10 Storybook Towns In Utah
Set among Utah's famous natural wonders, the following storybook towns pull travelers into the land and keep Old West history alive even today. Enjoy the red rock backdrop of Kanab and the sheer wonder of isolation in Boulder. Learn about the unbelievable way quilts helped save locals in Panguitch and how avalanches helped form the small ski town of Alta. Stay locally for easy exploration and to enjoy the farm-raised food and warmth of the communities happy to share their history. Most of these towns also provide a rare view of starry skies worth a long pause. These ten storybook Utah towns begin in southern Utah and work their way north.
Kanab
Set among the towering sandstone cliffs of southern Utah, Kanab has earned more of a name for itself than other storybook towns on this list. Known as "Little Hollywood," Kanab is famous for letting cinematographers "borrow" the backdrop of its town and gorgeous natural landmarks for hundreds of classic western films. Stop in the Little Hollywood Museum to see some of the old sets and learn about the stars who filmed in them. For more local history, visit the Heritage House Museum, known as the "Jewel of Kanab" and located in a beautifully restored old Victorian-era home.
Though the town does have a lot of tourism, it remains very authentic. This welcoming community has many events from Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival (late August annually), paleontology hikes, star parties, and more. For the adventurous souls, use Kanab as a base for exploration of nearby National Parks such as Zion or Bryce. A smaller, less crowded option would be a visit to the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs National Monument where the famous "Wave" sandstone formation sits (permit needed), or close by, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park where you can rent ATVs and explore the dunes. Return back to your B&B to relax while sitting outside at one of the many locally owned diners watching the sunset and planning the next adventure.
Springdale
Down the road from Kanab, effectively on the outskirts of Zion National Park in southern Utah, sits the small town of Springdale. Due to the location, the town has earned the reputation for being a "bridge between the human and the divine." Located along the North Fork of the Virgin River, this town has become popular for outfitters gearing up for adventures in the park. Art galleries, lodges, coffee shops, and locally owned cafes keep the energy fun and yet mellow. One does not necessarily need to head into Zion to appreciate this town though. Music fans appreciate the several festivals throughout the year, the largest probably being the Zion Canyon Music Festival in September while film enthusiasts can appreciate the Red Rock Film Festival that includes screenings in Springdale every November. Visitors can also enjoy a short trip to Grafton Ghost Town, known for well-preserved buildings and famous for its backdrop in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Panguitch
Located in the valley of the Sevier River in southern Utah, this old pioneer storybook town has deep roots and history everywhere you look. Most of the buildings on the main street through town are registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous for its Panguitch Quilt Walk every June, the residents celebrate a historic event from 1864 where the laying down of quilts over snow helped a group of men from the town travel the Old Spanish Trail to return home safely. If hot air balloons are on your bucket list, visit in late June as the town hosts the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally. Over the three-day festival, enjoy the mass ascension of balloons daily, enjoy local eats, music, crafts, or even take a short tethered ride in one of the balloons.
If the idea of a relaxing day of fishing is more your storybook style, this town's name literally translates to "Big Fish" and certainly lives up to its name. Anglers of all ages should remember their fishing poles during peak summer season (although it is also known to have successful ice fishing during the winter as well) and enjoy Panguitch Lake or one of the other several major lakes that surround the area. Hikers can explore the Dixie National Forest trails of all levels right outside of town or drive just a small distance to take in the famous hoodoos of Bryce National Park.
Escalante
About an hour past Bryce Canyon National Park down east Highway 12, you will come to the largest town within 70 miles in any direction. With only about 850 residents, Escalante is a serene, storybook-like base camp ideal for exploring many nearby natural wonders, but also offers many five-star local food choices and unique lodging options. Ofland Escalante is a one-of-a-kind boutique outdoor hotel, where you can book a cabin, a vintage Airstream, or your own personal campsite. With any booking, you have access to a private drive-in theater where you can sit in old cars and enjoy free popcorn every night of the week.
Before you begin exploring for the day, stop by the Kiva Koffeehouse for outstanding views and good coffee. Check out Escalante Petrified Forest State Park or one of the amazing slot canyons such as Peek-a-Boo or Spooky Gulch. Lower Calf Creek Falls is also worth the six-mile sandy hike to view a 126-foot waterfall and take a cool swim in the pool below. Back in town to watch the sunset, dine out on one of the many choices of outdoor dining patios of Escalante Outfitters, Esca-latte Restaurant, or the higher-end North Creek Grill.
Boulder
From Bryce National Park, travel northeast along Scenic Byway 12 and you will find yourself surrounded by untouched landscape and extreme isolation. If this sounds like the perfect fairy-tale escape for you, Boulder and its rustic feel will suit your need to leave a busy city life behind. Surrounded by the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and at the base of Boulder Mountain, Boulder is so secluded it was the last town in the nation to receive mail by mule train.
The lodging options here are few but distinctive. The Bedrock Homestead Cave House, for the adventurous spirit, allows you to rent part of a house literally built directly into a cave. Other accommodations include Boulder Mountain Lodge where the famed Hell's Backbone Grill serves farm-to-table organic food and the Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch that lets you pick among regular rustic rooms, cabins, or upscale tents and then dine at the Sweetwater Kitchen located on the property. Relax, take short hikes nearby, and enjoy campfires at night. If you need to get out and explore more, check out Anasazi State Park for Native American History or drive the 30 miles of Burr Trail for unforgettable views of Grand Staircase and Capital Reef National Park.
Torrey
What says storybook town more than starwatching with your loved ones? Situated in the heart of Utah's south central national park region, Torrey was Utah's first International Dark Sky Community. They take the recognition very seriously with strict light practices. Views of the Milky Way and the many meteor showers are unforgettable and remind you of the vastness of the universe. Beautiful cottonwood trees line main street and the town blends a pioneer heritage with conservation and sustainable tourism. This town sits between Boulder Mountain and Capital Reef National Park and is a gateway to many local sites. Inside Capital Reef sits Gifford Homestead that is famous for its homemade pies using the fruit from the historic orchards in the park. For a unique overnight experience, book a Conestoga wagon room at the Broken Spur Inn or Capital Reef Resort and feel like you have gone back in time.
Spring City
Situated at over 5,800 ft. in elevation, in the Sanpete Valley of central Utah, Spring City reads like a storybook of pioneer history. Many of the old homes in town date back to the late 1800s. If you can make the Spring City Heritage Days in May, many families open their homes to tour so visitors can take a peek into the preserved life of so long ago. A walking tour is one of the best ways to experience this serene town with over 90 historic sites including the homes, log cabins, and old limestone buildings. Stop at a local favorite, Das Cafe, popular for its German-inspired food alongside many American breakfast items and desserts. If you visit in December, there is a special Christmas Candlelight Home tour and art sale at the Spring City Community Center (the restored schoolhouse) with carolers and a Bluegrass Christmas Concert at Victory Hall.
Helper
About 115 miles southeast from Salt Lake City, begin your storybook journey into Helper by stopping by the Happiness Within coffee shop for a drink and pastry. Walk out onto Main Street framed by a backdrop of the sandstone cliffs of the Wasatch Plateau and wave to Big John, an 18-foot fiberglass coal miner statue. Big John was built in the 1960s and placed outside the Helper Civic Auditorium to honor the town's rich mining history and those who lost their lives while working in the mines.
This town's main street was recently restored and has a wonderful blend of the industrial, desert, and art communities. For a mellow afternoon, head to the Riverwalk and stroll along the Price River under a tree-lined trail. History buffs will enjoy the Western Mining and Railroad Museum which is uniquely housed in an old hotel where you will learn the real meaning of the name of the town. Helper engines assisted railway locomotives that needed extra power to climb the steep gradient of Soldier Summit. If you can return at Christmas, the town has a massive town-wide light display and parade and the storybook feel is alive everywhere.
Midway
In the Heber Valley at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, approximately 28 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, sits a town that most know as "Little Switzerland." Its Swiss-inspired architecture makes you feel like you have been whisked away to a tiny European alpine village. The boutique shops and cafes make it obvious why it was a true destination for a Hallmark Christmas movie. This quiet, relaxed town offers year-round Alpine-style adventure and events for all ages.
Book a swim in the Homestead Crater and soak in the year-round 95 degree geothermal mineral spring water located inside a 55-foot tall limestone rock dome that is over 10,000 years old. Around Labor Day, celebrate Swiss Days, a major two-day event that celebrates the Swiss heritage and is full of fun festivities and local food. During the winter months, head down Utah's longest tubing trail at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center and learn about the Olympic events that were held in the area in 2002. After a fun day, reserve a unique glass igloo to enjoy a private dinner at Café Galleria between October through April.
Alta
Covered in a blanket of snow for more than half the year, the small town of Alta sets the scene for a winter storybook wonderland. Its rustic, rugged, untouched feel seems frozen in time. On top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains, the town sits around 8,560 ft. above sea level and is only approximately 45 minutes southeast from Salt Lake City. Once a famous, thriving silver mining town, Alta was destroyed by a fire and major avalanche and was practically a ghost town in the early 1930s. It was soon rebuilt to be a small ski town and is now home to approximately 383 full-time residents.
Due to the dramatic deep powder snow, it has become a playground for thousands of visitors every season but the village still holds on to a quieter, intimate feel. Most of the lodges, like the Alta Peruvian Lodge or the Goldminer's Daughter, are family owned and provide an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of traditional ski culture. During the summer, stop by in July to enjoy the gorgeous Wasatch Wildflower Festival or hit the hiking trails like Catherine's Pass or Cecret Lake Trail for capturing photographic scenic views in the Albion Basin area.
A Story Of Its Own
These ten different storybook towns show that Utah is more than just its National Parks and outdoor adventure. It is also home to these small, welcoming towns full of pioneering, mining, agricultural, Native American history, and so much more. The communities have learned to work with the rugged land and their unique, individual stories are well worth "reading." Enjoy their amazing events, their gorgeous scenery, and the nostalgic worlds you discover when you pull into each town. And keep exploring; you are certain to find more towns not on this list.
