It’s Impossible Not To Love The Most Eccentric Town In Utah

It seems that every small town has its own distinct character and charm. This is certainly true when you visit some of Utah’s best small towns like Marysvale. Located in Piute County and with a population of approximately 400, it is easy to miss this town. But, once you visit, you'll notice it has a few quirks that make it a small town you’ll quickly love.

If traveling on Highway 89 in Piute County, you’ll pass right through this small town. Although, you may not even realize it is there. It is small, quaint, and certainly beautiful.

Marysvale was once a booming mining town. From the 1860s to the early 1900s, miners from all over came to this area to mine gold, silver, and other metals. Between 1868 and 1959, Piute County alone produced 240,000 ounces of gold.

Today when you visit, you’ll still see much of the town’s roots in the buildings and businesses in town.

Many people come to Marysvale for one thing — the trails. This small town sits along the famous Paiute ATV Trail.

The Paiute ATV Trail has more than 2,000 miles of primary and side trails. This is an outdoor lover’s paradise and is a must-visit destination for ATV riders, mountain bikers, and even hikers.

Marysvale is also home to the unique, yet well-known, Big Rock Candy Mountain and Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort.

The resort sits at the base of one of the most unique geological features in Utah and is a delightful place to stay. The Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort features all types of lodging options from cabins to restored train cars. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the restaurant and even participate in one of the outdoor experiences in the area during your stay.

You can also check out the Rocky Ridge Resort if you are looking for another getaway destination in Utah. This beautiful resort and RV park features cabins, RV sites, and more to ensure you have a comfortable and pleasant stay in Marysvale.

While there are many reasons to come to this small town, if you are planning a trip to Marysvale, make sure you come during the town’s July 24th Pioneer Day events. During this festival, you can enjoy a parade, numerous games, and one of the most bizarre events — a fish rodeo.

During the fish rodeo, kids ages one to 14 can step into a pool that is six inches deep and 200 feet square. Then, more than 100 rainbow trout are let loose in the pool and children scramble to catch them. How many fish do you think you could catch in this exciting chaos?

Marysvale may be small, but it certainly has its own character. You never know what bizarre memories you may create in this small Utah town.

Have you spent time in Marysvale? If so, where did you go and what did you do? Let us know in the comments!

If you want to learn even more about Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort and its accommodations, check out our feature article about a 1970s Union Pacific Caboose you can stay in for a unique weekend escape.