7 Coziest Mountain Towns In Utah
Imagine the coziest setting you can think of. For some people, that involves being curled up on the couch in front of a fire, for others it's snuggled in bed with a good book, and for some people it might be a little more cliché, like a hot tub on a backyard patio. But what is the view from your cozy scene? Rain or snow? Sunshine or clouds? How about a mountain backdrop for whatever your relaxing environment entails? Whatever your definition, you might just find what you’re looking for in one of these seven coziest mountain towns in Utah.
Brian Head
Enjoy a winter wonderland in the small town of Brian Head with a visit to Brian Head Resort. Located on the mountain of the same name, the picturesque resort offers skiing, snow tubing, and fine dining. The lodge features an indoor pool and waterfall, an outdoor hot tub, and a game room with old-school video games. For additional winter thrills, book a snowmobile rental from Thunder Mountain Motorsports. See the beautiful sights of the backcountry of Brian Head, Dixie National Forest, and Cedar Breaks National Monument on their guided tours. 1.5 hours, 3 hours, and full-day options are available for the adventure seekers.
If, after the snowmobile tour, you want to see Dixie National Forest at a slower pace, take a hike through the preserve with a start at the High Mountain Trail. Views of Cedar Breaks and Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area can be seen from the trail. Working its way through a large opening that drops into a scrub oak sidehill, the trail winds past a dead lake, Lake Creek, and Rattlesnake Creek, and is nothing short of breathtaking.
Midway
Partake in an underwater adventure at the Utah Crater located at the Homestead Resort. The geothermal spring has a depth of 65 feet and an average temperature of 95 degrees, and it is an ideal location to lounge on the decks built into the crater or immerse yourself in the experience by scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the spring. For another perspective, climb to great heights at Wasatch Mountain State Park. One of Utah’s most popular state parks, there is no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy, including biking, camping, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
There are also two golf courses within the park that provide breathtaking scenery and 139 campsites where visitors can spend a relaxing night under the stars. Another favorite in Midway is Soldier Hollow Nordic Center. Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, the Olympic venue hosts a variety of activities throughout the year. Mountain bike, cross-country ski, or tube to your heart's content for an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Moab
Possibly one of the most frequented towns in Utah, Moab is the home of two national parks, one of which is Arches National Park. Over 2,000 natural stone arches are on display, and a dozen different trail heads will take visitors to the natural beauty within the park, including the famous Delicate Arch. Another alluring recreation area is Dead Horse Point State Park. Desert landscape, canyons, woodland, and miles of trail are accessible within the park. Spend the night in one of their scenic campgrounds and wake up to the rising sun with an unbeatable view.
The other national park located in Moab is the slightly less visited, yet just as enthralling, Canyonlands National Park. Three different sections make up this park, including Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze, and each one contains its own unique landmarks. The Island in the Sky unit allows visitors to view the canyons from above. The Needles features over 60 miles of trails through slickrock benches and sandy washes, while the Maze is in a remote section beloved by backpackers due to its isolation and solitude.
Park City
Park City is one of the premier outdoor adventure destinations for winter sport junkies. Feel like an elite athlete at Utah Olympic Park and enjoy all the amenities available. Constructed for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, this park contains one of only four sliding tracks in North America, six Nordic ski jumps, a museum dedicated to the 2002 Winter Games, and countless other opportunities for fun, including bobsledding, an alpine coaster, and skiing.
Even more high-speed activities can be found at Park City Mountain Resort. Summer activities include the mountain coaster, alpine slide, ZipRider, and a climbing wall, while winter adventures are made up of skiing, snowboarding, and gondola rides. For even more escapades in Park City, visit Boulder Mountain Ranch and enjoy one of their featured horseback rides. Witness mountain views through a forested trail, along with meadows and groves. The views alone are worth the trip.
Eden
Enjoy a rejuvenating experience at Free Spirit Mountain Spa. With treatments inspired by the natural surroundings of Eden, the spa features a holistic and botanical theme throughout their services, which include altitude adjustments and body treatments such as massages and facials. After a relaxing day at the spa, hit the slopes at the Nordic Valley Ski Resort. 1,700 feet of vertical terrain create perfect conditions for winter-based adventures. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the resort was once the training venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Australian downhill ski team.
If there’s one thing Utah is not short on, it’s mountains. Powder Mountain boasts 5,000 acres, over 360 inches of annual snowfall, and a vertical drop of 3,380 feet, making it a favorite among snowsport enthusiasts. Winter is not the only time to enjoy the mountain, however. In the summer, you can hike, run, and mountain bike the vertical trails.
Kanab
If you're looking to take your trip in the mountains a bit more literally, head to Kanab and check out Moqui Cave. Constructed within the cave is a museum dedicated to Native American traditions and artifacts, fluorescent minerals and rocks, fossils, and even preserved dinosaur tracks. When it was originally purchased in 1951, the cave was turned into a dance hall and bar, and eventually into a museum. A purveyor of geology, archaeology, and paleontology, the exhibits on display are the cave owner’s personal findings, and the collections include arrowheads, ceremonial jugs, pots, bowls, and working tools from the Puebloan Era.
For more cave tours, wander over to the Sand Caves. Unintentionally man-made when excavators began mining for sand, the half-mile caves provide immaculate views for visitors and a truly immersive experience. Another enticing park in Kanab along the same lines is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Each visitor is treated to their own unique perspective of the ever-changing mountains as the sand changes color with the light. The wind can also cause the peaks to shift and move up to 50 feet in just one year. Explore the dunes on foot or with an ATV for a paramount experience.
Provo
Lose yourself in the mountains with a hike down the Rock Canyon Trail. The 5.7-mile route includes views of the forest, striking rock formations, and colorful wildflowers. The terrain on the trail is steep and rocky, and leads to Rock Canyon Cave, featuring a low-hanging ceiling and charcoal drawings. For even more appealing views, another canyon visit in Provo that you’ll want to add to your list is Provo Canyon. With scenic beauty and a cascade of recreational activities, the haven calls to outdoor enthusiasts. Follow the Provo River to the cascading Bridal Veil Falls. Besides hiking, the canyon is popular for longboarding, biking, and rafting. Finally, spend some time at Utah’s largest freshwater lake, located within Utah Lake State Park. Boat, fish, camp, and picnic all within the park and a stone's throw from town.
Most people visit Utah for the thrills of the mountains. Whether it’s in the summer or the winter, the majestic peaks provide endless opportunities and activities for all who visit. Whether you’re interested in skiing or riding fresh powder, or a relaxing stroll through the wildflowers, the natural landscapes have something for everyone. Feel the rush, the calm, the beauty, and the warmth of these seven cozy mountain towns in Utah.
