Night Stalkers Haunted Trail is arguably Salt Lake's scariest haunted house

• And yet, I've never been so scared in a haunted attraction.

Why it works: The first half is a dark, disorienting maze cut into corn rows that actors can sneak through, repeatedly intercepting guests as they search for a way out.

• That means multiple run-ins with the chainsaw guy, rather than a one-time grand finale scare.

Caveat: I went during the haunt's opening weekend in September, when crowds were lighter. Bigger crowds may not leave the chainsaw guy as much time for prolonged torment of individual guests.

Zoom out: Night Stalkers also has carnival games, concessions, music, pumpkins for sale, and a larger corn maze to leisurely explore without jump scares or chainsaw guys.

• Ticket prices vary depending on which attractions you enjoy.

Mea culpa: To the chainsaw guy, I'm sorry for flipping a double bird. I meant to make a finger cross, and the wrong gesture popped up in my panic.

• To my family, I'm sorry for soiling the emergency-kit blanket that I had to sit on with my wet pants for the drive home.

Go deeper: Where to find Salt Lake's best Halloween houses, haunts and attractions

• A guide to Daybreak's spectacular Halloween displays