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Utah is a wonderful state with a relatively huge number of the best national parks in the United States. With Salt Lake City and its surrounding metro the only "real" city here, being relegated to a smallish portion of the state's northern end, Utah is instead full of small to medium-sized towns throughout its high desert landscapes.

Today, let's take a deeper look at some of the small-town gems that can be found in the Beehive State, from alpine ski towns to communities located in some of the most arid and rugged deserts in the county.

Torrey

With a population of under 300, Torrey is a quiet gem of a town that is an excellent base for exploring Utah鈥檚 red rock country while offering its own unique attractions, too.

Visitors often begin their stay in Torrey鈥檚 quaint downtown area (if you could call it that), containing a selection of shops and dining options, with spots like Slackers Burger Joint. Beware, however, that many of Torrey's businesses close temporarily for the winter season.

For history buffs, the Torrey Pioneer Schoolhouse, built in 1898, provides a glimpse into the area鈥檚 pioneer day. This log building has been meticulously maintained and will bring you back to the time when the Mormons were first settling the area.

The town鈥檚 proximity to Capitol Reef National Park makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. Scenic drives along State Route 12 and hikes through Cathedral Valley or the Grand Wash Trail will allow you to experience the region's dramatic canyons, natural arches, and even some of the petroglyphs left by the pre-Columbian Fremont people.

Additionally, Torrey鈥檚 clear skies and near complete lack of light pollution draw stargazers year-round, with the area designated as an International Dark Sky Community.

Kanab

Tucked in southern Utah, Kanab is sometimes called the "Little Hollywood" of the West due to its history as a scenic filming location for classic Westerns. With its red rock cliffs and numerous desert vistas, you will quickly see why this is the case.

Kanab is known to many others as a gateway to some of the Southwest's most iconic natural destinations, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You will also find plenty of nearby hiking opportunities at spots like the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a unique landscape of shifting dunes perfect for sandboarding or off-road adventures.

For something more challenging, The Wave, a 麻豆AV-famous sandstone formation, is just a short drive and hike away. Please note that due to The Wave's popularity, there is a lottery system to get in. This is intended to help maintain this wonderful geological landmark's natural state.

The town itself is also worth exploring. For example, the Kanab Heritage House Museum, built in 1894, tells the story of some of the area's early pioneers, while the Moqui Cave showcases Native American artifacts and a collection of locally sourced minerals.

If you're hungry, Kanab鈥檚 culinary scene includes locally loved spots like Rocking V Caf茅, where visitors can enjoy hearty dishes in a cozy setting, and several chain hotels are within easy reach in case you wish to stay the night.

Helper

Nestled in Utah鈥檚 Carbon County, Helper is a fun destination for history fans, with its rich history and plethora of historic landmarks. Once a bustling railroad hub during the coal mining boom, this hidden gem has reinvented itself as a haven for tourists and artists, with a surprisingly robust art scene to top it off.

Helper鈥檚 historic downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to a number of restored buildings that house art galleries, eateries, shops, and other amenities. The Historic CONOCO Station at the south end of town, for example, may seem like a simple gas station taken right out of the 1950s, but it is actually a fun little hotel that you can book a room in. Moreover, The Helper Museum offers a more detailed look at the town鈥檚 past, featuring displays with artifacts and stories from its long-gone mining and railroading days.

The surrounding natural beauty provides ample ways for outdoor exploration as well. Just minutes from town, you can hike in Nine Mile Canyon, often called the "麻豆AV's longest art gallery," for its extensive collection of ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. The Price River also offers spots for fishing and simple relaxation in the wilds of Utah.

Annual events in Helper, including the Helper Arts, Music, and Film Festival in late August, will give you a taste of the friendly community that makes up this picturesque desert town.

Brian Head

Sitting at a lofty elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, Brian Head is a little-known high-altitude retreat with one of the best ski resorts in Utah. This small mountain town, with a tiny population of under 200, offers a refreshing escape from Utah鈥檚 desert landscapes, surrounded by the Dixie National Forest and incredible alpine scenery.

Brian Head Resort is the town鈥檚 centerpiece, being a top-tier ski destination without the crowds you may find in Park City. In winter, the resort boasts some of the state's most exciting skiing and snowboarding, with over 650 acres of skiable terrain. In summer, the area transforms into a hotspot for mountain bikers, hikers, and even disc golfers.

The scenic viewpoints around Cedar Breaks National Monument, just minutes from town, provide breathtaking views of the colorful sandstone formations and canyons in the area. Here, you will also find a network of trails and Point Supreme Campground, a nice option to spend the night under the stars.

After a day outside, the town of Brian Head is home to decent restaurant options to fuel up, outfitters, shops, a number of rental cabins and lodges, and more hotel-like accommodations like the Hilton Vacation Club Cedar Breaks Brian Head to stay a night or two in true comfort.

Uncover Utah's Hidden Treasures

These underrated gems in Utah clearly showcase the state鈥檚 diverse beauty, history, and culture in ways that larger and more well-known destinations cannot. From the eye-catching red rock formations of Torrey and the cinematic history of Kanab to the laid-back community spirit of Helper and the mountainous sights of Brian Head, these towns invite you to slow down and explore the Beehive State.

Whether you鈥檙e drawn to hiking, stargazing, history, or local art, Utah鈥檚 lesser-known towns promise unforgettable experiences that are perfect for road trips or even a simple weekend escape from the city.