Utah
Nature|National & State Parks

Millsite State Park In Utah Is So Well-Hidden, It Feels Like One Of The State’s Best Kept Secrets

Published Sep 15, 2020

Written by 

E Jamar

While Utah is home to numerous slices of natural beauty, Millsite State Park is a natural oasis hiding beside Ferron Canyon. This manmade state park it unbeknownst to most, making it one of Utah's best kept nature secrets. Featuring a remote spot to go camping, wonderful hiking trails nearby, and some of the bluest water in the state, Millsite State Park is sure to be your favorite hidden park yet. Next time you want to get away from it all and go camping beside a blue reservoir, make sure to seek out the well-hidden state park that is Millsite State Park in Ferron, Utah.

Welcome to Millsite State Park!

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Millsite State Park/Facebook

This little-known state park is nestled in Ferron on the south end of Millsite Reservoir.

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Andy Lovell/Google Local

The reservoir covers 435 acres and has some of the bluest water in Utah. This area was part of the Ferron Watershed Project which was completed in 1970, though the park wasn't completed until 2018.

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Millsite State Park/Facebook

Before the intricate water system that now services this area was complete, there was an old dam that serviced a flour mill. This area is home to hidden relics of Utah history, as well as being a secret slice of nature.

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Karl Petty/Google Local

This spot is so hidden that it might just be one of Utah's best kept secrets, but it's also home to the best desert views and reflections of Ferron Canyon off the blue water.

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Millsite State Park/Facebook

Many outdoor attractions are available at Millsite, and it's a wonderful spot to visit any time of year. From ice fishing to hiking or golfing at the golf course next door, the options are endless.

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Shawn Baugh/Google Local

Millsite State Park is also home to 20 camping spots. There's no better way to escape than to camp beside this blue water at one of the most hidden parks in Utah.

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Megan Zandstra/Google Local

Next time you want to get away from it all, head to the hidden Millsite State Park and camp, fish, or relax beside this blue water in secret.

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Andy Lovell/Google Local

For more information on Millsite State Park, you can visit the Utah State Parks website right here.

Did you know about the hidden Millsite State Park? Have you ever gone camping within this beautiful slice of nature? What other hidden spots should we know about? We'd love to hear all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and don't forget to then go share photos from your outdoor adventures with us in our Utah Nature Lovers group on Facebook, or by using the hashtag #onlyinutah on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

When it comes to iconic hikes in Utah, Zion National Park is the first place I think of (along with Arches and Bryce Canyon, of course). After all, it's home to some of the most stunning views our state has to offer, and millions of people travel from all over the world each year to revel in its magic. One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

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AllTrails Kristin Kozelsky

At 3.6 miles long, the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is by no means the longest hike in the park, but it is one of the most challenging. The out-and-back trail is rated as hard on AllTrails due to its steep ascent. You'll climb over 1,100 feet in a relatively short distance, navigating tight switchbacks before arriving at the final viewpoint known as Scout Lookout.

While the view at the top is definitely the pièce de résistance, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the entire trail. At the beginning, the path crosses the Virgin River on a bridge before paralleling the river for a short time. From there, the ascent begins, and as the scene unfolds before your eyes, it only gets more picturesque with every step you take. With the ancient, majestic canyon walls rising up all around, you'll swear you're looking at a painting or a postcard. That's just part of living in Utah - what a blessing to call such a state home where the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Scout Lookout to Angel's Landing, but only experienced hikers should attempt this. Additionally, the trail does not offer much shade, so consider starting either in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an avid hiker. The app is an incredible resource with features like 3D flyovers, wrong-turn alerts, and offline map access. Your first week is free, so there's no risk involved in trying it out.

Have you ever embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? What are your favorite iconic hikes in Utah? Tell us in the comments!

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The Most Iconic View in Utah Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

Arches National Park has the most iconic view in Utah. Even with over 2,000 arches, one stands out from the rest.

Published Oct 4, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Arches National Park is one of the most iconic views in Utah. Located just north of Moab and adjacent to the Colorado River, Arches National Park boasts more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Delicate Arch is the most well-known, but with over 2,000 to see, you could easily find a new favorite arch here. 

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With so many arches, this is the highest density of natural arches in the world. But why are there so many arches in Arches National Park? Well, the answer may surprise you!

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Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, UT.

The national park lies above an underground salt bed, which causes the arches, spires, and sandstone fins that Arches National Park is so well known for. Water erosion is a key ingredient to form these arches, and a lack of earthquakes ensures that these delicate arches are geologically stable. 

These stunning arches are truly slices of history. If you were to stand in this spot a million years ago, you’d only see a desert—no arches to be found. There may have even been vegetation growing!

These arches were formed over many, many years of erosion. And they will continue to form. Who knows what this landscape will look like a million years from now? It certainly won’t look like this. 

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Jamie Seidel/500px Collection via Getty Images

Fun fact: to become one of the park’s official arches, a hole must have an opening of at least three feet. There isn’t any requirement for width, and there are plenty of super skinny arches here. 

The only thing better than seeing Delicate Arch during the day is waiting around until nightfall. Arches National Park is one of the best places to go stargazing, and if you have the right camera gear you could capture some phenomenal shots!

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Photo taken in Moab, United States

April, May, September, and October are the best months to visit Arches National Park. Because the park is so popular, you’ll need a timed entry reservation if you’re planning on visiting Arches National Park between April 1 and October 31. Visitors to Arches National Park also need an entrance pass, which starts at $15.00.

Taking a tour of Arches National Park is the most eco-friendly way to visit this national treasure. Tourism is one of the major players in this fragile ecosystem, and for some reason, we just can’t be trusted to leave no trace. Tours reduce the amount of vehicles that enter the park, plus you’ll be with a knowledgeable guide the entire time who will regale you with all of the fascinating history of Arches National Park. 

Read on to discover some of our favorite places to stay in Utah and start planning your epic Utah adventure. 

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