8 Overlooked Towns In Utah Worth Visiting

Host to five national parks, year-round activities, arches, and red rock landscapes, Utah is a place that does not disappoint. The towns in Utah offer a unique combination of an outdoor-focused lifestyle, natural beauty, and a thriving economy, all set against a diverse landscape. The geography of the area is naturally diverse, featuring everything from beautiful mountain forests, lakes, and rivers to arid desert terrains with stunning rock formations and natural sandstone arches. With extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, skiing, and other outdoor activities, some towns seem to be overlooked in comparison to the larger-than-life tourist attractions. These eight towns explored below provide access to some of the well-known attractions in Utah, but each also has its own unique amenities and activities that are overlooked.

Escalante

The small tourist and ranching town of Escalante, Utah, known for being the gateway to the Grand Staircase, has a variety of activities that are perfect for those who want to take in the natural beauty of Utah. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a large area that covers almost 1.9 million acres of diverse landscapes, including badlands, plateaus, canyons, and cliffs. The area provides an opportunity to engage in various outdoor activities such as exploration, off-roading, camping, and hiking. The Grand Staircase also leads to the historic landmark known as the Hole-in-the-Rock formation on Lake Powell. Another great location for exploration is a large national reserve that showcases exhibits of fossilised dinosaur bone and petrified wood, known as the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, where visitors can camp, swim, kayak, and fish along the Wide Hollow Reservoir, a stunning lake with clear waters.

Bryce Canyon City

Located in Garfield County is Bryce Canyon City, Utah, the hub for Bryce Canyon National Park, with hoodoos, hiking trails, and beautiful rock formations that will leave lasting impressions. Located close to Bryce Canyon National Park is Bryce Wildlife Adventure, a museum that showcases various species of animals and insects in life-size diagrams. Bordering Bryce Canyon City is the Dixie National Forest, between the Colorado River and the Great Basin, with world-renowned landscapes and a wide range of scenery, as well as a dispersed camping site. This national forest is a must-visit location. When the sun goes down, take the Dark Ranger Telescope Tours and gaze at the stars, with access to large telescopes and live space science shows.

Eden

Situated in Weber County, Eden, Utah, lies between the Middle and North Fork of the Ogden River. The small town of approximately 873 is well-known for its Powdered Mountain Ski Resort, but offers many other activities that make Eden a great place to visit. On the Eastern side of the Wasatch Mountains is North Fork Park, a stunning green space with mountain views where visitors can camp out and explore one of the many hiking trails. In the center of Ogden Valley is Eden Park, a great place to have a picnic, and with a full-size horse arena, a baseball diamond, playground, and three fields for football and soccer, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in recreational activities.

Blanding

Located in San Juan County, Blanding, Utah contains museums, diverse hiking trails, and is home to the largest reservoir in the county, Recapture Reservoir. This 265-acre man-made lake is a well-known spot for fishing, boating, hiking, and dispersed camping. The reservoir is a popular destination for enjoying the scenic beauty of the Abajo Mountains. Blanding also features some captivating museums, such as the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, which has a wide array of exhibits of Indian history and culture with Puebloan sculptures and a village. Another museum that is well worth a visit is the Dinosaur Museum, featuring realistic sculptures, fossilized skin, footprints, skeletons, and eggs that highlight the complete history of dinosaurs.

Springdale

Springdale, Utah, is a small town in Washington County, located adjacent to Zion National Park, a vast natural landscape that offers camping, hiking trails, and climbing. The Zion Canyon Ravine has rare rock formations and is a great place to hike along the river, as it features activities, lodging, and restaurants. One such trail that is popular for hiking is the Pa’rus Trail, which follows the Virgin River through the lower part of Zion Canyon. To capture a stunning view of the Springdale area, take the Watchman Trail, a 3-mile trail overlooking the town. While in Springdale, make sure to visit the Zion Human History Museum, a cultural museum that highlights the history of the park, pioneers, and American Indians.

Helper

Helper, Utah, is a charming little town located in Carbon County, with a community based around art, and there are several galleries scattered throughout the area. Take an artistic journey by walking the Historic Main Street in Helper, where you are surrounded by beautiful buildings and stunning architecture. Visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum to learn the story of those who worked in the underground mines from 1880 to 1950, with various train models, themed rooms, and artifacts. The Big John Statue attracts attention from tourists and locals alike, as this gigantic coal miner has towered over the area since the 1960s. Helper is also home to the Vintage Motor Company, where guests can see vintage motorcycles, signs, and memorabilia.

Torrey

Located in Wayne County, between Capitol Reef National Park and Boulder Mountain, is Torrey, Utah, a small town that offers one-of-a-kind experiences amid stunning scenery. Flowing through the town of Torrey is Freemont River: with scenic high-desert landscapes, it is a prime area for fly fishing and exploration. If you have ever dreamed of horseback riding through the mountains, then Hondoo Rivers and Trails specializes in unique trips around the area.

In 2018, Torrey became the first International Dark Sky Community in Utah. With minimal light pollution, the area preserves nocturnal wildlife while also offering amazing views of the Milky Way. Located close to Torrey are the Bentonite Hills, whose Mars-like terrain makes them a one-of-a-kind location where visitors can take guided tours of the area or explore through a 4X4 off-road tour.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, Utah, is known for being home to Wasatch Academy, located in Sanpete County. Both the Mount Pleasant Pioneer Museum and the Wasatch Academy Museum, which offer glimpses into the past, are great places to learn about the history of the area. Another historical location is the Basin Drive-In, which offers a classic movie experience that is sure to entertain everyone who visits. For a scenic view of the area, take Skyline Drive, which runs along the Wasatch Plateau, home to numerous wooded shallow lakes and ponds, popular for camping and fishing. Manti-La Sal National Forest, located near the city, provides opportunities for camping and hiking as well as a chance to really experience and enjoy nature.

More to do than the usual

Each of these towns discussed above offers its own distinctive charm and character, often hidden in plain sight and overshadowed by Utah’s more famous tourist destinations. However, these smaller communities contain some of the most rewarding experiences. Utah is a state of diversity, where history lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts can find enjoyment among the alpine mountains and red rock landscapes. Visiting these towns provides a way to uncover fascinating stories of the state’s past, which give a deeper view of Utah today. These towns go beyond cultural richness, as they are gateways to beautiful natural attractions, picturesque mountains, quiet hiking trails, as well as hidden streams and waterfalls, letting you experience the true tranquility of Utah.