Here Are 15 Of The Best Kept Secrets In Utah

You’re probably familiar with some of Utah’s attractions such as our national parks, popular camping and fishing areas, and famous entertainment venues. These 15 spots are some of Utah’s "secret" spots - places that aren’t as familiar to everyone. We strongly believe that visiting any of these hidden places in Utah will be well worth your time!

1. Wendover Airfield

Our list of hidden places in Utah begins at the Wendover Airfield. When Utahns think of Wendover, we tend to think of the Nevada side, with its casinos and concerts. Visit the museum at the Wendover Airfield on the Utah side. Did you know that the base served as a training site for WWII pilots involved in the Manhattan Project? It’s a fascinating piece of Utah’s history. Plus, you can even take a haunted tour of the Wendover Airfield.

2. Snowbasin

You’re certainly familiar with Park City, Deer Valley and the ski resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, but you might not know that there’s another great ski resort in the Ogden Valley. Snowbasin encompasses 3,000 acres. It’s less crowded than the other resorts, and less expensive, too. This little-known resort in Utah may just become your new favorite destination.

3. Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep features six prehistoric villages dating from A.D. 1200 and 1300. Use a map to find Hovenweep - GPS will lead you astray. Without a doubt, Hovenweep National Monument is a sight to behold.

4. Fantasy Canyon

Fantasy Canyon can be tricky to find, but well worth your time - you won’t see rock formations like this anywhere else in the world! 30 miles SE of Vernal; get a map from the Bureau of Land Management office in Vernal. When it comes to hidden places in Utah, Fantasy Canyon definitely belongs on your radar.

5. Spiral Jetty

Visit Spiral Jetty if you’re looking for a fun day trip. Artist Robert Smithson moved more than 6,000 tons of rock to create the work of art in 1970. You’ll find the jetty at Rozel Point on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake. Spiral Jetty in Utah is the definition of a hidden gem.

6. Calf Creek Falls

Calf Creek Falls is a hidden oasis near Escalante. Take the short, easy hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls to a beautiful, secluded waterfall. Learn more about this relatively undiscovered natural wonder in Utah.

7. Broadway Centre Cinemas and Tower Theatre

Blockbuster superhero and action movies are fine, but you can expand your film horizons a bit by seeing an independent or foreign film at the Broadway Centre Cinemas or Tower Theatre. The snacks are better there, too. 111 E. Broadway and 876 E. 900 S., Salt Lake City.

8. Cathedral Valley, Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is often overshadowed by Bryce and Zion, but it has plenty to offer, including Cathedral Valley. The 56-mile drive along a dirt road deters many, but if you’re patient enough to make the trip along the Cathedral Valley Scenic Byway, you’ll be rewarded with solitude, and views of the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon. Learn more about the fascinating history of Capitol Reef National Park.

9. Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts

This museum is hiding in plain sight, right in the middle of Liberty Park. It boasts the distinction of being the only museum in the entire country dedicated to showcasing state-owned, contemporary folk art. 1150 S. Constitution Drive, Salt Lake City.

10. Frontier Homestead State Park

Many Utahns don’t know about this amazing state park. It’s a living museum that features a log cabin and other historic buildings, farm equipment, printing press and even the original Cedar City town bell, dating from the 1850s. The new Native American Village opens this summer. 635 N. Main Street, Cedar City. Learn more about the must-visit Frontier Homestead State Park.

11. Kodachrome Basin State Park

This state park offers sandstone formations and arches that rival those of our national parks. Kodachrome got its name due to its rich, deep colors - reminiscent of color film that was still a novelty when the park was formed in 1948. You could easily devote an entire weekend to exploring Kodachrome Basin State Park.

12. Sego Canyon

Rock art from Ute and Fremont Indians is plentiful in this little canyon. You can also explore the ghost town and cemetery. You'll find Sego Canyon near Green River.

13. Gilgal Sculpture Garden

This sculpture garden is hidden in a backyard in the middle of a Salt Lake City neighborhood! You’ll find 12 funky sculptures and dozens of inscribed rocks created by Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. Learn more about the unique Gilgal Sculpture Garden.

14. Tony Grove

The Tony Grove nature trail, located in Logan Canyon, is a short 1.2-mile loop that takes you around this beautiful lake. If you love short-and-sweet hikes, you'll want to check out our list of trails less than 5 miles in Utah.

15. Sun Tunnels

Last but not least on our list of hidden places in Utah are the Sun Tunnels. Located in remote Lucin, these 4 concrete tunnels are designed for you to climb inside and experience the sun in a whole new way. During the winter and summer solstices, the sun lines up with the tunnels.

How many of these hidden places in Utah have you experienced? We'd love to hear all about your adventures -- be sure to share them with us in the comments below!