Of each of Utah's "Mighty Five" national parks, Zion stands above the rest in both fame and popularity. In 2023, Zion National Park welcomed an estimated 4,623,238 visitors. This not only makes it the most-visited of Utah's five national parks, but also the third most-visited national park in the entire country.
Zion's popularity means that the surrounding area is also fairly popular. The nearby community of Springdale is a cute small town right next to Zion that lets visitors enjoy small-town charms amid the rugged Utah landscape. With such a wonderful blend of small-town hospitality and breathtaking scenery, Springdale and Zion can still suffer from overexposure.
Intrepid travelers who have already experienced Zion and Springdale may be on the lookout for an equally worthwhile alternative on their next trip through Utah. For these travelers, is a lesser-known alternative to the more popular Springdale.
Torrey also sits next to an amazing national park, one that matches Zion for breathtaking views without suffering from Zion's annoying crowds of heavy tourism. If you're planning a trip to Utah this coming year, Torrey and the neighboring underrated Capitol Reef National Park are among the state's best hidden gems.
Torrey Is Utah's Most Underrated Small Town Gateway To The Mighty Five
Torrey has everything you could ever ask for in a charming American small town. With a population of less than 300 people, Torrey is miles away from the stresses and distractions of any big city. But even with such a small population, Torrey has more than enough amenities and attractions to satisfy any visitor.
Founded by Mormon pioneers in the 19th Century, Torrey retains its authentic historical character while still providing modern features for visitors who don't want to fully "rough it" in the Utah wilderness. Today, the town has several charming lodging options, boutique restaurants and cafés, and even two separate art galleries.
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Location | Wayne County |
Population | 231 |
Top Attractions | |
Torrey is also a convenient access point for Utah's Scenic Byway 12, one of the best scenic driving routes in both Utah and the U.S. as a whole. For those who do want to experience this unique part of the country firsthand, Torrey also has several excellent outfitters and touring companies that offer excellent guided experiences of the surrounding parks and natural attractions.
Torrey is the perfect alternative for Utah visitors who have gotten tired of the better-known destinations like Springdale.
Torrey Is The Main Gateway To Utah's Capitol Reef Country
Just as Springdale's main draw is its proximity to Zion, Torrey's claim to fame is its proximity to Capitol Reef National Park and Utah's broader Capitol Reef Country. And just as Torrey is a perfect, lesser-known alternative to Springdale's small-town charms, Capitol Reef is a clear rival to Zion's when it comes to awe-inspiring scenery, despite not getting quite as much attention or visitation numbers.
Capitol Reef's epic natural grandeur centers around the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long "warp" in the Earth's crust where Utah's landscape suddenly folds upwards like a tremendous petrified wave.
In the minds of 19th-century pioneers, this massive uplift impeded their westward journey much like undersea reefs block oncoming ships, while its white sandstone pinnacles resembled the domes that adorned capitol buildings (hence the name "Capitol Reef").
The result of this unique geological phenomenon is a collection of some of the most striking landforms anywhere in the American West. All across Capitol Reef National Park, visitors can find spectacular canyons, cliffs, rocky pinnacles, mesas, and natural arches that hold their own against the sights of more famous parks like Zion or Arches.
The park's Waterpocket District provides immersive experiences of the one-of-a-kind geology of the Waterpocket Fold, while the otherworldly Cathedral Valley offers sights that look right out of a painting.
Many parts of the Waterpocket District and Cathedral Valley are extremely remote and undeveloped, with very few (if any) amenities or infrastructure. In the event of an emergency, help may take several hours to several days to arrive. Travelers in these areas should ensure they have the necessary experience and supplies to be self-sufficient in a dangerous environment.
Capitol Reef also offers tons of amazing activities and attractions. The park's many hiking trails range from short and easy hikes to challenging backcountry treks through rugged wilderness. With so many unique geological formations, Capitol Reef is also a top destination for rock climbing. Depending on your preferences, you might also indulge in backpacking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, or photography.
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Entry Fee | $10-$20 |
Hours of Operation | Open 24 hours |
Yearly Visitors | 1,268,861 |
Top Hiking Trails | |
Best Time to Visit | Spring, Fall |
One of the most unique charms of Capitol Reef National Park is the Fruita Historic District and its many orchards. Several of the orchards here were planted by Mormon settlers well over a century ago. Not only can you visit these historic orchards today, but during harvest time, you can even pick your own fruit right off the tree.
Torrey's Worthwhile Attractions Extend Beyond Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is by far Torrey's biggest outdoor attraction, but it's not the only one. Goblin Valley and Escalante Petrified Forest State Parks, two of Utah's most memorable state park sites, are both less than two hours away.
A little over 30 miles away is the equally impressive Anasazi State Park Museum. Here, visitors can explore an authentic archeological site created by the ancient Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) people around a thousand years ago. Even better, the nearby Dixie and Fishlake National Forests offer views and hiking experiences that match those found in any national park, without any entrance fees.
??Torrey also sits much closer to several excellent campgrounds and lodges that put visitors as close to nature as their comfort levels would prefer. So, no matter how you want to experience the otherworldly magic of Capitol Reef Country, Torrey has you covered.