8 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Utah
Utah is a magical state to visit, starting with its curious moniker. Named by its early Mormon settlers, who failed to pronounce “Yuttahih,” the Apache name for Navajo Indians, which translates to “one that is higher up", they also thought that the term referred to those residing higher than the Navajo Indians. There's always something brewing behind the scenes. Transporting you both in time and place, you just have to venture off the beaten path. The first on the list, one of Utah's and the nation's highest cities is even closer to Salt Lake City for your ultimate luxurious or laid-back escape.
Alta
At 8,530 feet in the Wasatch Mountains, Alta dates to the discovery of silver ore along these upper reaches of Little Cottonwood Canyon in 1864. Spouting up Flagstaff mine, Emma mine, and others, Alta housed miners during the Salt Lake Valley boom. Attracting scores for skiing and alpine splendor just 25 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Alta's rich and colorful history didn't stop when silver dwindled. It was discovered as a winter destination in 1935 by the famous Norwegian ski legend Alf Engen. Boasting some of the greatest snow on earth, plus four seasons of the outdoors, Alta is synonymous with alpine adventures. Take a trip down memory lane along the main street with echoing fame off of the surrounding terrain.
From scenic alpine lake fishing to elegant lodges and marshmallow roasting, it can be a luxurious or laid-back escape. Alta Ski Area offers deep, perfect powder, world-class ski runs, and snow fun for the whole family. Mountain bikers come out to play after the first spring snowmelt while the wildflower season covers meadows with over 250 species, spliced by hiking and biking trails. Albion Basin buzzes with hummingbirds around the wildflowers, plus squirrels, deer, coyotes, and foxes. In addition to Snowbird Resort, the canyon brims with slopeside cafes and family-friendly grills against dramatic peaks. High on alpine air, the picture-perfect town enjoys a low-key, cozy nightlife at slopeside saloons and fireside cocktails.
Garden City
At the end of the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, Garden City is well worth a visit. Welcoming along the shores of Bear Lake State Park, the state park is among Northern Utah's best gateways for adventures. Delivering thrills to water sports enthusiasts, like jet skiing and wakeboarding, it is just as perfect for a family summer weekend on the lake. Visit during the Raspberry Days Festival to sample some of the West's best raspberries. The mountains serve as a dramatic backdrop. After a morning hike, spend an afternoon in the beautiful lake scenery with a raspberry shake in hand, overlooking the intense turquoise blue water.
Called the Caribbean of the Rockies, the lake's marvelous blue color is uniquely synthesized by the reflecting limestone deposits suspended within. Each season frames the lake in vibrant hues, from lush green to foliage and snowy shores. Meanwhile, the town with a frontier spirit on the lake's southwestern edge offers year-round recreational and cultural activities, including the Bridgerland Adventure Park. From golf to camping, the nearest popular hike is Limber Pine Nature Trail, then relax at the waterfront city park. Pickleville Playhouse Theatre is long-beloved for its Western flair and seasonal kid-friendly musical comedies. Catch the sunset just south of Hunter's Point.
Heber City
Home to the iconic Heber Valley Railroad, this magical town offers to relive your childhood together with your own kids against the scenic Wasatch Mountains. Having hosted Thomas the Tank Engine in the past, visitors today enjoy rides like Chocolate Lover's Train, Princess and Pirate Train, and Lakeside Limited aboard the historic Heber Creeper. It is a perfect way to bond with your loved ones via an antique railroad through the picturesque countryside. Other themed coaches include the Pumpkin Train in October and the North Pole Express, complete with hot cocoa and Mrs. Claus' famous chocolate chip cookies. Explore a real winter wonderland in a pair of cross-country skis.
In addition, Heber Valley Historic Railroad Line offers a hop-on-hop-off ride through the wilderness. From horseback riding to boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, in the reservoir just south, the hikers enjoy the hilly terrain for every level. Heber City downtown evokes the fairytale further along its historic architecture. Get a glimpse at the Western Frontier life at the expansive Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum and the hardships early settlers endured in the valley. Back 40 Ranch House Grill is unmissable at dinnertime. The town square hosts summer concerts, while the Heber Valley Western Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering adds a layer of charm to the month of Halloween.
Kanab
Defined by dramatic red rock canyons, this unlikely desert oasis is a perpetual favorite among Hollywood movie crews for Western flicks. Offering the best access to explore southern Utah’s red rock landscape, Zion National Park is just over 30 minutes northwest of town, past Kanab Dinosaur Tracks. Seven minutes north, the iconic Sand Caves feel straight from a desert across the world. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is under 30 minutes west. Its divine pink dunes draw hikers, photographers, and off-roaders. All these iconic features are so much fun to trot along on horseback or on a Wild West-inspired jeep tour. Rent an ATV to charge at the most arid landscapes.
Attracting hikers and cinephiles among them, the area around the town, dubbed "Little Hollywood," has hosted over 100 films and television shows. It requires sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a fully charged camera for a day out. Visit local ranches and stumble upon another shooting of an upcoming blockbuster with famous actors. No visit is complete without a stop at the Little Hollywood Museum, which has original movie sets and memorabilia from many iconic Westerns. To the north, the Wave is surreal on a difficult hike across the wild, swirling patterns of the sandstone formation. Literally next door, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the nation’s largest, with tours and well-taken care of animals.
Manti
Manti, one of the friendliest towns in the Beehive State, is great to visit for a little "pick-me-up." The genuine locals enjoy showing new tourists around, who report an instant "at home" feeling. The Manti-La Sal National Forest is about 20 miles east, with trails and historic landmarks, like a portion of the original pioneer quarry for the temple stone. Stop by Milky Falls along the way. The area is ripe for exploration, combined with the grandeur and peace of Temple Hill Resort. Built in 1888 overlooking Manti, the temple reveals both Gothic Revival and French Renaissance Revival architecture.
Under two hours south of Salt Lake City through Ephraim, Manti is right off I-15. Drop by Miller's Drive-Thru for the best fast food after a long journey. Although most known for the annual Mormon Miracle Pageant, which was discontinued in 2019, the Manti LDS Temple and its grounds still offer views, discoveries, and tranquility. Take a stroll along the Pioneer Heritage Gardens and visit Ed “Big Daddy” Roth's Rat Fink Museum for memorabilia of the hot rod icon. Manti's city park is popular for pitching a tent on a budget getaway in the summer. Gunnison Reservoir is minutes southwest.
Midway
Tagged for its heritage and alpine vibes as "Little Switzerland," Midway is a real hidden gem in the Beehive State. On the doorstep of Wasatch Mountain State Park, this scenic preserve offers two golf courses, horseback riding trails, camping, and winter sports. The entrance to the iconic Homestead Crater is right from Midway's Homestead Resort. The geothermal hot spring inside an underground cave holds a comfortable 90-95 degrees. The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming and soaking within an encapsulated dome. At 400 feet wide, there's plenty of room, 65 feet deep, to even snorkel and scuba dive. Just book a guided experience in advance. South of town, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center offers year-round activities, like cross-country skiing, biathlon, and mountain biking.
Take the WOW Trailhead or Dutch Hollow Trailhead, or join the Wasatch Excursion for guided adventures. After an easy climb to Memorial Hill with your four-legged pal, unwind on a picnic at Hamlet Park. Culture fans enjoy the Swiss Days Festival, a heritage celebration with a traditional parade. Indulge in Swiss German food booths, live music throughout, and an outdoor fair with handcrafted goods from across the country. Wind down at WorldMark Midway, a real eye candy, and shop at Beljar Home to decorate your own cave in the city. Huber Grove is a historic landmark, while Heber Valley Milk & Artisan Cheese is a nationwide destination for fresh cheese curds. Illuminated on winter nights by the Ice Castles, the tall frozen sculptures sparkle daringly against the midday sun.
Panguitch
Settled in 1864, Panguitch is an endearing town meaning “big fish” from Native American pauite. Indeed, the first winter proved to be exceptionally harsh for the pioneers, barely surviving the bitter cold with failed crops. Seven of them embarked on a 40-mile journey to bring back flour from Parowan for the family. Upon abandoning their stuck oxen and wagon in the deep snow, the men used a quilt to move one section at a time, a genius move that went down as “Panguitch Quilt Walk.” Celebrating the perseverance that saved the settlement, locals wrap themselves in thick quilts at the annual Quilt Walk Festival. Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing are popular in the winter.
Today, Panguitch is typically a warm weather destination with easy access to Dixie National Forest. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, swimming, horseback riding, and ATVs, with access to the surrounding national and state parks. The alpine lakes brim with rainbow trout and fishing is a centuries-old hobby, hence the name. Other events include the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally, the Quinoa Festival, and the Garfield County Fair in the area no longer struggling for resources. Browse antique shops, galleries, and local craft stores. During the Give Light Lantern Festival, the Wild West-themed town surrounds you in an old-timey glow beneath the snow-capped peaks.
Springdale
Hidden at the entrance of Zion National Park, one of the most popular in the US, Springdale feels unreal, overlooking the towering red rock cliffs. The park's nearly 230 square miles of scenic trails attract hikers of all levels, with maps and the park’s shuttle schedule available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Visitors can also join a guided tour of celestial bodies at night. Many attractions make Springdale a unique destination in its own right, like the annual Earth Day Festival, aka the Zion Chalk & Earth Fest. The rugged red rock walls play with shadows, changing color and shape-shifting according to the sun's angle.
Exploring at a leisurely pace, soak up the breathtaking scenery along the walkable main street. The active enjoy a bike ride on the Pa'rus Trail while OC Tanner Amphitheater hosts live performances against the red rock backdrop. Chase away the falltime blues late in September during the Zion Canyon Music Festival, which brings the town alive with musicians, performers, art vendors, and food stalls. The Springdale Farmers Market offers fresh produce plus handmade crafts as souvenirs, gifts, and decor. Drop by Zion Human History Museum for natural and cultural exhibits in the area with interactive displays that make it engaging even for the kids.
From smoking mountains to rainbow trout in alpine lakes and the red rocks of Zion, it is hard to choose which season is best to visit in. So embark on exciting warm-weather adventures from Kanab or take a trip down memory lane around Halloween in Heber City. Midway is full of natural curiosities like the Homestead Crater inside a limestone dome. The vast small towns of Utah are dotted with one of a kind adventures, perfect for any traveler looking for a memorable escape.
