Utah, known for its dramatic landscapes featuring mountains, canyons, and deserts, is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. While popular spots like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon receive most of the attention, the state is peppered with numerous hidden gems that offer equally stunning vistas without the crowds. If you’re keen on exploring the lesser-known beauties of Utah, this guide is for you.
1. Goblin Valley State Park
Why It’s a Gem:
Goblin Valley State Park, located in Emery County, resembles a Martian landscape, teeming with peculiar, mushroom-shaped rock formations. It’s an excellent spot for hiking and photography, offering a surreal backdrop that appears straight out of a science fiction movie.
What to Do:
Apart from hiking and photography, the area is also perfect for stargazing as it has some of the darkest skies in the country.
2. Cedar Mesa and Grand Gulch
Why It’s a Gem:
Located in southeastern Utah, this area is filled with canyons and historical significance. The Ancestral Puebloans once inhabited these lands, leaving behind a rich collection of rock art and ruins.
What to Do:
Exploring the canyons can be a rewarding experience, offering glimpses of hidden ruins and prehistoric art. Remember to tread lightly and respect the ancient sites.
3. The Bonneville Salt Flats
Why It’s a Gem:
These iconic salt flats provide an ethereal landscape that stretches over 30,000 acres. The area looks like a frozen lake bed, offering a unique environment for photography and land-speed racing.
What to Do:
Try your hand at land-speed racing or simply enjoy the surreal landscape, particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
4. Capitol Reef National Park
Why It’s a Gem:
While this is a National Park, it tends to attract fewer visitors compared to Utah’s other major parks. It offers red rock formations, cliffs, canyons, and striking geological features, including the Waterpocket Fold.
What to Do:
Go hiking, rock climbing, or indulge in some backcountry camping. Don’t miss the scenic drive through the park for panoramic views.
5. Kanarraville Falls
Why It’s a Gem:
This slot canyon, located south of Cedar City, is home to Kanarraville Falls, a beautiful waterfall you can reach via a moderately challenging hike.
What to Do:
The hike to the falls involves some wading and climbing, making it an adventurous journey. Once there, enjoy the tranquil surroundings or snap some photographs.
6. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Why It’s a Gem:
This state park is home to unique pink-hued sand dunes formed from eroded Navajo sandstone. The site offers a dreamy landscape, perfect for outdoor activities.
What to Do:
Try sandboarding or ATV riding on the dunes. It’s also a great place for a relaxed picnic amidst the unique geography.
7. Dead Horse Point State Park
Why It’s a Gem:
Often overshadowed by nearby Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point offers one of the most iconic views of the Colorado River winding through the canyons below.
What to Do:
Capture the breathtaking view, especially during sunrise or sunset. The park also has some great mountain biking trails.
Conclusion
Utah is a land of awe-inspiring landscapes, many of which remain surprisingly unexplored. From the alien-like terrains of Goblin Valley to the historical canyons of Cedar Mesa, these hidden gems offer a slice of Utah that is secluded, serene, and stunningly beautiful. So if you’re looking to escape the crowds while soaking in the state’s natural beauty, these spots should be on your must-visit list.
