varney’s account of Cisco, Utah, situates it within the rugged landscape of Grand County, near Moab, and traces its history from a lively railroad and ranching outpost to its current status as a near-ghost town. The book describes Cisco’s origins in the late 19th century as a water stop for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, its growth during the mid-20th century oil and uranium booms, and its abandonment as highways bypassed it and industries waned. Varney provides a hauntingly poetic depiction of Cisco’s remnants—rusted gas pumps, dilapidated buildings, and scattered debris—capturing the town’s melancholic beauty.

  Accompanied by striking photographs, the text includes practical details like driving directions (noting Cisco’s accessibility off I-70), historical timelines, and insights into what visitors might encounter today, such as the occasional use of the town as a film set (e.g., for “Thelma & Louise”). Varney’s broader scope covers other Western ghost towns, but his focus on Cisco highlights its unique story of boom-and-bust cycles, making this book a compelling read for history enthusiasts, travelers, and photographers alike. It’s both a historical record and a guidebook, inviting readers to explore these forgotten places in person.

Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer

Cisco, Utah, stands as a weathered testament to the wild heartbeat of the American West—a once-thriving pulse of steam engines, oil rigs, and dusty travelers that’s now faded into a spectral whisper along I-70. What began as a humble railroad water stop in the 1880s swelled into a gritty boomtown, fueled by the mid-20th-century frenzy for black gold and uranium, only to be left for dead when the highways shifted and the wells ran dry.

Today, its sun-bleached bones—crumbling gas stations, a lonely airstrip, and shotgun-shattered signs—draw adventurers and filmmakers alike, lured by the eerie allure of a place frozen in time, where the wind howls through abandoned dreams and the ghosts of a raucous past dance under a boundless desert sky. Cisco isn’t just a ghost town; it’s a raw, unpolished relic of resilience and ruin, daring you to listen to its silent stories etched in rust and sand.