AS AUTUMN arrives in West Valley City, many Granger High School students prepare for Halloween by visiting local haunted houses. Thrill-seeking attractions have become a central activity for teens making seasonal memories with friends and family. Popular local destinations include Fear Factory, Asylum 49, Nightmare on 13th, and Haunted Forest.

For some community members, real-world folklore elevates the fear factor.

“Asylum 49 is the scariest haunted house because the place is known for being haunted, and you have to sign a waiver if you want to get the full experience,” community member Gloria G said. “My cousin experienced getting scratch marks on his back without giving consent to be touched by the actors.”

Granger students frequently compare the thrill of Fear Factory with the intensity of Asylum 49. Fear Factory features multi-story industrial layouts, elevated staircases, disorienting fog rooms, clown mazes, and chainsaw sequences. Meanwhile, Asylum 49 offers hands-on interactive experiences, where actors can strap participants to hospital beds or separate them from their groups.

Other students find outdoor environments offer a unique scare.

“Haunted Forest is the scariest haunted house because the experience is different compared to being inside like the rest of the haunted houses,” Cynthia Camarena (11) said. “For Haunted Forest, you’re outside in the dark and don’t know what’s coming next. Also, getting chased by an actor with a chainsaw and having to run away is scary.”Ultimately, haunted attractions offer more than simple scares during October. By bringing people together across Salt Lake County, locations like Fear Factory, Nightmare on 13th, and Asylum 49 help Lancers celebrate the Halloween season through shared tradition.