These 10 Towns Are Utah's Best-Kept Secret
Utah is a magnet for millions of outdoor lovers thanks to its spectacular national and state parks and world-class ski resorts. Not many people travel to Utah because of its cities. And yet, the Beehive State boasts an impressive collection of small towns that offer a great mix of a relaxed atmosphere, good amenities, and great attractions. These hidden gems are places where sandstone cliffs tower over silent canyons, pioneer history lives on in century-old landmarks, and mom-and-pop cafés still serve pie like your grandmother used to make. If you want to escape the well-worn tourist path, here are ten of Utah’s best small towns, often considered its best-kept secrets.
Torrey
Located against the backdrop of Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey is a town where red rock mesas rise over the horizon, and the main highway that cuts through town remains blissfully calm. This tiny town is a gateway to one of Utah’s most underrated national parks, where Hickman Bridge and the Waterpocket Fold offer rewarding hikes without the crowds of Arches or Zion National Parks.
For creative minds, the town is home to the Torrey Gallery, where you can find works made by local painters, sculptors, and weavers, and grab a couple of souvenirs for your friends back home. Want to grab a cup of Joe? Check out the Wild Rabbit Cafe, one of the town's most popular brunch spots that serves delicious meals from locally sourced ingredients. On clear nights, the town’s dark sky designation makes stargazing an unforgettable experience, due to the lack of light pollution.
Kanab
Nicknamed “Little Hollywood,” Kanab is a quiet town with a rich cinematic past. Dozens of Westerns were filmed here, and you can learn all about them at the Little Hollywood Museum, which preserves that legacy through authentic movie sets and memorabilia. If you love photography, grab your camera and head to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, which is home to a surreal landscape perfect for capturing otherworldly shots or riding down the sand dunes.
But that’s not all. Five-and-a-half miles north of Kanab via scenic Highway 89, the Moqui Cave is home to one of the largest fluorescent mineral displays in the United States. If you want to try your luck, apply for a permit to hike The Wave, one of the most impressive natural landmarks in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, not far from Kanab.
Helper
Once a mining town, Helper transformed into a creative haven with art galleries, local stores, and history. Located around 100 miles from Salt Lake City along the Price River, Helper is one of the most interesting historic towns in Utah. One of the best places to learn about its past is Western Mining and Railroad Museum which brings to life the gritty stories of coal miners and immigrant workers who came to the region to strike it rich.
Take a walk along the Helper Riverwalk in the heart of town, or hike at Gordon Creek Falls, a 2.2-mile trail near Helper that has lower and upper falls. If you visit during the annual Helper Arts and Music Festival in August, you’ll find this once-sleepy town puts on an impressive display of arts and local history.
Monticello
While Monticello is overshadowed by Moab, this small town on the edge of Utah's Canyon Country makes a perfect basecamp for exploring southeastern Utah’s less-crowded natural wonders. Located in the shadow of the Abajo Mountains, Monticello offers access to the Canyonlands’ most remote Needles District, where visitors can witness Junction Butte, a summit reaching 6,400 feet in elevation.
Other prominent landmarks are Hovenweep National Monument and the 480-mile Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway, a highway loop with important archeological sites and incredible views. Monticello and the surrounding areas boast clear, dark skies perfect for astrophotography, so don't forget to bring your camera.
Spring City
Spring City is a hidden gem in central Utah that feels like stepping back in time. The town is home to some of Utah's best-preserved examples of pioneer architecture, which earned it the designation of a National Historic District. Spring City is one of the few towns in the U.S. where the entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Spring City Old City Hall is one of the best places to delve into the past.
Spring City is also a hub for creatives, with galleries like Horseshoe Mountain Pottery that sell handmade artworks inspired by the surrounding Sanpete Valley. If you want to get outside, check out the nearby Manti-La Sal National Forest, a refreshing escape in the summer months.
Escalante
Remote and rugged, Escalante is the gateway to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which spans 1.87 million acres and is filled with deep slot canyons, petrified forests, and incredible hiking trails. While most people come to Escalante because of the moment, the town has a charm, with rustic lodges and friendly cafés lining the main street.
Just 30 minutes away is Hell’s Backbone Grill, a renowned establishment that boasts many national accolades and is considered one of the best restaurants in Utah. If you want to enjoy the outdoors without driving too far, check out Lower and Upper Calf Creek Falls, a perfect hike to cool off on a hot summer day that offers access to a striking 126-foot waterfall tucked into a sandstone amphitheater.
Panguitch
Named after the Paiute word for “big fish,” Panguitch is a historic town just west of Bryce Canyon National Park. Known for its red brick pioneer homes and crisp mountain air, Panguitch offers a more relaxed alternative to Bryce and Zion, some of Utah's most popular national parks. Main Street still feels like a step into the past, with antique shops and the Historic Gem Theatre offering vintage charm. Nearby, Panguitch Lake is a haven for anglers and boaters, and the surrounding aspen groves burst into gold come autumn.
Beaver
Most travelers overlook Beaver, a small town along I-15 between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, but those who stop here will be in for a surprise: Beaver is a quiet town with a quirky sense of humor and rich history. The restored Beaver County Courthouse sheds light on the area’s early settlers. For more history, Fort Cameron offers a fascinating glimpse into Beaver’s military past.
If you are an ice cream lover, you can’t miss the Beaver Creamery, which sells local produce and fresh ice cream. For a dose of nostalgia, swing by The Creamery or sip on some root beer as you enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains.
Bicknell
Tiny but mighty, Bicknell is a hamlet in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, just minutes from Capitol Reef National Park. This park spans nearly 250,000 acres with dozens of unique trails like the Cassidy Arch Trail, which covers 2.5 miles of steep yet scenic ground. Meanwhile, there are dozens of campsites for a night spent under the stars.
Besides being an excellent launchpad for scenic drives and hiking, Bicknell also has several landmarks that are worth your attention. The Bicknell Theater, a carefully restored Art Deco cinema, hosts indie films and community events, and local shops sell everything from homemade fudge to home goods crafted by local artisans, preserving the town’s frontier soul.
Morgan
Set along the Weber River and surrounded by green hills, Morgan is a quiet paradise less than an hour from Salt Lake City. With a population of just over 4,000 people, Morgan is a perfect place to get away from it all. Whether you want to explore local pioneer history, enjoy the spectacular Mountain views, paddleboard, or swim at the nearby East Canyon Reservoir, you will love this quiet town. The Weber River Canyon is a perfect place for hiking, with a good variety of well-marked trails at different levels.
On a different note, the Morgan Valley Historic Museum captures the area’s pioneer and agricultural roots. When you walk around town, you'll find charming cafés and the 19th-century Morgan County Courthouse. In fall, the surrounding canyons turn into a kaleidoscope of colors, making it a perfect destination for spotting the popping fall colors.
Final Words
In a state known for its grand landscapes and national parks, these lesser-known towns offer some of Utah’s most meaningful experiences with history, culture, and small-town hospitality. Whether you’re exploring a red rock canyon outside Escalante, wandering through the art-filled streets of Helper, or enjoying the view of the Milky Way above Torrey, these hidden gems are reminders that sometimes the most memorable journeys are in the places less traveled. Next time you go to Utah, take the scenic route, and you might find your new favorite place in one of these remarkable small towns.
