The One Utah Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

Ideally located in south-central Utah’s dramatic red rock landscape lies tiny but beautiful Torrey. This small town draws both dreamers and adventurers who want to get to know the residents, who number only around 230, and trade city life for spectacular natural beauty, if only for a while. Torrey lies eight miles away from the west entrance of Capitol Reef National Park, where desert scenery and towering cliffs await. Visitors can explore ancient geological wonders, take incredible scenic drives, and stargaze beneath the seemingly endless dark sky, all in and around this must-visit town. Torrey is an unforgettable destination in one of America’s most enigmatic states, offering attractions, history, and unmatched experiences for all travelers.

Torrey’s Pioneer History

Torrey was founded as Youngtown by settlers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1880s. The settlers arrived in Utah in 1847 and found space to settle far and wide across the state. Pardon B. Davis and his group settled near the Fremont River in what would become Capitol Reef National Park in 1880. Davis and the local Paiute tribes came to an agreement that saw the settlers buy land in the area, which then became Youngtown. They built a church, schoolhouse, and stores, and the town attracted more than 300 residents. Youngtown was eventually renamed Torrey to honor Jay L. Torrey.

Like other Mormon settlements, Torrey’s residents lived their lives according to what the church taught. Most of the Paiute people left the area, while some remained in and around Torrey. Some of their artifacts and petroglyphs can still be seen at Capitol Reef.

Torrey continued to thrive before and after the First World War, but the Great Depression of 1929 hit the town hard. Fortunately, Torrey has been able to build a reputation as a tourist town, and despite having just more than 200 permanent residents, things keep looking up in 2026.

Torrey’s Inviting Climate and Geography

Torrey is located in Wayne County, along State Route 24, in the midst of a wilderness-like landscape. The town sits on the north bank of the Fremont River with Boulder Mountain rising to the southwest and the red rock walls of Capital Reef National Park visible to the east. Torrey is also situated at an elevation of more than 6,800 feet, and as such, features a high-desert climate. If you visit during the summer, you will find the temperatures comfortable and not extremely hot. Winters generally bring cold nights and the occasional snowfall. Yet the mild summer temperatures and winter snow are not the main draws. It is the stunning scenery, including alpine forests, river valleys, desert plateaus, and red sandstone cliffs.

The Main Torrey Attraction

There is no doubt that Capitol Reef National Park is the main attraction for those heading to Torrey. Located just seven minutes away from town, the park offers 71 campsites at Fruita Campground, hiking opportunities along Scenic Byway 24, and road trip adventures along Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.

You can drive onto the Capitol Gorge spur when you reach the end of the scenic drive. The gorge comes to an end between sheer cliffs, but there is a one-mile hike from the trailhead at the end of the spur road. The hike leads to a rock wall known as the Pioneer Register. On the wall are the names of sellers and miners who passed through the area in 1871.

Those who lived in the area long before the park was founded called it the ‘land of the sleeping rainbow’ in honor of the colored sandstone and desert plants growing beneath the blue sky. The region was designated a national monument in 1937 before becoming a national park in 1971. The park preserves a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth’s crust known as the Waterpocket Fold. The fold is a monocline exposing layers of rock that formed over hundreds of millions of years. This formation created a backdrop of cliffs, mesas, canyons, and unusual rock shapes found nowhere else. There are also several hikable slot canyons throughout the park, including Cottonwood Wash and Burro Wash.

Things To See And Do In Torrey

Aside from the many experiences in Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey itself offers several sights and activities. The town earned the distinction of being named Utah’s first International Dark Sky Community in 2018. When the sun goes down here, you will see the Milky Way and even a couple of planets if you look up. Some are even convinced that Andromeda is visible without a telescope.

If you want to learn more about Torrey’s history, head to the Torrey Log Church-Schoolhouse during the day. The structure is a one-story log building. It was built in 1898 and was also used as a meeting place for the Torrey Daughters of Utah Pioneers until the 1970s. You can also visit the Old House at Center and Main for more local history information. You can also buy souvenirs in the form of hats and beanies.

During the summer, the Wayne County Farmers Market sets up shop at 100 North 75 East every Saturday. Here, you can buy fresh homemade bread and coffee. There is also a lot of produce, art, and even apothecaries to admire.

When To Visit Torrey

Torrey is a great destination all year round. You can go hiking in the spring when the wild flowers are in bloom. If you want to visit Capitol Reef National Park, fall is the perfect time for foliage spotting, and if you want to hike in mild temperatures. If you plan on staying for a weekend or want to enjoy an extended stay, you can book a suite at The Grand Lodge, where you can go horse riding and enjoy meals cooked by your own private chef. Or, opt for the Capitol Reef Resort, just a mile from the park’s entrance. Here, you can choose to overnight in a cabin, teepee, or wagon before exploring the park.

Dining In Torrey

While you spend some time learning more about Torrey and experiencing everything it has to offer, take a breather and sit down for breakfast at the Rock Reef Café. The café offers big portions, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And, you can have a portion of delicious bomber nachos and homemade beer cheese. Other dining options include the Broken Spur Inn, where you will find both excellent food and comfortable accommodation. Remember to stop by Dark Sky Coffee for a cup of some of the best coffee in the state.

Towns Worth Visiting Near Torrey

If you want to fit in a couple of day trips during your Torrey visit, there are several towns within driving distance. Loa is around 30 minutes away and boasts a historic courthouse and several local parks. If you need to sort out banking issues or buy a lot of groceries, you can do that here too. Loa is named after a Hawaiian volcano because of its high elevation. And the elevation also means lots of opportunities for hiking and going in search of views.

Teasdale is another option, just a few miles away from Torrey. From here, you can enjoy unmatched views of Capitol Reef National Park and set off to Rabbit Valley and other attractions. Or, if you are looking for even more small-town charm, Bicknell is a few miles west of Torrey. Here, you can head to Bicknell Bottoms Wildlife Habitat and Fish Hatchery to enjoy 670 acres of wetlands and do some birdwatching. You can also hit the Sunglow Trail inside the Fishlake National Forest.

A Tiny Town That Leaves A Big Impression

Torrey may be small, but its dramatic landscapes, history, stargazing nights, and natural wonders are simply out of this world. You will experience grand moments here, despite the size limits of the town, especially when you expand your visit to Capitol Reef National Park. Every day in Torrey is relaxed but also exciting, because you do not know what you might discover. And, when you combine your visit with day trips to nearby towns, you have a well-rounded Utah trip that you will remember for many years to come.