The Burr Trail from Bullfrog to Boulder is 67 miles long, and features some of Utah's most stunning scenery. Along the way, you'll pass through Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
The Burr Trail was established by John Burr around 1876, as a way to move his cattle from summer to winter feeding grounds. It now connects Boulder and Bullfrog, along a stretch of very scenic highway.
The National Park Service offers a mile-by-mile description of the Burr Trail, along with a map. Click here for more information. Once you arrive in Boulder, stop for dinner at Hell's Backbone Grill - one of Utah's most remote (and best) restaurants.
School pride runs strong in Utah. Even if it has been years since you went to college, you likely still hold a special place in your heart for your alma mater. You may even go back and visit occasionally (like I do!). And while visiting your old college campus will flood you with memories, it is just the beginning of the fabulous places to visit and explore. Many Utah college towns are the perfect destination for exploration and adventure and the following five are ideal for your next weekend away.
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Editor’s Note: Please don’t think we have forgotten about the many colleges and universities along the Wasatch Front. We love these schools. We simply want you to explore some of the other charming destinations in Utah for a weekend getaway.
1.
Logan, Utah
Northern Utah (Logan canyon, Cache valley, Cache national forest, Wasatch front)
I may be a little biased but no list of the best college towns in Utah is complete without naming Logan (it is my alma mater after all). While Utah State University is a beautiful campus that sits at the mouth of Logan Canyon and features fantastic areas like the Quad and Old Main, it’s easy to spend a weekend exploring Cache Valley. If you only have a day or two, I suggest activities such as walking historic downtown, watching a performance at the Ellen Eccles Theater (which was built in 1923), and exploring Zootah, a charming small zoo. You’ll also want to spend some time in Logan Canyon (particularly in the autumn when the fall foliage is at its peak) and grab a frozen treat at Aggie Ice Cream.
2. Ephraim, Snow College
Not only is Ephraim absolutely beautiful but it is a small town that is packed with history. This town dates back to the 1850s and is nicknamed “Little Denmark” because of the diversity of people who live there. In addition to the historic buildings throughout the town, visit the Great Basin Station, a historical landmark in a renovated U.S. Forest Service research facility. I also recommend taking a scenic drive down Ephraim Canyon Road, going on a hike, and grabbing some dinner at one of the locally owned restaurants in town.
3. Price, Utah State University Eastern
An aerial view to Price, Utah in a sunny autumn day
Price is one Utah college town that is often overlooked, particularly for weekend adventures. While there are activities at Utah State University Eastern you can attend, this town is also home to the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. If you want to spend plenty of time outdoors, this is a delightful place to be as this town is near Goblin Valley State Park, the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Nine Mile Canyon, and the San Rafael Swell.
4. Cedar City, Southern Utah University
If you wish to venture down south, there’s nothing quite like a weekend adventure in Cedar City. This town is home to Southern Utah University (SUU) and there are always activities and events for you to enjoy throughout the year. If you wish to spend some time in town, learn at the Frontier Homestead State Park or admire masterpieces at the Southern Utah Museum of Art. I love to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument and hike the beautiful Red Hollow Trail. This college town is also near both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park if you want even more adventure.
5. St. George, Utah Tech University
St. George is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Utah, United States. Located in southwestern Utah on the Arizona border
Yes, I know that St. George is a city rather than a town but it deserved to be on this list as it makes for one incredible weekend getaway. In fact, here there is so much to see and do that you will barely scratch the surface of activities offered in a weekend. If the weather cooperates, I recommend exploring Red Hills Desert Garden, Pioneer Park, and Snow Canyon State Park. You can also go hiking at Red Cliffs Recreation Area and play in the water at Sand Hollow State Park. Spend some time shopping at Town Square or watch a performance at Tuacahn Amphitheatre. If you become hungry, make sure you visit Croshaw’s Gourmet Pie Shop.
What is your favorite college town in Utah? Did you attend any of the colleges or universities on our list? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.
I’m not a spontaneous person. I typically plan all of my adventures far in advance and may even have my itinerary written out by the hour. However, my husband loves to be spontaneous and set off on adventures and the following road trip is inspired by him. Featuring seven attractions in Utah, this is a weekend road trip where you can just hop in the car and go. It’s a road trip that everyone can enjoy.
This road trip through Utah will take you in a large loop that is approximately 120 miles. You can start your adventure at any destination on this route but for this article, we will start in Provo and travel counterclockwise. You will want to plan at least 2.5 hours of drive time and we recommend two days for this trip so you have plenty of time at each stop along your way.
The Monte L. Bean Life Museum, better known as the “Bean Museum” by locals, is a natural history museum on Brigham Young University’s campus. This incredible attraction has dozens of exhibits that teach you all about this lovely planet we call home. Whether you stay for hours or for just a short amount of time, you can learn about freshwater and marine ecosystems, insects, animals, and so much more. Plus, the Bean Museum is free of charge.
Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest waterfall in Utah. This 607-foot waterfall can be seen right from the highway as you continue on your drive or you can stop and tackle the 1.4-mile trail to get a closer look. You can also stop by Bridal Veil Falls Park, where you’ll find grassy picnic spots, perfect for a quick meal before you continue on your way.
Are you ready to capture views of Utah like never before? Zipline Utah offers a variety of zipline adventures over the beautiful Deer Creek Reservoir. As you soar through the sky, you’ll enjoy water views and can admire the Wasatch Mountains. There are several tour options available but you may need to place reservations if you choose to go on a busy day of the week.
McPolin Farm Nature Trail is a great place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and enjoy the beauty of the Park City area. This trail can be accessed along HWY 224 in Park City and will teach you all about plants and wildlife in the area. As you hike, you’ll pass several interpretive signs, as well as several shady benches where you can rest.
The next stop on our road trip is the delightful Sugar House Park. This is one of our favorite parks in the Salt Lake Valley and it features 110 acres of grassy areas, rolling hills, a large pond, and more. Plus, the beautiful Parley’s Creek runs right through the park, which is where we love to relax and enjoy the flowing water. Your family can also let out some energy on one of the playgrounds, along the walking path, or next to the beautiful pond that is home to wildlife of all sizes.
You will not want to skip Wheeler Historic Farm. This late 19th-century farmstead is a working farm, public park, home to a farmers market, and so much more. You can stop by for farmhouse tours, have a picnic, visit the animals, play on the playgrounds, or participate in one of its many events. Depending on the time of year, there are also wagon rides and milking demonstrations.
Brookers Founding Flavors may be one of the most delicious stops on our road trip and the perfect way to end this spontaneous weekend adventure. While this Utah ice cream shop has multiple locations in the Wasatch Front, for this road trip itinerary, we will stop at the Vineyard location. This themed ice cream shop is family-owned and is where you can get a delicious treat and a history lesson in one visit. You’ll see employees dressed in authentic period clothing and ice cream flavors named after our Founding Fathers.
What other stops would you make on this spontaneous road trip in Utah? Where would you recommend spending the night on this adventure? Let us know in the comments. And before you go, make sure you check out our ultimate road trip packing list and have plenty of good music and car-friendly snacks for the drive!
