I’ve lived in Utah for 14 years, and as somebody who loves exploring new places and getting outside, I’ve seen my fair share of small towns in Utah. Many of these towns act as gateways to some of the most stunning natural areas in the country, or even North America for that matter.
Whether you’re fly fishing the Green River, backpacking slot canyons in southern Utah, or backcountry skiing in Utah’s mountain ranges, chances are you’ve been through one of Utah’s picturesque small towns. But beyond that, these places are cultural wonders by themselves. They’re a way to experience a perspective and way of life completely different from that of living in a big city. Most are like time capsules into how the West was decades ago, and each has its own unique flair.
With that said, larger or more well-known towns like Moab and Park City, while great, were left off this list. Tourism has caused these towns to grow and become much more well-known recently.
This list focuses on Utah’s true small towns.
Garden City
Garden City is located on the shores of Bear Lake in Northern Utah. This reservoir is a great place for a weekend getaway, offering boating, fishing, camping on its shores, and plenty of beaches. While Bear Lake is the main attraction of this town, its other great offerings shouldn’t be overlooked. Garden City provides easy access to the Cache National Forest, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping, and backpacking within a half hour from town. Beyond that, this area is famous for its raspberries and the best raspberry milkshake I’ve ever tasted was from LaBeau’s in Garden City. Between its outdoor attractions, great food, and laid back atmosphere, this town is definitely worth a visit.
Samak
Samak is a great town to start off this list. It’s a perfect gateway to the Uinta mountains and Provo river. The Mirror Lakes Scenic Byway cuts right through the center of town and continues on through the heart of the Uintas. A short fifteen minute drive out of town and you can have a line in the water fishing one of the most beautiful stretches of river I’ve ever been on: the Upper Provo. This is my personal favorite place to fish near Salt Lake City. There are also plenty of opportunities to backpack, hike, camp, or backcountry ski in the winter that are a similar distance from town. The town itself is hidden up a canyon amid pine trees and a beautiful creek. Many people own vacation homes or cabins in town, and local restaurants such as The Notch Pub serve great food with regular live music. Samak Smokehouse and Country Store is the main place to restock on supplies, or nearby Kamas has multiple grocery stores as well.
Dutch John
You won’t find a town in a better location for getting outdoors than Dutch John. This tiny town is located on the Eastern side of Utah’s Uinta mountains, five minutes from the Green River and Flaming Gorge reservoir. If you’re looking to go backpacking through pine forests, summit a 13,000 foot peak, fish world-class trout water, and go cliff jumping into a picturesque reservoir, then Dutch John is the place for you. In-town dining options include Green River Steakhouse as well as a few other small cafes and coffee shops. The town is made up of a few small houses and cabins and several fly fishing guide services. Anything that Dutch John lacks in terms of hustle and bustle or attractions in town it more than makes up for with its outdoor offerings, and that’s what makes it so great.
Springdale
Tucked in a red rock canyon right on the edge of Zion National Park, Springdale’s location could not be better. Anywhere in the world, when somebody mentions Utah the first thing to come to many peoples’ minds is Zion. The fact that Springdale is so close to this world-class destination but hasn’t been overrun by tourism like Moab is what makes it so great. Zion and the surrounding wilderness provides ample opportunities for camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, or canyoneering. The Virgin River runs directly through town and is a beautiful stretch of water for fly fishing. Back in town, it’s easy to find rooms at local hotels or rent a house. Local restaurants such as Zion Canyon Brew Pub, Thai Sapa, and Bit & Spur Saloon offer diverse flavors and outstanding food.
Boulder
Boulder truly embodies authentic small town Utah. This tiny town is located in between Boulder Mountain and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, two of Utah’s most pristine areas of wilderness. Both are beautiful and far less traveled than any of Utah’s national parks. In town lodging is all cozy local hotels. As far as dining goes, Hell’s Backbone Grill at the edge of town is one of the best and most memorable meals I’ve ever had. They serve world-class Southwestern inspired cuisine, with nearly all ingredients being farm-to-table from their on-site farm. Other options include Wild Indigo Cafe, Burr Trail Grill, and a few other local coffee shops. Altogether, Boulder is one of the last truly unchanged small towns in Utah and offers access to some of the most beautiful natural areas I’ve seen.