6 of the Most Walkable Towns in Utah

While well known for its dramatic landscapes and the endless outdoor recreational activities available in its five national parks, there’s a side to Utah that’s all too often overlooked by travelers: the walkability of its nicest towns. Spread across the Beehive State (a name adopted in 1848 for the perseverance and industry of its people) are many lovely communities that are perfect for those seeking less arduous things to do.

These small towns boast a charming blend of historical and cultural attractions set against a backdrop of some of the country’s best desert scenery, making them ideal for everything from an easy stroll down Main Street or a longer walk through their public parks. Read on to find out more about these six of the most walkable towns in Utah.

Park City

Located in the Wasatch Mountains just 40 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, Park City is famous across the western states for its superlative skiing. Two of the state’s top ski resorts, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort, are both accessible from the town center making it easy for visitors to enjoy world-class skiing or summer hiking without need of a car. Both resorts are also fun to walk around during the warmer months, with some of the best trails connecting to the town’s trail network (and don’t worry, the gondolas run all year here).

Main Street, the heart of Park City, is fun to walk, too. A charming area filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, everything here is within easy walking distance of great accommodations like Sheraton Park City and the Park Regency Resort. The walking experience is further enhanced by the town’s well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly street designs, and trails like the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail that head off into some truly spectacular scenery.

Moab

Ask anyone with an off-road vehicle where they’d most like to spend their time, odds are they’re going to say Utah… and more specifically, Moab. Famous for its exciting hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting experiences, Moab is well-known as the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands, two of the best national parks to visit in the United States for outdoor adventurers.

Those who prefer urban walking experiences won’t be disappointed, either. Moab's compact downtown area is highly walkable, with a variety of unique specialty shops, restaurants, and galleries all located within a few blocks and set against that stunning red rock and the mighty Colorado River as a backdrop. Other highlights of a Moab walking tour include the Moab Museum with its historic and cultural artifacts and exhibits, and the Mill Creek Parkway which winds through the town’s green spaces and offers excellent views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Springdale

Situated at the bottom of the state close to the Arizona border (and easily accessible via the I-15 connecting Salt Lake City with Las Vegas), the big draw for Springdale is its location adjacent to Zion National Park. Covering an area of nearly 230 square miles, the park’s star attraction is Zion Canyon, a spectacular 15-mile-long natural wonder that in places drops an impressive 2,640 ft deep.

Not only does the park provide a spectacular backdrop for Springdale, but it’s also accessible from here, with in-town accommodations and campsites ready to serve those wanting to explore this natural wonder. Day trippers will certainly want to walk along the Pa'rus Trail, a paved path that follows the Virgin River from town and offers great canyon views. The Zion Canyon Shuttle system is another plus and connects the Visitor Center and parking areas to numerous stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Midway

Located in the Heber Valley and within day trip distance of Salt Lake City, Midway is fun to explore on foot for its Swiss-inspired architecture and attractive scenery. Settled by families from Switzerland in the 1870s, the European connection runs deep and is celebrated during the town's annual Swiss Days festival. Held over the Labor Day weekend, it’s a great excuse to put on walking shoes and explore local businesses and eateries.

The town's walkability is even more appealing when attractions such as Homestead Crater and Wasatch Mountain State Park are included. Located next to the popular Homestead Resort, this 400-foot wide, 65-foot deep crater is a natural spring and is popular among divers.

Kanab

Known as "Little Hollywood" for its starring role in numerous classic Western movies and TV shows, Kanab’s location near the Arizona border makes it an ideal spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. Its walkable downtown area features a number of notable attractions worth visiting, with the Kanab Heritage Museum topping most lists. Set in a lovely Gothic-looking old redbrick home, it features original furnishings and décor from the 1890s and offers fascinating interpretive tours.

Want to walk a few more miles in those shoes? Head from downtown Kanab to its network of walking trails. The best, the popular Squaw Trail, provides photo-worthy views of the surrounding red rock formations. And if that’s still not enough walking, head to nearby Bryce Canyon and even the Grand Canyon with their limitless hiking options.

Cedar City

Located in southwestern Utah on the I-15, a major highway that actually dissects the town, easy-to-walk Cedar City is well-known for its arts scene and cultural heritage. Fun things to do in Cedar City include attending the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival, a summer-long celebration of the Bard’s work that draws theatergoers from across the country. Another cultural landmark that’s easy get to on foot after parking the car, the Southern Utah Museum of Art is located on the campus of Southern Utah University and showcases the work of landscape artists from across the region.

Frontier Homestead State Park Museum is also fun to explore on foot and features a large collection of pioneer-era buildings and artifacts, including old horse-drawn carriages. The town's walkability is even better when taking into consideration its proximity to outdoor recreation areas such as Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest with their many hiking trails.

The Final Word

For those who enjoy exploring America’s prettiest urban areas on foot, Utah's small towns won’t disappoint. These immensely walkable communities provide visitors with the opportunity to explore local attractions, historical sites, and experience scenic landscapes simply by parking the car and walking. From cultural happenings in places like Park City and Cedar City to the natural wonders surrounding Moab and Springdale, each of these must-visit towns offer unique experiences that highlight the very best the state has to offer. So put on some comfy walking shoes and get out there and explore these six most walkable towns in Utah.