The Mighty Five and the best of Utah’s Red Rock Country

In terms of natural wonders, Utah definitely has a lot going on. In particular, it owns the Mighty Five, a collection of U.S. National Parks that includes Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Zion, Canyonlands and Arches. Besides parks, the topography in Utah’s southern region, particularly in Red Rock Country, really shines. And there’s a lot more to this area than hoodoos and landscapes. Farm-focused offerings, Native American history and comfortable lodgings will give visitors both a sense of place and space. So plan on checking off these enchanting locations in Utah’s Red Rock Country.

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Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park

This state park is a visual geology lesson in how everything from the elements to tectonic forces can transpose terraininto amultifaceted wonder. What first catches the eye here are mushroom-looking rock formations locally referred to as “goblins.” These hoodoos, or goblins, were formed from built-up sediment layers of sand, silt and clay that were then shaped by water erosion and winds. Free-roaming pathways allow for walking up to or around them or just taking in their standings. Yet these figures aren’t the only fixtures worth gazing at. Other occupiers here include the Entrada Canyon, a rugged sandstone wall of cliffs; the Goblin’s Lair, where these canyoneering outings take place; and Three Sisters, a goblin rock trifecta. As for what to do here, your options can involve various hiking trails, a mountain-biking trail system and a 9-hole disc golf course. opt for a nearby hotel, stay in a limited number of campsites with the chance to sleep in a yurt. Popular activities include stargazing; Goblin Valley State Park is not impacted by light pollution, so having a full, clear view of the Milky Way is most definite.

San Rafael Swell

San Rafael Swell

For ATVers and bikers, southern Utah has a number of opportunities for touring various courses on two wheels. One of them is the San Rafael Swell, a public land area along I-70 that features various canyons and also the majestic Temple Mountain where uranium mining was once a booming industry. Though those days are now over, roads run along this area, where remnants from the period can be randomly spotted. Also in the San Rafael Swell, take amoment to look at the canyon walls and see if you can spot panels of rock art created by pre-historic Native Americans such as the Fremont and Ute tribes. Hiking here is also a good option.

Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

What makes this Mighty Five National Parks standout is that it’s a hiker’s dream. Even inexperienced trekkers can go up, down and along trails snaking along various arches and other land configurations. Perhaps its most scenic route is a roughly 2-mile, moderate level trail along both the HickmanBridge, a natural formation with amazing canyon views, and the Waterpocket Fold, a rocky-layered fixture that is this park’s signature piece. Even arriving to the park is scenic, as vehicles can go through a 20-mile round-trip drive. Orchards planted by settlers in the late 1800s now fall under what’s called the Fruita Rural Historic Landscape, a protected agricultural reserve that holds more than 3,000 fruit and nut tree varieties. When permitted, the public can sample ripe fruit as well as pick and purchase what’s ready to eat from specific marked areas.

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View on the Scenic Byway 12

Scenic Byway 12

Scenic Byway 12 lives up to its name. Designated as a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration, this route spans 124 miles along some of southern Utah’s most diverse landscapes. This byway also encompasses a number of must-see natural attractions like both Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalade National Monument. If in dire need of a caffeine pick-me-up, look for the Kiva Koffeehouse in Escalante. Based at the mile marker 73.86, this seasonally open coffeehouse serves up java, teas, juices and pastries, and has restrooms! Sit inside near the window for staring out at the surroundings or take your drink outside and get a closer look.

Anasazi State Park Museum | Flickr CC: Nalan Aeon

Boulder

Along with beingsurrounded by outdoor beauty, this remote town is cultured in a sense that it’s a bit of an artist’s colony and a place of history. For starters, Anasazi State Park Museum is located on the grounds where the ruins of an ancestral Puebloan/Anasazi village once stood. Inside this anthropology museum, displays of artifacts and model reproductions provide a good lesson on the culture and lifestyle of the Native Americans that once occupied the region. There’s also a replica of a dwelling outside the museum, along with the authentic remains of underground storage rooms and a pit house.

Hell’s Backbone Grill | Flickr CC: SilusGrok

Burr Trail Outpost

Intersecting with Scenic Byway 12 and a coinciding trail of the same name, the Burr Trail Outpost doubles as a showplace for works for sale by local craftspeople and artists and an eatery serving up specialties like various fruit smoothies, a fine coffee selection and breakfast tortilla combos. Then there’s the Hell’s Backbone Grill, which offers a gourmet, farm-to-table dining experience. Co-owned and operated by two female chefs, this sustainability-focused restaurant, located next door to a separately owned lodge, rotates its breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to feature in-season and sustainably grown ingredients provided by its nearby organic farm.

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Tagged: Destinations, Family time