6 Most Idyllic Small Towns In Utah
Coined the Beehive State, Utah, home to national parks, glistening lakes, and sprawling red-stone landscapes, is where you can scenically relax or stay as busy as a bee. Surrounded by lavender fields, Mona inspires a real idyll to seek peace and relaxation amid some of the most rugged features in central Utah. Mount Pleasant features a turbulent past and present-day quaintness along its historic main street, the oldest secondary school in the state, and nostalgic places to spend a few fun evenings. Whether on a road trip, looking for a quick escape, or a week-long getaway, these small towns with big characters offer a true taste of the great American West.
Eden
While rightfully called Eden, this town is no stranger to hearing other variations of its name, such as "what a paradise" and "a heavenly slice." So welcome to Eden, right along Highway 158 through the heart, hugging the north bank of Pineview Reservoir. Finding yourself within the picturesque Ogden Valley, the surrounding high peaks of the Wasatch Range make for quite an idyll to decompress and a real love affair for photographers, while adventurers anticipate setting foot into the largely unspoiled landscape. The peaceful area, where snowfall is as heavy as the summertime lushness, features a looping 6.5-mile Brim Trail during wildflower season.
Home to under 1,000, Eden's larger-than-life character encompasses the reservoir for boating, fishing, and water skiing, as well as trails crisscrossing the foothills for mountain bikers. When the flakes start flying, skiers and snowboarders head to the slopes, just minutes away from the 8,464 acres of skiable terrain at Powder Mountain. The family-friendly Nordic Valley ski resort welcomes both beginners and pros, as well as night skiers, to enjoy the pristine quaintness of the sparkling snow under the moonlight. Celebrate a day's end at the most popular Carlos & Harley's Fresh-Mex and Bar, while the top-rated Mad Moose Cafe will get you in top shape the next morning with outdoor seating.
Kamas
Kamas is a remarkable mountain town getaway into Utah's Uinta Mountain Range at the crossroads of multiple highways, just a quick drive from Park City. Playing on the moniker, Samak Smoke House is a highly anticipated roadside country store to grab some real house-smoked jerky for the adventures ahead, as well as stock up on other dry goods that you won't find quite like on the way home. The valley, first settled by loggers, ranchers, and dairy farmers, quickly gained recognition as a naturally intense region in relative remoteness. Just forty-five miles from Salt Lake City, the Provo River is just south, and the Weber River is to the north with its Beaver Creek tributary directly through Kamas' heart.
Whether you're in for the mountainscape just east or the waterfront Jordanelle State Park to the west, the family-friendly atmosphere, rental shops, and, notably, the last stop on the way to the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Kamas makes you linger longer. Kamas, a long-time supply station for travelers through the Uinta Mountains, is home to friendly folk enjoying a fair supply of nature, like the Wilderness Area, for camping, hiking, and horseback riding. So come for higher-altitude hikes, fishing, and biking, and stick around for a lively atmosphere at the Notch Pub over burgers, live music, and a full drink menu. The megapopular Mirror Lake Diner is a great idea for a family breakfast before a visit to the highly-rated high-star ranch just north.
Mona
Mona, an idyllic town at the south end of the greater Salt Lake City area in the midst of some of the most rugged landscapes in central Utah, has a soft spot. Surrounded by lavender fields and acres of fragrant herbs, the pristine natural beauty in the fresh mountain air feels like an idyll to seek pure peace and relaxation. Comprising over 1,400 acres, the serene fields at the UT Lavender Farm inspire a romantic escape and family-friendly destination with small farm animals, wagon rides, and a cool reservoir for the summer. From the Lavender 5K run to the annual Lavender Day, visitors can stock up on essential oils at any time of the year and even enjoy distillery tours.
Lavender Farm is also perfect for hosting reunions, work parties, and even wedding receptions in the alpine lavender infusion, which adds sillage to the flower power. Home to around 1,000 friendly locals, happy to share their favorite fishing and camping spots, there are also paddleboarding cruises and welcoming community events like the annual chili cook-off. The town at the base of Mount Nebo features a historic Main Street with something for everyone, and there is no better place to really take a deep breath away from the city than the annual Lavender Festival.
Monroe
The small mountain town of Monroe, with stunning views right downtown of the Wasatch Mountains, caters as a jet set for adventures with friendly locals and attractions for all that foster a sense of belonging. Commuters and visitors alike enjoy easy access from Salt Lake and Utah counties on an escape to decompress in nature and play in the mountains, including biking and hiking, within minutes from town. Monroe's family-friendly appeal includes plenty of unique businesses and several parks, as well as libraries and centers to enjoy year-round.
Amicably known as the Little Green Valley, the green pastures and surrounding fields house a very special "only here" Utah treat, or rather, a retreat, namely, Mystic Hot Springs. This jaw-dropping natural hot spring oasis ties up the overall feeling of an idyll and makes for a unique day trip to add to your Utah bucket list. Holding true to its name, Mystic Hot Springs is a centuries-old destination evoking a sense of magic, now part of a larger hot springs resort to soak in the views, enjoy relaxation benefits, and even spend a night or a few.
Morgan
Morgan, a vibrant little town nestled in the Ogden Valley with the Wasatch Mountain range at its flank, is unlike any other but all the same, enjoying the great outdoors. As a year-round tourist destination, adventures start right along Interstate 84, like the must-hit Devil's Slide, a Utah landmark with unique history. There's something for every taste to enjoy this summer, like Riverside Park, ranches, and Morgan's rodeo shows, while the friendly locals share their best secret fishing and rafting spots.
Its community event park is most lively in the spring and summer for scenic relaxation in conjunction with kayaking on the Weber River in the summer, while in the winter, Morgan is just 9.3 miles from the top-rated Snowbasin Resort for skiing and snowboarding fun. Among family-owned boutiques and eateries, there's the popular Browning Outlet Store and finger-licking good wings at the Spring Chicken Inn. This summer, take advantage of the outfitters for a thrilling ATV adventure or a self-guided paddle tour from a rental place, and see where the picturesque biking trails take you.
Mount Pleasant
Pioneers from Manti sought out the location first in 1852, along the Sanpitch River, just west of the current town. As its name implies, Mt. Pleasant, a real idyll in the heart of Utah, was not always so peaceful, like when the Indians chased the settlers away from the riverbanks, who made a comeback in 1859, choosing the new townsite to the east. First named after Madison D. Hambleton and then renamed Pleasant Creek, it was here that the peace treaty was signed to end the Black Hawk War, a sign of good things to come. Adopting the name Mt. Pleasant over a century ago, in the 1890s, this town was the most liberal, with more saloons and organizations out of all similar-sized settlements in the whole county.
Check out Wasatch Academy on a campus stroll back in youth, which started operating with its first teaching minister in 1875 and is now the state's oldest continually operating secondary school, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, Mt. Pleasant Main Street, also on the register, inspires a feel of Pleasantville with its laid-back atmosphere. State Street features nostalgic diners and the Basin Drive-In at the north end for a summertime evening flick. The active enjoy hikes around Salt Creek Canyon Falls, just 40 minutes away by car, like the most popular 2.6-mile loop trail with a rewarding waterfall to relax.
From the capital, Salt Lake City, to the vibrant town of Park City, the pint-sized towns get lost in bountiful natural surroundings, including mountain ranges. Not coincidentally, the most idyllic ones are hidden along the foothills, with quick access to the slopes for hikes, mountain biking, and skiing. The picturesque Ogden Valley town of Eden is surrounded by the high peaks of the Wasatch Range, while Monroe, with similar views right downtown, features Mystic Hot Springs nearby to soak in the scenery and enjoy relaxation benefits.
