7 Beautiful Small Towns In Utah With Easy National Park Access

The United States has many beautiful destinations, however one of the best half about exploring the nation is having fun with the surroundings and adventures in its unimaginable nationwide parks. Whether or not you’re looking for wildlife viewing spots, desert stargazing alternatives, effervescent springs and clear lakes, or mountain climbing amongst a few of the largest timber and mountains on the earth, there is a national park for every taste in the U.S.

Utah is residence to 5 nationwide parks – Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, Capital Reef, and Bryce Canyon – that are collectively often known as “The Mighty 5″. Utah is without doubt one of the finest states to go to for unforgettable nationwide park adventures. Street-tripping via Utah’s nationwide parks permits vacationers to immerse themselves within the state’s uncooked magnificence, with unimaginable experiences at each flip, from colourful rock formations to fiery sunsets and breathtaking views of the Milky Approach.

Nevertheless, spending time within the close by cities will make it easier to benefit from your journey. These communities are greater than basecamps for exploring Utah’s pure wonders; they’ve distinctive experiences, from wealthy historical past to arts and cultural choices. Listed below are a number of stunning cities in Utah with simple nationwide park entry.

7 Hanksville

Close to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park (27.9 miles)

Nestled on the junction of State Routes 24 and 95, Hanksville is without doubt one of the small towns with the best hikes in Utah, due to its proximity to Capitol Reef National Park, and different parks, together with Canyonlands Nationwide Park and Goblin Valley State Park.

You can even get pleasure from different outside actions, from biking and climbing to canyoneering. Furthermore, Hanksville has the best “Grand Canyon” you’ve never heard of: Moonscape Overlook, a dramatic statement level, whose views, though not as expansive and colourful, give Grand Canyon vibes.

Whereas this city was solely integrated in 1999, it has a rich history that dates back to 1882.

6 Hurricane

Close to Zion Nationwide Park (21.7 miles)

Hurricane is without doubt one of the most underrated Utah towns near Zion National Park that’s worth visiting instead of the popular town of Springdale as a result of it’s not as crowded. The city additionally provides entry to different outside areas, like Snow Canyon State Park and Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

Dating back to 1896, the city’s distinctive title was derived from a whirlwind that blew off the highest of a buggy carrying the native settlers, together with the Mormon chief, Erastus Snow, who later named the place “Hurricane Hill.”

You may be taught in regards to the space’s historical past on the Hurricane Valley Pioneer Museum. In the meantime, {golfing} fans shouldn’t miss Sky Mountain Golf Course, which comes with gorgeous views of the environment.

One of many nearest sights to Hurricane is Sand Hole,
Utah’s own red sand beach
. It’s probably the most visited state park in Utah, attracting over a million individuals yearly.

5 Moab

The closest city to Arches (5.2 miles) and Canyonlands Nationwide Parks (30.2 miles)

Based on a recent list by Booking.com, only one US city is among the most welcoming destinations, and that’s Moab. Well-known for its dramatic surroundings, this Southeastern Utah city is just 5 miles south of Arches National Park‘s entrance and simply 30 miles from Canyonlands National Park, giving vacationers entry to loads of outside actions, from mountain climbing to scenic driving.

It’s a well-known off-roading spot and hosts the annual Moab Jeep Safari, a nine-day off-roading occasion that entails four-wheelers coming collectively to problem the realm’s dramatic terrain. Downtown Moab gives a spread of buying, from clothes to artwork and jewellery, in addition to a various culinary scene.

4 Tropic

Close to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park (10.1 miles)

Nestled alongside the Utah Scenic Byway 12, Tropic is without doubt one of the most stunning cities in Utah.

Whereas Bryce Canyon is its nearest pure surprise, Tropic’s central location locations vacationers inside shut proximity to loads of different scenic sights, from Kodachrome Basin State Park, identified for its multicolored rock formations, to Bull Valley Gorge, probably the most scenic slot canyon hikes within the area. Get an perception into the native historical past on the Tropic Museum and Heritage Center.

3 Torrey

The closest city to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park (4.6 miles)

Torrey, one of many best small towns in Utah for a weekend retreat, is a hidden gem with a wealthy historical past, based by the Mormon settlers within the Eighteen Eighties. It was initially known as Youngtown however was renamed for Jay L. Torrey after buying a publish workplace. Its proximity to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park makes it probably the most stunning cities in Utah with simple nationwide park entry.

Solely 4.6 miles away from the park’s entrance, staying in Torrey means entry to Capitol Reef’s hidden treasures, from cliffs and domes to canyons and bridges. The city additionally provides quick access to the Fishlake and Dixie Nationwide Forests in addition to Utah’s All-American Street, Scenic Byway 12. Past its outside alternatives and wealthy historical past, Torrey gives unbelievable artwork and eating experiences.

2 Bryce Canyon Metropolis

The closest city to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park (1.3 miles)

The gateway to the awe-inspiring Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Bryce Canyon Metropolis is without doubt one of the most gorgeous desert towns in Utah. This city provides entry to a few of the most dramatic rock formations in Utah, making it a fantastic outside base camp for hikers, climbers, stargazers, and photographers.

Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is its high attraction, but it surely’s additionally inside driving distance of Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument, and Dixie National Forest.

A must-visit spot whereas on the town is Ruby’s Inn, identified for wonderful lodging choices, from resort rooms to RV park and campground lodging. It’s additionally a vacation spot by itself, providing a spread of excursions, together with horseback using and helicopter excursions.

1 Springdale

The closest city to Zion Nationwide Park (1.1 miles)

One of many best national park towns to visit in 2025, Springdale is understood for being the gateway to Utah’s first and most visited nationwide park, Zion. Nestled alongside the scenic Virgin River, staying right here places every little thing Zion has to supply proper at your step, and also you received’t even want a automotive to drive to the park.

The city’s surroundings is extremely gorgeous, with views in each path. It comes with a wonderful number of lodging and eating alternatives, in addition to simple artsy vibes, with David J. West Gallery being a must-visit for artwork fans.