Escalante in Garfield County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Dance Hall Rock
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 13, 2026
1. Dance Hall Rock Marker
Called to establish a settlement near the San Juan River by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon), the pioneers decided to reach their destination by building a "short-cut" from Escalante to San Juan. Though completed, this difficult route was only used for one year before being abandoned.
Do You Hear the Fiddle Music
Dancing was one of the most important recreational activities for pioneers in the West. They danced squares, waltres, mazurkas, schottishes, polkas, and Virginia Reels.
An observer at the time stated, "In every Mormon train there are usually some musicians, for they seem to be very fond of song and dance, and as soon as the camp work is done the younger element gather in groups and 'trip the light fantastic toe' with as much vim as if they had
this page online
A Matter of Music
Unlike many of their nineteenth century contemporaries, early Mormons embraced musci as a means not only to express their religious devotion, but to cement congregational ties. With uncommon zeal, Mormons dedicated valuable time and resources to musical pursuits, encouraging members to participate in choirs, choral groups, bands, orchestras, ensembles, musical theater, operettas, dancing, composing, and more. Eventually, Mormons developed their own musical style. For these people, music was more than just an amusement; it was spiritually integral to their everday lives.
Erected by Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1879.
Location. 37° 21.427′ N, 111° 6.162′ W. Marker is in Escalante, Utah, in Garfield County. It can be reached from Hole in the Rock Road (at milepost 37), 36.8 miles south of Hwy 12. A sign on Hole in the Rock road will direct you to Dance Hall Rock. The marker is readily visible
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 13, 2026
2. Dance Hall Rock Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country and specifically in Color Country. It is also in the American Mountain West, on the Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Boy Scout Accident (approx. 2.2 miles away).
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 13, 2026
3. Dance Hall Rock Ampitheater
The ampitheater is a short walk from the marker along an obvious and marked trail.
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, May 13, 2026
4. Dance Hall Rock Ampitheater
Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2026, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 24, 2026, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
