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Update: The Tintic /Harold Mill has been closed to public access.
As of 07/29/2017 The Harold Mill has been closed and is no longer open to public access. New no trespassing signs have been posted and according to this article this area has been posted for 15 years. Please obey this new ordinance as violators will be prosecuted. When this article was published this area had no signs and many visitors were in the area sightseeing, fishing, and utilizing the trail for walking, and running. As of now this article will remain online because the Tintic Mill is an historical part of Utah’s history.
Just before you enter the town of Genola Utah, you may notice a castle like colorful concrete structure perched up on the hill side. This strange looking structure is colorful because of the layers and layers of spray paint put on by the countless graffiti artists over many years. Now, I have my opinion on graffiti and I'm sure you do too. However, this is not the typical graffiti, it's more like wall art. If you feel completely disgusted that someone would spray paint an historical structure, then you may want to avoid visiting this location because it's everywhere. Okay, now that you have been warned about the graffiti let's move on to the historical value of this awesome structure.
The concrete structure goes by many names; Harold Mill, Tintic Standard Reduction Mill, or Tintic Mill. The mill was built around 1920 and for a short time played a role in Utah's mining history. The mill processed ore from the Tintic Mining District, which included mines in Eureka, Utah. The metals processed at the mill included copper, gold, silver, and lead. The highest amount of ore processed in one year at the Harold Mill was 200 tons.
Unfortunately the mill didn’t last long as the process they used to refine the ore was outdated and after a short 5 years the mill was closed. In 1978 the Harold Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visiting the Harold Mill Today (CLOSED)
Currently the Harold Mill is open to the public, and like we mentioned in the first part of this article, if you don’t mind graffiti it is a neat place to visit and explore. The huge concrete structure includes foundations of water tanks, leaching tanks, drain boxes, and more. The area is not open to motorized vehicles, and from the parking area you will have to take a 5 to 10 minute hike to the mill.
Safety at the Harold Mill
If you choose to visit the mill, please keep in mind this is a very old deteriorating structure. There are pieces of rebar dangling from and sticking out of the structure. Also, parts of the mill have collapsed so navigation in some parts may be difficult. The mill is also perched on a steep hillside that is covered in loose rock and gravel. A good pair of shoes is highly recommended.
Goshen / Genola Warm Springs
If exploring an old deteriorating concrete structure is not your thing the warm springs are beautiful and also hold a population of Bass for those who enjoy to fish. From the springs you will get a good view of the structure from a safe distance. Swimming or soaking in the springs is not recommended as some claim the water still contains pollution from the mill operations.
Driving Directions:
Redwood Road west side of Utah Lake --
Travel on Redwood Road (UT-68) to Elberta, Utah. Turn left on HWY 6 and travel approx 6.6 miles to a Y in the road. Merge right on UT-141. This road will lead you to the parking area. You can park just off the road or take a dirt road up the hill for more parking.
From I-15 to the Harold Mill --
Travel south of I-15 to Santaguin, Utah. Travel west on Main Street for approx 4 miles to Genola, Utah. Turn left on State Street and travel a few blocks to the parking area.
Disclaimer:
If you choose to visit the Harold Mill you do so at your own risk. Utah Outdoor Activities cannot be held responsible for any accidents, injuries, or deaths that may occur while visiting this location.
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