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Utah’s west desert is full of historical locations such as petroglyph sites, old mining towns, and historical sites along the Pony Express Route. One such location is the Pet Cemetery located at Lookout Pass.
At the top of the pass, one can stop and enjoy the view far out into Utah’s west desert. Today this view is a scenic vista, however, in 1860 this was a chance for the Pony Express Riders to view the trail ahead, known as “Piute Hell”. Lookout Pass was not named for its scenic vistas. Its name was a warning to the Express Riders to “Look out for Indians”.
In the valley below, Lookout Pass was once a Pony Express station called Point Lookout Station. This area was said to have been settled by Horace Rockwell and his wife Libby or Aunt Libby as she was called. The couple had no children, however, Libby had four pet dogs. The only standing remnant of Point Lookout is the cemetery that was constructed as the resting place for Aunt Libby’s beloved dogs. Although this cemetery has always been called the pet cemetery, it is also the resting place of two men and one child.
The Pet Cemetery:
As you travel down the Pony Express Trail just beyond Lookout Pass, you will see Aunt Libby’s Cemetery surrounded by a rock wall. Imbedded into the front of this wall is a plaque that provides information on the burial plot.
The rock wall is topped with a modern metal railing to hopefully deter people from entering or walking on top the structure. If you visit this monument, please view the burial site from the outside, and remember that this is a resting place of not only pet dogs but three people as well.
Outdoor Activities:
Besides viewing the cemetery and looking at the monuments marking this location, the valley is a very popular location for camping. It is also a staging area for OHV riders and a starting point to explore the many other locations out in this desert area. We spent the day hiking around, enjoy the views, and cooking over a campfire.
Location:
From the southern half of Salt Lake County or Utah County, travel to Lehi Junction (Redwood road and Highway 73). Drive west on Highway 73 through Fairfield to the Utah/Tooele County line, turn left and continue west across the Faust cutoff of Rush Valley to the railroad town of Faust. Continue 2.5 miles farther to Highway 36. Head south for one-half mile to Pony Express turn off as signed.
From Ogden or Salt Lake City, travel to Tooele via I-80 and continue south on Highway 36 to the Pony Express turnoff road described above.
Other Related Articles:
Utah Day Trip – Exploring Historic Tooele County
Sunshine Canyon, Utah West Desert
Wonderstone in the Vernon Hills, Tooele County
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