In a geological oddity, the Sweetwater River has carved a narrow gorge through the rock of the Granite Mountains when an almost level route around the mountain is just a short distance south. The trail took the easy way, but some travelers would wade the river through Devil's Gate for amusement, meeting their wagons on the other side.

Devil's Gate sits on private property, but is accessible by an easy walking path from the LDS visitor's center. The path is on the north side of the river -- cross at the bridge near the visitor's center.