6 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Utah

Utah is the 13th-largest state in the United States, in terms of square miles with five national parks nestled within its borders. There are beautiful lakes like Bear Lake that are ideal for swimming, stunning rocky landscapes like the Canyonlands for rock climbers, hikers, and cyclists, and amazing ski and winter resorts perfect for tearing up the slopes.

But nothing compares to the wholesome atmosphere of the many small towns scattered throughout its borders. These towns not only sit close to many nature sites and national and state parks, but they also provide guests with a warm community to connect with while exploring the rugged terrain.

Kanab

Kanab is well-known for its amazing landscapes, with the Navajo desert surrounding much of the community, giving it a quintessential Western feel. The rugged, sandstone cliffs were often used in movie sets, so Kanab is perhaps even better known by its nickname, “Little Hollywood.” Tourists love to visit this tiny little village to see the many left-behind film sets that still color its history and culture, including a set from a Kenny Loggins music video, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and many more.

By far the best place to view these old movie sets, memorabilia, and signatures from the staff and actors is to stop by the Little Hollywood Land Museum. The visitor’s center is also a good starting point for those who hope to explore the surrounding wilderness, offering guests maps of the many trails and the best spots to visit while traversing the desert landscape. Bunting Trailhead and the Jackson Flat Reservoir are two beautiful spots that sit right within the town’s borders and are some of the easier options for outdoor explorers.

Bunting Trailhead, in particular, is a four-mile trail that has a moderate incline at the beginning, making it the perfect place for sightseeing the brush and cliffsides of the rugged landscape. Within a half mile of the trail, trekkers will be treated to views of dinosaur tracks in hardened sandstone and views of the Vermilion Cliffs. Just outside of Kanab, just over a half-hour drive to the west, is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. These breathtaking dunes formed as the nearby sandstone cliffs gradually eroded and most experts believe they formed 10-15,000 years ago. The vast 3,730 acres of the state park are ideal for off-road vehicles, and hiking, and are even kid-friendly for those traveling with their families.

Springdale

Springdale is the entry point for Zion National Park, one of Utah’s most popular tourist locations. In fact, Zion receives approximately 3 million people every year. Many of these guests choose to book accomodations in Springdale since the town sits right on the border of the park to the north and has a diverse selection of lodging options for the perfect stay. Options range from more rugged locations like Zion Canyon Campground, located only a half mile from the park’s entrance, to more luxurious spots like Harvest House Bed and Breakfast.

Zion National Park offers mountain views, sprawling landscapes, and plenty of hiking trails worth exploring either on foot or bike. Pa'rus Trail, which means bubbling stream in the native Paiute language, is a great trail for entering and familiarizing yourself with the park. It offers trekkers one of the best views of the Watchmen, one of the park’s most beautiful mountains, as well as views of the sunset and stars at night. The pathway is also paved, making it one of the more accessible routes, and it leads right up to the park’s visitor’s center where guests can learn all about the park’s diverse wildlife.

Although the most popular spot, Zion is not the only place worth paying a visit to while traveling through the region. Springdale has plenty of other attractions to explore and appreciate including several amazing cafes like FeelLove Coffee where folks can warm up with a hot beverage and a welcoming atmosphere or Oscar’s Cafe, a more traditional-styled coffee shop with a lot of hot foods and drinks on the menu. Last, travelers can hike along and explore the Virgin River, with George Barker Riverside Park being an excellent starting point.

Moab

The origins of the city of Moab is steeped in a series of successes and failures, including when the original settlement was built in June of 1855 only to be abandoned a few months later. However, a later settlement established in 1878 became the first permanent European settlement that lasted. The rocky, desert terrain made this region a difficult and sometimes deadly area for early settlers, and before their arrival, the desert was home to several Native American groups, including the Utes.

The city’s name is a bit of a mystery, with some arguing it is a native word for “mosquito water” and others saying it comes from the Biblical city of the same name. Regardless of the name origin, Moab serves as an entry point into several of Utah’s most amazing parks, including Arches National Park, which gives it its unofficial nickname,“the outdoor recreation mecca.” More notable parks include the Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Those who wish to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for these stunning natural wonders should start their journey through Moab at the local museum. The Moab Museum houses artifacts from native tribes and early settlers and some of their best exhibits and displays include ranching in Canyonlands. When exploring the surrounding wilderness, there are several trails and locations that are top of the list to see and visit. These sites include Sandflats Recreation Area, ideal for those who want to explore sandstone sites but not journey too far outside of town, or travel a little north to explore the over 2,000 sandstone arches that make up Arches National Park. Some of the best trails include Mill Creek North Fork Trailhead, which leads to a breathtaking waterfall, and the Slickrock bike trail.

Panguitch

Panguitch, which reportedly comes from the Native American word for “big fish,” has a lot in common with Moab in that rugged canyons and landscapes surround both towns. However, being that these communities sit nearly four hours away from one another, the natural landmarks around Panguitch are uniquely different from the Canyonlands to the north. Perhaps the most noteworthy natural wonder, located approximately 20 minutes from town, is Bryce Canyon National Park.

This stunning site is believed to have been the homeland of the predecessors of the Pueblo Indians, the Anasazi, and stands as a monument to the region’s tumultuous geographical past. But Bryce Canyon is not the only amazing national park within driving distance of Panguitch, there is also the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, not to mention several amazing state parks. In fact there is so much to see in and around Panguitch, that it is probably best to spend a few days in town, which should be fairly easy since guests can have their pick of hotels or bed and breakfasts.

One of the best locations is Countryside Cabins, which has a peaceful location and rustic bedrooms that add to the overall vibe of the community. Hikers and cyclists will have no shortage of trails in and around town to explore the landscape. There is Pink Ledges Trail, which is perfect for beginners and lasts for just over 20 minutes, and can turn into Bird’s Eye and Photo Trail Loop. After a long day outside, visitors should stop by the Desert Grill and get some grilled meats and a nice, wholesome sandwich.

Garden City

Garden City, commonly known as the Carribean of the Rockies, is a stunning town located along Bear Lake and situated approximately six hours north of Panguitch, not far from the Idaho border. The crystal blue waters of the lake come from the layers of limestone in the water reflecting on the surface. Bear Lake State Park is a good place to start your journey. Hiking and cycling enthusiasts can stroll along the shores of Bear Lake for more scenic pathways. The lake is also a favorite spot for water sports, swimming, sunbathing, and fishing during the summer months and ice fishing in the winter months.

Most notable near and around Bear Lake and Garden City are Bear Trail Paved Road Route for cyclists and Limber Pine Nature Trail for pedestrians. Not far from Garden City is Beaver Mountain and a local skiing area. Beaver Mountain Ski Resort is a beautiful, family-owned snow lovers paradise, with Gentle Ben Family Fun Park being the more beginner-friendly route and Rodeo Grounds Terrain Park being more challenging.

Those who plan to visit in the summer can visit Epic Recreation RV Park and Marina. They offer several options for lodging, including log cabins along the lake, and watersport rentals including motorized adn non-motorized options like boats. Other reccommeded accommodations can be found at Water's Edge Resort.

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant was first settled by Europeans in 1852, but this original settlement did not withstand Native American attacks. However, the later settlement in 1859 was more successful and the community later became the site of the signing of the peace treaty with Native Americans which ended the Black Hawk War. Unlike the northern town of Garden City which sits just a few miles from the Idaho border, Mount Pleasant is more centrally located within Utah’s borders, making it a great location for exploring the state.

The Wasatch Academy is one of the community’s oldest sites, built in 1875 by a Presbyterian minister, and today is on the National Register of Historic Places with the rest of Mount Pleasant’s Main Street. Mount Pleasant has a lot to explore in terms of wilderness adventure just outside its borders, but before journeying outside of town, it is worth taking time to see what the small community has to offer. There is the nearby Basin Drive-in Theatre, one of the few remaining outdoor theaters, and several delicious restaurants like Leticia’s el Sabor Latino and Main Street Pizza.

There are also several historic landmarks to see and explore that stand from the town’s earlier days, including the Rasmussen and Liberal Hall. Outside the town’s borders are a wonderful selection of wilderness activities, with Maple Canyon, Joe’s Valley, and Mount Nebo all offering unique excursions. Mount Nebo has three main peaks, reaching over 11,000 feet, with wonderful trails that typically rise at a gradual grain. Joe’s Valley is a popular spot for rock climbing and an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of Utah’s more rugged terrain. Finally, Maple Canyon is only a half hour outside of Mount Pleasant with Box Canyon dropping some 500-700 feet.

Conclusion

Some of the most appealing aspects of Utah are the gorgeous landscapes and welcoming small-town vibes. The history of the state pre-dates the arrival of settlers in the 1800s, with the canyons and mountains serving as the homes of the many tribes scattered across the region. Due to the harsh environment, it was difficult for Native groups and early settlers to establish permanent settlements, with the Ute people being one of the largest groups until the arrival of Europeans. Today, the state is a thriving cultural, with Ute influences blended with the later arrival of the Later Day Saints (Mormons). Visitors will be pleased to explore the vibrant landscape in the company of friendly, welcoming people.