7 of Utah's scariest places

Allowing yourself a good scare now and then isn't just fun — it's also good for your health. No, really.

"Being scared takes us completely away from our everyday worries and depressions," Dr. John Mayer tells The Healthy magazine. "It's nearly impossible to be thinking of our pressures and worries when we're experiencing fear or feeling scared. It works like an eraser for the mind."

In the spirit of the spooky season, here are seven of Utah's scariest — but not haunted — places for all you adrenaline junkies out there. Be warned; your heart is likely to start pumping just by reading this list.

Angel's Landing Trail

Don't be fooled by its heavenly name. Angel's Landing has a devilish reputation for being one of the scariest hikes not just in Utah but in the entire country. But it's also extremely popular, which is why you have to secure a permit to hike here. This 5.4-mile roundtrip hike in Zion National Park will take you about 1,500 feet high and the final half mile is a major nailbiter.

"The most famous — or infamous — part of the hike is the ascent up the chains," the National Park Service website warns. "The single metal chain offers hikers something to hold during the last half mile of trail along a knife-edge ridge. Since 1930, the majority of deadly accidents have taken place on this section of trail."

Still, if you practice caution, many hikers swear that the views from the top are well worth the risk. Just be sure to get that permit on Recreation.gov first!

Moki Dugway Highway

After you've scaled one of the most dangerous hiking trails, you might as well give this one a try, too. The Moki Dugway Highway is also pretty famous for its white-knuckle thrills with terror-inducing switchbacks, hairpin turns and lack of guardrails. With a 10% grade on an unpaved road, you'll definitely want to stick to the 5 mph speed limit.

If you're skeptical, just read one man's review. He says, "My wife was scared to death, and refused to look out the window as we drove higher and higher up the cliff, turning through left hand and right hand switchbacks, slowly climbing to the top." To read his full, detailed experience, visit TripAdvisor.

Fortunately, once again, the views make the terror worth it. Catherine Armstrong writes for Only In Your State, "The views from the top are absolutely stunning. You'll see the sweeping vista of Valley of the Gods, with the distinctive rock formations of Monument Valley in the distance."

You can find this nail biting road near Valley of the Gods in the southeastern part of the state.

Moab Rope Swing

You likely know Moab for its close location to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. But the rope swing 400 feet above ground is a whole new way to experience the desert.

According to the Moab Rope Swing website, you can stand on the edge of a 400 foot cliff and jump off. You are in a harness the whole time, but it still take a lot of guts to launch yourself through the air in between red rock canyons.

Unlike a bungee cord, you'll swing through the air like a pendulum. One Google reviewer said, "Stepping over the edge into the free fall of your life and then taking a giant swing out over the amazing canyon was an awesome combination of fear, awe, and peace!"

The top of Cannibal at Lagoon

The Cannibal roller coaster at Lagoon combines many people's worst nightmares. Restrained only by a lap bar, you rise through a 208-foot elevator shaft where you perch for a few tense seconds before plunging into a vertical freefall.

For those afraid of heights — and falling from them — Cannibal will definitely get your pulse racing. But once you've conquered your initial fear, don't be surprised if you keep hopping back in line for this one.

7 fascinating Utah places you aren't allowed to visit

No matter how intrigued you may be, there are certain areas you're forbidden to explore. In Utah, this includes a few abandoned structures, a haunted ranch, a dangerous spelunking cave and more. The following places may tantalize your curiosity — but keep out.

Ski jumping at Olympic Park

You don't always have to be participating in an activity to get the thrill of it. Some things are scary enough just to watch. Ski jumping is one of them. For an activity the family won't soon forget, take them to the Utah Olympic Park in Park City and watch ski jumpers tackle the freestyle aerial jump training pool.

"[I]t's probably unlike anything you've ever seen before," Jessica Averett writes for Visit Park City. "It's an aerated pool where skiers go off giant plastic coated jumps that look and behave a lot like a regular snow ski jump and land in the water. It's used as a training tool to teach athletes new skills and tricks while limiting the danger of a bad landing."

Just remember, you're not the one strapped into the skis! Breathe!

Bloomington Cave

If you have a deep fear of dark and small spaces, Bloomington Cave, just 15 miles outside of St. George, is probably not on your bucket list.

The Bureau of Land Management website says it is a large tectonic cave with at least six levels. It also has a maze of passages and steeply dipping floors.

"It's worth noting that, like many caves, there are narrow passageways that can require crawling or sliding on one's belly, and there are steep floors often caked in slimy mud," the Utah Office of Tourism warns. "To say the least, go slowly and know that there are such obstacles — and don't wear your Sunday's best, obviously."

Though it's a true terror for the claustrophobic types, those with a sense of adventure will love diving deep into this massive, tectonic cave system.

Hell's Revenge

This is one where the name says it all. Hell's Revenge in Moab is one of the most challenging and terrifying off-road trails you can tackle — in Utah or anywhere else. It's 6.5 miles of slickrock ledges, steep climbs, sharp edges and tight turns that will test even seasoned off-roaders.

Among nearly 1,000 AllTrails reviews, many described the trail as "hair raising," "not for the faint of heart," and "terrifying." Even so, the trail has a 4.8 star overall rating, and most reviewers recommended the heart-pounding adventure.

Tripadvisor rated it the No. 2 thing to do in Moab.

Siegfried & Jensen

Since 1990, Siegfried & Jensen have been helping the people of Utah and surrounding states who have suffered needless injuries and death caused by car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, defective drugs, dog bites, wrongful death, and other types of personal injury.

The firm is committed to keeping Utah families and communities safe by ensuring wrongdoers are held accountable. While a lawsuit isn't always the answer when it is needed having someone on your side can mean the difference between declaring bankruptcy and rebuilding your life and moving forward, especially when you're up against an insurance company or a hospital.

Siegfried & Jensen has represented more than 35,000 clients and recovered over $1.2 billion for them.

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