The Undaunted – The Miracle of the Hole-in-the-Rock Pioneers

by Gerald N. Lund



I just complete reading this book last night and decided I should post a review of what I thought about it.

This is a true story of a group of Mormon pioneers who undertook and completed what many thought was an impossible journey. This time, they were not running from persecution or trying to find a place where they would have religious freedom. Some of these people had a successful business, or a well-established farms, nice homes, and they were enjoying a good life. Why then did they leave? They believed that the call was from the Lord and it was necessary for the safety and good of the entire community. Each one of them thought it was the right thing to do.

After seeing what lie ahead with the Hole-in-the Rock, a former handcart pioneer, Jens Nielson said, “We must go through, even if we cannot.”

And, that is exactly what they did. There is plenty of adventure, romance, and sacrifices in these 800 pages. The pioneers sacrificed much to go on the San Juan Mission.

The Hole-in-the-Wall Pioneers had to face many problems. I enjoyed reading the details of each of the hardships they endured as they built a way through the Hole-in-the-Rock, blasted out perilous trails over slick rock and through desolate cliffs as they made their way through the Cottonwood Hill, Grey Mesa, The Chute, Slick Rock Hill, Clay Hill Pass, Salvation Knoll, and many others. Some of the cliffs were treacherous and difficult to get around. The slick red rocks and clay hills made it hard for the animals to get their footing, and still pull a wagon.

I agree with G. N. Lund. It is good to look to the past to gain appreciation for the present and perspective for the future. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read adventure stories along with romance.