Most People Don’t Know These 6 Hidden Gems in Utah Even Exist
Most of Utah’s popular attractions are known all over the world. Our stunning national parks and popular cultural spots are visited by millions every year. But don’t fret, there are plenty of unique attractions in Utah, too! These spots may be often overlooked, but they’re definitely worth a visit. Read on to see some of our favorite hidden gems in Utah.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1) Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument (San Juan County)
The 2,000-year-old petroglyphs at this site were carved by Fremont, Navajo, Anasazi and Pueblo people. The wall art is easy to see and photograph. A fence keeps visitors from touching the petroglyphs, but it’s installed 10 to 15 feet from the rock face, so you can still get a great look.
It’s called the “Quaking Giant” or “Trembling Giant,” (because of the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind) and it’s thought to be one of the largest single organisms in the world. Pando looks like thousands of aspen trees, but it’s really just one male organism. All of the individual trees share one root system.
Pando is a really old guy -- his estimated age is 80,000 years. Find Pando in the Fishlake National Forest, along Route 25, 1 mile southwest of Fish Lake.
Have you ever seen a sculpture of Joseph Smith? Of course you have, if you live in Utah. Likenesses of the founder of the Mormon church can surely be seen all over the state. BUT...have you ever seen the head of Joseph Smith on the body of a Sphinx?
Check out Gilgal Gardens, 12 sculptures and 70 engraved stones created by sculptor Thomas Child. Originally Child’s back yard, now it’s a city park. The gardens are tucked away in a Salt Lake neighborhood, but are open to the public, free of charge.
Depending on the water level of the Great Salt Lake, this hidden gem in Utah is sometimes literally hidden. It's often found underwater when the water level rises. Created from 6,000 tons of black basalt rock, the jetty is 15 feet wide and 1,500 feet long. Sculptor Robert Smithson created it in 1970.
Located on the Rozel Point Peninsula. From the Golden Spike Visitor Center, take the gravel road 5 ½ miles west to a fork in the road; take the south fork left and continue to a second fork; take the southwest fork to your right and drive another 8 miles. From there, it’s best to walk the last half mile, unless you have a high clearance vehicle.
At first glance, you might think Nancy’s Holt’s art installation is just a bunch of ugly, concrete tubes that are to be used in construction. Fun to climb on and mildly interesting. But…
Their true beauty is seen during summer and winter solstices, when the sunrise and sunsets line up with the tunnels. Even throughout the rest of the year, this is a pretty great one out of all of the hidden gems in Utah.
Check out the vast landscape, then look again through one of the tunnels for a whole new perspective. Visit during different times of day for different effects based on the sun's position.
You’ll find the tiny town of Meadow about 4 miles south of Fillmore. Take the Meadow exit off I-15, then drive south through the town. Once you pass the last buildings, take the dirt road on your right and keep driving west until you see the parking area for the springs. This is one of the prettiest hidden hot springs in Utah, and it's great to take a dip in.
From the parking area, take the south path to find a warm, clear pool. Access two other hot springs from the west path. These three springs are located on private property, but the owners allow access. They’ve posted several signs outlining the rules. Behave accordingly to keep this hidden gem in Utah available to the public.
Have you visited any of these hidden gems in Utah? Are there any others you would add to this list? Share your favorites in the comments.
Address: Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, UT-211, Monticello, UT 84535, USA
Address: The Trembling Giant, Utah 84701, USA
Address: Gilgal Sculpture Garden, 749 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
Address: Spiral Jetty Road, Spiral Jetty Rd, Utah 84307, USA
Address: Sun Tunnels, Wendover, UT 84083, USA
Address: Meadow Hot Spring, Utah, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems in Utah
July 09, 2021
Lisa Sammons
What are some of the best little-known parks in Utah?
In a place with as many state and national parks as Utah, it goes without saying that some are more popular than others. We’ve got five national parks and 43 state parks, so there’s a lot to explore! This list of nine state parks is made up of plenty of hidden gems in Utah. They may not get as many visitors as some of the more popular parks, like Dead Horse Point State Park, but they are just as beautiful and definitely worth a visit, especially if you don’t like crowds.
Here’s a great list to get you started. We are particularly fond of Home of Truth: who doesn’t love a great ghost town? And of course, we can’t not mention Paria Canyon. The beautiful watercolor hues of the mountains are like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Address: Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, UT-211, Monticello, UT 84535, USA
Address: The Trembling Giant, Utah 84701, USA
Address: Gilgal Sculpture Garden, 749 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
Address: Spiral Jetty Road, Spiral Jetty Rd, Utah 84307, USA
Address: Sun Tunnels, Wendover, UT 84083, USA
Address: Meadow Hot Spring, Utah, USA
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
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