10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Utah

Moab is one of the most famous small towns in Utah. Tourists stream through this little town to see the renown rock formations at Arches National Park. While both Arches and Canyonlands National Park are incredible natural wonders to witness, don’t overlook the town of Moab. Here, you’ll find a cool little Southwestern community with an old-fashioned yet hip air. If you’re an outdoorsy person, this is a great place to be! Check out the downtown area, where you’ll find boutique mountain bike stores, indie coffee shops, unique clothing, and more.

This Utah town dubs itself a “Western Classic.” Since it was settled way back in 1870, this nickname seems to be a pretty appropriate one! Kanab is set against the dramatic backdrop of stunning Utah red rock. If you get up early enough in the morning, you’ll witness the added magic of brightly-colored hot air balloons rising into the warm, clear air! Kanab is a great base for people hoping to take a tour of the monoliths or a hike through the interesting ruins and formations in the area. If you want to see quintessential Utah, Kanab is it.

Midway is located in the beautiful Heber Valley. Unlike the two cities above, which showcase the stunning desert landscape of the Southwest, Midway is set in the beautiful verdant hills of northern Utah. This town was first brought to International attention when it hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. There is plenty to do in this lovely mountain town, from trekking through the forest to hanging out on the lake. The town itself is perfectly charming! It has a Swiss theme in its architecture, making it a fun place to take photos.

Heber City is a predominantly Mormon town in the heart of Utah’s mountains. The town was founded back in 1859, when it was surrounded by nothing but wilderness. Today, the wilderness remains, but the town has grown to become a beautiful community with plenty to offer. There are many wonderful fun outdoor activities to enjoy, such as boat tours and horseback riding. Stand up paddle boarding is one of the most popular excursions in the area. Be sure to take a trip on the Heber Valley Historic Railroad Line for awesome views of “Utah’s Alps” and the plains that drew settlers to the wild, Wild West.

One of the loveliest small towns in Utah is the community of Mount Pleasant. Set in the middle of a sprawling agricultural valley, Mount Pleasant is an old-fashioned community that you don’t want to miss. Believe it or not, this 3,500 population town is one of the largest in the county! The town is known for being the home of Wasatch Academy, a picturesque private school. Walk around the residential area of the town, and you’ll see large, antique homes built in an elegant Midwestern style. The downtown area features historic brick buildings that you’ll love to wander through.

As you might have guessed, this town was named for Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States. Thirteen must be a lucky number for Fillmore, because this town has nothing but beauty and enjoyment to offer! The town was actually the original capital of Utah. In fact, it was selected as such in 1851 by the incumbent governor, Brigham Young. Today, the area offers plenty of small-town delights, such as tree-lined parks, diners, and space for relaxation.

This town is known as the Gateway to Zion National Park! Although it has well under a thousand residents, the town is constantly full of visitors on their way to see the famous formations in Zion. It actually made the Forbes list for the prettiest towns in the United States in 2008, and it has only grown lovelier since. The town has stunning views of the nearby cliffs and rock formations. At sunrise, the rocks are lit just right to glow a brilliant red as the new day begins.

If you’re heading to Utah in the winter, this is the perfect place to go! When the snow falls, the hills and pines are covered in a shimmering blanket of snow. The rest of the year is beautiful in Garden City, as well. Nearby Bear Lake State Park offers watersports adventures, and there are many places to camp near the town. Garden City is also famous for being a pioneer city. While you’re in town, learn about the settlers who first traveled to the area in covered wagons.

This lovely mountain town is the gateway to the Uinta Mountain Range, but it has wonders all its own to offer. Located just outside of Salt Lake, Kamas is a wonderful break from the busyness of the city. The town of Kamas is still very much a rural area, with its main exports being lumber and cattle. Visitors head to Kamas for the fishing, camping, and hiking available in the area. If you visit this small town, you’ll find lots of wide open space and lovely scenery.

Whether you love to ski, fish, hike, or play, you’ll love Morgan City! This wonderful small town in Utah is a former pioneer town that was built in 1868. You can experience a taste of the Wild West and the Pioneer life in Morgan. Enjoy horseback trips, wagon rides, rodeos, and more.