7 Small Towns In Utah To Visit For A Weekend Getaway

Utah locals know that their state is one of those rare gems that is perfect for a short vacation any time of the year. The fall season is no exception! If canyon hikes, exploring Ancestral Puebloan art, or touring artisan cheese farms sound like your idea of an interesting trip, you have plenty of options for the perfect weekend getaway. Or skip ahead and start planning your winter escape at one of Utah’s renowned ski resorts. Either way, these seven towns offer it all, even if you only have two or three days to visit.

Heber City

Settled by Swiss immigrants in the 19th century, Heber City is an Alpine-like town in the gorgeous and lush Heber Valley. Travelers can explore the town’s natural beauty on the Heber Valley Railroad, which meanders through the Heber Valley, Wasatch Mountains, Deer Creek Reservoir, and Provo River.

Heber Valley Artisan Cheese in Midway is just a short drive away as well, an independently-owned dairy farm that offers dairy farm tours and occasional seasonal events throughout the year. There is no better place to spend the night than at The Heber Senator, an award-winning bed and breakfast that was built by a Utah senator in 1902, serving an extensive breakfast each morning that includes options like French crepes, three-egg omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos.

Kanab

Surrounded by red cliffs and slot canyons, Kanab is home to some of the state’s most incredible geological marvels. One of the best places to explore this beauty is the Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, home to a collection of orange sandstone walls on a short, 0.7-mile round-trip hike.

The town’s history is equally fascinating, largely showcased through the Kanab Museum. Featuring thousands of artifacts, this museum tells the story of everything from the Ancestral Puebloans and early settlers to the town’s golden era of filmmaking. The Canyons Boutique Hotel is a wonderful place to stay during your weekend away, offering luxurious guest rooms and a breakfast buffet that is served at the start of each day for an additional fee.

Park City

Park City is situated in the Wasatch Mountains and is famed for the Park City Mountain Resort, the perfect place for a weekend escape with winter right around the corner. Skiers and snowboarders will have so much to explore here, including 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, over 330 miles of trails, and a mountain that reaches an elevation of over 10,000 feet.

Beyond the resort, there are also some pretty incredible restaurants and inns in town to check out. If you are looking for a truly memorable meal, consider making reservations at Riverhorse on Main, an award-winning restaurant featured on elite lists nationwide, with a rotating menu that reflects seasonal and creative inspirations. Just a five-minute walk from Riverhorse, travelers will reach Treasure Mountain Inn, which is also on Main Street. This inn, built in 1963, features amenities like a spa, gym, and a variety of uniquely decorated suites and rooms.

Escalante

Escalante is an excellent basecamp for exploring the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which lies just on the edge of town. This national monument, which is composed of 1.9 million acres of land, features all kinds of natural landscapes, including canyons, cliffs, plateaus, and badlands, making it a great place to hike, camp, and off-road.

There are also plenty of cozy cafes to check out throughout town, such as Magnolia’s Kitchen, which serves a homestyle menu made with ingredients sourced from local ranchers, gardeners, and farmers. Slot Canyons Inn is a great place to stay if you are hoping to be near the action, located right within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument region.

Garden City

Garden City lies on the shores of Bear Lake, often called “the Caribbean of the Rockies” for its deeply turquoise waters. Travelers wanting to visit this lake for themselves can spend an afternoon at Bear Lake State Park, where they can enjoy sandy beaches and places to fish, boat, and camp.

In the winter, Beaver Mountain Ski Resort becomes a popular weekend destination. It is the oldest continuously owned family ski resort in the country, with 828 acres of skiable terrain. There are plenty of hotels to stay in during your visit, including WorldMark Bear Lake, which offers one, two, and three-bedroom resort suites along with an indoor pool and hot tub that are open year-round.

Blanding

Blanding is rich in history, ranging from its Native American roots to its Cowboy heritage. Travelers can explore this cultural heritage at the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, which displays the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery in the Four Corners region.

If you are looking for some pottery to take home, make sure to buy a piece from Cedar Mesa Pottery, which has been producing artisan Native American pottery since 1981. The Prospector Motor Lodge is a popular place in town to spend the night. It is located right on Main Street and serves a continental breakfast every morning.

Eden

Eden is just an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, making it perfect for a weekend in nature or on the slopes. Skiiers can mark their calendars for December 12th, when Powder Mountain will be opening for the winter season. This resort has endless opportunities for winter recreation, offering 5,000 skiable acres and a summit elevation of 9,422 feet.

Until then, enjoy a relaxed weekend at some of Eden’s local coffee shops or cafes, such as Mad Moose Cafe, which is known for its signature Rough Rider Coffee, paninis, and burgers. For a truly remote weekend away, you will love staying at the Edelweiss Bed & Breakfast, which is located on the slopes of Lewis Peak, featuring private suites with living and dining spaces, a kitchen, and individual outdoor spaces that overlook the Ogden Valley and the Northern Wasatch mountains.

Get Ready To Explore Utah On A Weekend Away

There is no reason to spend every weekend at home. Take this article as a sign: You are meant to get out there and explore everything that the Beehive State has to offer! Whether you are dreaming of spending the weekend at a mountainside bed and breakfast, hiking through a national monument, or hitting the slopes as the weather becomes frosty, there is so much to do across these seven destinations. All you have to do is book the hotel and hit the road!