It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived in The Beehive State for a short time or your entire life, there are likely a few hidden gems in Utah that you’ve never visited. These are unique places to visit in Utah that are worth exploring, have something to offer, and will help you create some cherished memories. If you are up for a little adventure and want to see something new, we’ve created this hidden gems in Utah road trip for you to use and enjoy. It’s just one more way to experience all that Utah has to offer.
While there are many hidden gems around Utah, we’ve focused this road trip on the southern part of the state. You will begin in Escalante and travel down to sunny St. George. This trip covers approximately 250 miles and is just under five hours of drive time. Use this interactive map to help you plan this road trip according to your specific starting and ending locations.
Coyote Gulch, Grand Staircase-Escalante
The first stop on our hidden gems road trip in Utah is at the unique Grand Staircase-Escalante. Here, you can explore Coyote Gulch, which is a narrow canyon of remarkable red rocks. Bring your hiking shoes along this trip as this canyon must be explored on foot. There is quite the trail to explore that features two natural arches, waterfalls, a natural bridge, and more. If you want to explore all of Coyote Gulch, backpacking is ideal or plan a full-day outdoor adventure. You can learn more about Coyote Gulch here.
Calf Creek Falls, Boulder
Of course, our road trip of hidden gems must include one of the best waterfalls in the state — Calf Creek Falls. However, you will have a nearly three-mile, out-and-back hike to reach the falls. Along the way, you’ll see Fremont-style pictographs, desert landscape, and maybe even some wildlife. The falls themselves are stunning as the water falls nearly 130 feet. If you choose to take this road trip during the summer months, don't be shy and hop in the water.
Kodachrome Basin State Park, Cannonville
Kodachrome Basin State Park is located near the small town of Cannonville and offers some of the most picturesque views of cliffs, arches, red rocks, and more. This is one stop on our road trip where you can easily spend just a few hours or even a few days exploring. At Kodachrome Basin State Park, you can drive through the rocks to capture gorgeous images or hike on one of the five hiking trails. This is also an excellent place to stay overnight as there are year-round campgrounds and bunkhouses.
Parowan Gap, Parowan
Parowan Gap is a hidden gem in Utah that features history, geology, and more. In this area, you will explore a natural gap that was made in sandstone millions of years ago. This gap was a passageway for Native Americans and as they traveled in the area, they left beautiful images on the rock that are still there today. Follow the trails with signs to teach you all about this area and its history — it’s quite remarkable. You can learn more about Parowan Gap in this article.
Frontier Homestead State Park, Cedar City
If you have driven along Main Street in Cedar City, you likely passed right by a true hidden gem — Frontier Homestead State Park. This unique attraction gives you a glimpse into the lives of the pioneers and the industrial history of Iron County and southwest Utah. Give yourself plenty of time to explore Frontier Homestead State Park. Not only are there unique exhibits to enjoy such as historic homes and wagon collections, but there are hands-on activities that individuals of all ages will love.
Red Hills Desert Garden, St. George
The Red Hills Desert Garden is a five-acre preserve where you can see more than 5,000 desert plants. This garden is the perfect place for a beautiful and educational stroll. You can walk through several themed gardens and along a 1,150-foot stream that is home to various fish species. There is also a replica slot canyon and prehistoric dinosaur tracks that date back 200 million years. Even better, admission to this hidden gem in St. George is free! You can learn more here.
Bloomington Petroglyph Park, St. George
The final stop on our hidden gems road trip in Utah is at the Bloomington Petroglyph Park on Navajo Drive in St. George. This is a tiny park but features a walking trail that will take you to incredible petroglyphs. You can walk right up to the petroglyphs and admire these incredible images and imagine the story that they are trying to tell. Just make sure you are respectful of the petroglyphs and features at the park so individuals for generations to come can enjoy it.
Have you been to any of these parks and places? Are there any other hidden gems in Utah that you would add to this road trip? If so, let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!
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