Utah's House on Fire: A Hiker's Guide to This Incredible Ruin

Native American Ruin by Blanding Utah in Mule canyon

There are some places in the world that are pure magic, and the House on Fire ruin in Mule Canyon is one of them. This incredible Ancestral Puebloan dwelling gets its name from a spectacular illusion: for a short time on sunny mornings, light reflecting off the opposite canyon wall illuminates the overhanging rock, making it glow with the color and pattern of flames. It’s an amazing sight to behold. This is my guide to taking the beautiful, easy hike through Mule Canyon to witness this piece of ancient history and natural artistry for yourself.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: Timing is EVERYTHING! The famous "fire" effect only happens for a short period, typically between 10 AM and 11 AM on a clear, sunny day. This is when the sun is high enough to reflect off the north-facing canyon wall and illuminate the ruin. Plan your hike to arrive at the ruin during this window for the best photos.

2D Trailer Video of House on Fire and Butler Wash Ruins

"House on Fire is an amazing Native American Dwelling that appears to be on Fire with the cool color and patterns in the rock above and around it."

Adventure at a Glance

🏞️ Location: Mule Canyon, Cedar Mesa, near Blanding, Utah
🚶‍♀️ Activity: Easy Hiking, Viewing Ancestral Puebloan Ruins
⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
☀️ Best For: Unique photography, ancient history, family-friendly hikes.
⏳ Recommended Time: 1.5 - 2 hours for the round trip hike.
🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The "fire" effect on the ruin, the "Treasure Box," other smaller ruins in the canyon.

My House on Fire Story

The hike to House on Fire is a pleasant, 1.9-mile round trip walk, mostly in the sandy wash of Mule Canyon. It's a beautiful stroll with towering canyon walls on either side. When you arrive at the ruins, they are tucked beautifully into a large rock overhang. While they are impressive on their own, the real magic happens when the sun hits just right. As I was coming down from viewing the ruin, I noticed a green rectangular box chained to a tree. With no lock, my curiosity got the best of me. Inside was a treasure trove of knowledge—binders and papers left by other visitors, detailing the history of the canyon, the people who lived there, and other petroglyphs to look for. It was a wonderful, communal discovery that added so much to the experience.

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

♦️ Get the Timing Right: To see the "fire," aim to be at the ruin between 10 AM and 11 AM. This may vary slightly depending on the time of year.
♦️ Getting There: The trailhead is on Elk Mountain Road (off UT-95) near Blanding. I recommend using a downloaded offline Google Map to get there, as cell service is spotty.
♦️ Easy Hike: The trail is mostly flat with a few small stream crossings. It's an easy hike, but the sandy wash can be tiring.
♦️ Respect the Site: This is a fragile archaeological site. Please do not touch or enter the ruins. Look with your eyes and your camera to preserve this place for generations to come.

Pair Your Trip with More Cedar Mesa Ruins!

The area around Blanding is rich with incredible Ancestral Puebloan history. If you loved House on Fire, you'll also love these other nearby sites.

Spirit Arch & Petroglyph Canyon: A beautiful hike with arches and very detailed petroglyphs.

Wolf Man Panel: A very cool and unique petroglyph panel in Bluff, Utah.

Street View Trail I Created Here at House on Fire

Native American Dwelling Ruins in Mule Canyon

Below is 360 Trail closer to the Left Side of the Ruins

Section of Dwelling of House On Fire by Blanding Utah

INSIDE VIEWS OF HOUSE ON FIRE DWELLING

Check inside the Window of the Dwelling in Mule Canyon Blanding Utah

Check inside the Window in the Dwelling in Mule Canyon

View Inside Dwelling at House on Fire

Conclusion

House on Fire is more than just a clever name; it's a magical confluence of light, rock, and time. It's a connection to an ancient people and a stunning display of nature's artistry. It is absolutely worth the hike, and timing your visit to see the "fire" is an unforgettable experience. I hope this guide helps you find and appreciate this truly special place.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaways

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