12 Magnificent Hidden Gems to Discover in Utah This Year

Utah has so many well-known attractions and destinations. From our five national parks to Temple Square, there are attractions that draw people from all over the world. But, the Beehive State is so much more than that. In fact, Utah is home to some incredible hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered. To help you truly enjoy all that the Beehive State has to offer, check out the following hidden gems in Utah. There is one of the best places to visit in Utah every month of the year so you always have something extraordinary to discover.

January: Wasatch Parc, Nordic Valley

Rather than spend your winter cooped up indoors, head to Wasatch Parc, a unique snow tubing park in Utah. While many snow tubing parks in Utah feature parallel lanes, at Wasatch Parc, the lanes are zigzag. You’ll enjoy a heart-racing adventure as you soar down the mountains and around the curves — it’s the perfect way to spend a winter day.

February: Hines Mansion, Provo

For a romantic getaway in Utah, book a stay at the Hines Mansion in Provo. This hidden gem was built in 1895 and is charming in every way. Here, you’ll enjoy an intimate atmosphere and modern comforts in a historic space.

March: Land Cruiser Heritage Museum, Salt Lake City

The Land Cruiser Heritage Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum and a true hidden gem in Salt Lake City. This museum is home to nearly 100 models of Land Cruisers with some automobiles dating back to the 1950s. You’ll also see all types of unique artwork, tools, owner's manuals, and other memorabilia. This is a lesser-known museum in Utah the entire family will enjoy and even better, admission is free!

April: Red Reef Trail, Near St. George

For the perfect day spent outdoors, tackle the Red Reef Trail at the Red Cliffs Campground near St. George. This out-and-back hiking trail will take you through an incredible desert landscape and along a creek. You’ll eventually come to a small, yet beautiful waterfall with Moki steps where you can climb on top of the falls for even more adventure. This may be one of our favorite day trips in Utah.

May: Hell’s Backbone, Boulder

Hell’s Backbone Grill is located in the tiny town of Boulder in southern Utah. Much of the food served at this restaurant is grown from the restaurant's own farm and other local sources. Here, you’ll find plates of food that are delicious, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s a hidden gem that your taste buds will thank you for discovering.

June: Ogden Nature Center, Ogden

You would never guess this incredible hidden gem is located right off I-15 in Ogden. The Ogden Nature Center is a 152-acre preserve that features various walking trails, animals of all kinds, and a visitor center. There are also ponds, observation towers, and a natural playground to enjoy. This is a great way to immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city.

July: Cassidy Arch, Capitol Reef National Park

While there are hundreds of documented natural arches in Utah, one that we highly recommend visiting is Cassidy Arch in Capitol Reef National Park. There is a 3.5-mile round-trip hike to view this breathtaking arch but the final destination is a major payoff for your effort.

August: Posey Lake

Posey Lake is just a short drive from the small town of Escalante and is one of the least touristy places in southern Utah. This small lake sits approximately 8,800 feet in elevation, is home to a beautiful campground, and features a hiking trail with some of the best views around.

September: Willis Creek Narrows, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The Willis Creek Narrows is one of the best slot canyons in Utah — also one of the lesser-known slot canyons in Utah. The hike is fairly easy and you don’t need any technical skills to safely traverse through the canyon. The canyon walls eventually grow up to 100 feet tall and the smooth, curved rocks are quite mesmerizing.

October: Alpine Scenic Byway

The Alpine Scenic Loop starts at the mouth of American Fork Canyon and takes you to the end of Provo Canyon. This beautiful drive in Utah is a must-do during the autumn when fall foliage is at its peak — the views are going to leave you inspired.

November: Veyo Pies, Veyo

In a humble and unassuming bakery in the small town of Veyo, you will find Veyo Pies. This incredible pie shop is home to some of the best pies in Utah. With an extensive selection of flavors, you’ll have a hard time choosing which pie you wish to try. But, no matter what you choose, you’ll quickly learn what a perfect pie is supposed to be like.

December: Helper

Welcome the holiday season at Helper in Carbon County. This is a true hidden gem during the month of December when the small town transforms into the ultimate Christmas town. During this time of year, Main Street is adorned with twinkling lights, businesses decorate to the nines, residents gather for the Christmas parade, and there are activities every weekend for the entire family leading up to Christmas.

What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Utah? What are some of your favorite places to visit in Utah? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'm always looking for a little Utah trip inspo. Of course, one of our favorite ways to explore Utah's hidden gems is on a road trip. Check out some of our favorite road trip itineraries in Utah and our road trip packing list!