6 Undiscovered Small Towns in Utah
Utah, the "Beehive State," is largely undiscovered despite being one of the fastest-growing states in the country. Away from the hustle of Salt Lake City are a bevy of charming small towns. No, we're not talking about Park City, the film festival hub, although brimming with charm, but those a little more... undercover. Helper, Eden, and Monticello feature spectacular canyons. At the same time, Beaver is surrounded by three 12,000-foot peaks with alpine meadows and wildflowers, plus the spectacular 23-mile Skyline National Recreation Trail for this fall peeping season. Monticello, sheltered on the eastern slope of the Abajo Mountains with its great weather, is a jet set for two national monuments and the Abajo high peak. Check out these six hidden gems in Utah.
Beaver
Wrapped in Utah’s Old West vibes, this valley town north of Cedar City on I-15 nestles under the towering Tushar Mountains, the state’s third-highest range. Offering incredible views and a variety of outdoor recreation, Beaver is a gateway to gorgeous landscapes, from rivers and streams to miles of hiking and world-class mountain biking trails. Enjoy breathtaking drives this fall through the historic downtown area with unique shops and restaurants. Echoing the surrounding haunted ghost towns, with their 3,700-person population, discover what frozen in time is just west in nearby Frisco, once one of the West’s rowdiest mining. Still, the three 12,000-foot highest peaks attract sightseers, mountaineers, and other adventurers year-round.
The foothills, being easily accessible, offer dense fir and aspen woodlands for hikes, unique wildlife viewing, such as herds of mountain goats, and alpine meadows with wildflowers. Aim to camp and fish lakeside in the high country in the summer. Backpackers can take the spectacular 23-mile Skyline National Recreation Trail, one of Utah’s best. The "Ramblers" are connected to the Great Basin National Heritage Area over sagebrush-covered basins and arid mountain landscapes just west. Extending towards the Mineral Mountains, this is a destination for rockhounders and gem collectors for smoky quartz, opal, azurite, and prized blue beryl. Milford Domes attracts climbers at the Rock Corral, while Minersville Reservoir is renowned for trophy-sized trout and starry camping nights.
Helper
Shaped by its roots but ever-evolving, creatives, and antique hunters recently discovered Helper at the base of Price Canyon. The rugged backdrop of the Book Cliffs mountains offers sweeping views, attracting sightseers for inspiration, where the adventurous among them scale the peaks. Take a hike with nearby trailheads through the foothills for spectacular views—the unique topography of the cliffs swallows the tiny town into a river valley between the Western Tavaputs and Wasatch plateaus. Settled in 1881 and named after the team of “helper” coal-powered steam engines that assisted freight trains up the canyon over Soldier’s Summit, Helper was born out of and for the coal industry, with a bustling railroad still in its DNA.
The historic tracks offer a touchstone on a scenic hike along the way. Thriving with artistry, the entrepreneurs unite culture and history through various attractions. For a tasty bite, Angel’s Craving will keep you full in between museum hopping and hiking to the Helper Labyrinth. All this inspiring nature and heritage, plus the friendly locals who are happy to share their scenic slice, make for a memorable experience while you stay at the popular Castle Gate RV Park. Stock up at R & A Market and Deli for a riverside picnic and visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum along the restored historic buildings downtown.
Eden
Today, it may be hard to believe that this Ogden Valley town, amid the stunning Wasatch Mountain range, started as a single log cabin. Like every true mountain town, Eden attracts city escapees year-round, just an hour away from Salt Lake City and a scenic "hop" over the Ogden Canyon. Many dream of the summer nights spent stargazing under the dark skies and waking up to the natural playground, like mountain biking along a giant paper airplane—an actual trail at the nearby resort. In the winter, Powder Mountain Resort offers thousands of skiable acres under traditionally heavy snowfall on top of the Nordic Valley, plus warm cabins at the price of a still largely undiscovered gem. The Brim Trail, a 6.5-mile loop, is stunning during wildflower season.
Take a warm-weather picnic at Valley Market, a quick drive to the pretty Pineview Reservoir, and Windsurfer Beach, which stays serene even through the high season. Here, the Wheeler Creek Trailhead to the Wheeler Canyon, and onwards, the Icebox Canyon and Art Nord Trailhead are just 20 minutes from downtown. Home to under 1,000, enjoy the peaceful vibes and uncrowded attractions, like Eden's New World Distillery, offering craft spirit tastings plus tours around the production of organic agave tequila, vodka, and other liquors. The quirky Eats of Eden serves comfort food that transports your taste buds, including pizza, pasta, and burgers.
Fillmore
Fillmore, at 1,565 meters above the sea in Millard County, was once the capital of the Utah Territory, so there's no shortage of fascinating history. One wing of the statehouse that was here during the time Utah became a state and Salt Lake City was named the capital; the quintessential building now houses the Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum with a gift shop. Just south, the circa 1867 Cove Fort is one of the few forts in the Western United States still standing, thanks to its sturdy volcanic rock construction method and limestone from a nearby quarry, not timber. Stop by the pretty Fillmore Country Floral for a special gift for a special someone.
After breaking for lunch at the funky-hippy Cluff's Carhop Cafe, sightsee Chalk Creek Hieroglyphics, just east. Named after President Millard Fillmore, the town embraces adventurers with opportunities for recreation in the immediate surroundings. Stock up on provisions at Fillmore Market for a summertime picnic after a hike around Ice Springs Lava Flow, with volcano cones, cauldrons, and flows in this area, under 30 minutes west. In the same direction, Sevier Lake is easily accessible via Highway 50 for warm days spent on the waterfront. Some 20 minutes southwest of town, Meadow Hot Springs has attracted people to relax in the mineral-filled waters since ancient times.
Monticello
Perched in a higher elevation area of Utah’s Canyon Country, Monticello huddles by the eastern slope of the Abajo Mountains, where Utah’s past brushes against the present. Overlooking a maze of sandstone canyons and plateaus, the Abajos top out at the 11,360-foot Abajo Peak. This southeastern town in the state packs a punch in history, serenity, and outdoor opportunities. Spending a summer in Monticello is paradise, with its mild temperatures, Loyds Lake southwest of downtown, and cooling rains—a blessing on a hike. Enjoy recreational sites through the nearby Manti-La Sal National Forest for hiking, mountain biking, and super-rad adventures like ATV riding.
There's not a dull moment in Monticello, with golf and camping, while its generous accommodation options include cozy cabins and multi-story lodges. You're also at the starting point of the 480-mile Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, so a fall foliage drive is a must along this huge highway loop lined with scenic views and important archeological sites. Explore the nearby ruins and rock art from the Ancient Ones through Bears Ears National Monument and Hovenweep National Monument on a weekend trip or a weeklong vacation. You will enjoy world cuisine, discover how the town was named after Jefferson's estate, and visit the beautiful Monticello Utah Temple.
Springville
Springville, a historic huddle in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, just six miles from Provo, was one of the few settlements in Utah that Mormons didn't build. Settled by a Jesuit priest, Father Escalante, in 1776, Springville only became an official community with eight pioneer families in 1850, who left their hobbled horses to graze at the nearby Hobble Creek, a beautiful spot for a picnic. Springville boasts many freshwater springs in the immediate surroundings, giving the small town its name. Dive into the deep past through the historic artworks and artifacts at the Springville Museum of Art, established in 1937.
Just east, Wayne Bartholomew Family Park is centered around a pond with a swimming beach, grassy areas, and picnic pavilions. Minutes west, the sprawling Utah Lake offers recreation and refreshments for divers, swimmers, and plain loungers in the summer at the Sandy and Lincoln beaches.
For each its own, Utah's geographical diversity attracts visitors year-round, offering opportunities for relaxation and adventure away from the city, like Springville's mineral waters. Powder Mountain Resort in Monticello boasts thousands of skiable acres and heavy snowfall. With a plethora of activities, it's impossible to explore one in a day, but a weekend gives you the room.
Featuring some real characters with quirky names, discover how Fillmore and Helper were christened. Enjoy waterfront recreation along the spectacular Pineview Reservoir in Eden and views of sheer cliffs in Zion from Springville. Or how about a road trip and snapping pictures through arches, wooded forests, sandy deserts, towering mountains, and beaches—that's how diverse Utah is.
