If you’re yearning for a break far from crowded cities and tourist hotspots, the central Utah desert beckons with its secluded towns and breathtaking landscapes. Hidden among vast red rock formations and endless horizons, these ten towns offer a unique blend of solitude, natural beauty, and adventure. From stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country to exploring ancient canyons and Mars-like terrains, there’s something profoundly rejuvenating about these remote communities. Join us as we count down these hidden gems, each with its own story, charm, and a promise of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Pack your bags and prepare to embark on a journey to the heart of Utah’s most secluded towns.
10. Loa: Serenity in the Heart of the Desert
Nestled in the quiet expanse of central Utah, Loa is a tranquil town with a population of just over 500 residents. This peaceful community is a haven for those seeking a slow-paced lifestyle amid stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the nearby Fishlake National Forest, known for its shimmering lakes and abundant wildlife, or take a leisurely stroll through the town’s charming streets. Agriculture forms the backbone of Loa’s economy, with ranching and farming shaping the daily lives of its inhabitants. What makes Loa truly secluded is its remote location amidst vast open spaces, offering an escape from the noise and chaos of larger towns. Its serene atmosphere and friendly locals make it a perfect retreat for relaxation and reflection.
Where is Loa?
Loa is located in Wayne County, right in the heart of Utah, serving as the county seat. Tucked away off the main tourist routes, it sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet, surrounded by high desert and mountain landscapes. Its seclusion is heightened by the minimal traffic and the expansive spaces that stretch in every direction. To reach Loa, you can take Utah State Route 24 from the northeast or southwest, enjoying scenic views as you drive through the rugged terrain. The nearest major city is over a hundred miles away, reinforcing Loa’s status as a serene desert sanctuary.
9. Bicknell: Rural Retreat Amidst Red Rock Country
With a modest population of around 300 people, Bicknell is a quaint rural town that embodies the spirit of Utah’s red rock country. The town offers a peaceful environment where life moves at a gentle pace. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending a show at the historic Wayne Theatre or enjoying hearty meals at traditional eateries like the Sunglow Café, famous for its unique pies. The main industries here revolve around agriculture and ranching, reflecting the town’s deep-rooted connection to the land. Bicknell’s seclusion stems from its location away from the main highways, surrounded by rugged landscapes and vast farmlands. This isolation provides an authentic experience of rural life, far removed from the hustle of urban centers.
Where is Bicknell?
Bicknell is situated along Utah State Route 24 in Wayne County, nestled between Torrey and Loa. The town lies just west of Capitol Reef National Park, yet it remains off the radar for many tourists. Its secluded nature is accentuated by the sweeping red rock vistas and the quietude of its surrounding fields. To reach Bicknell, travelers typically drive along the scenic byway of Route 24, passing through striking geological formations. The town’s distance from interstates and urban centers enhances its secluded charm, inviting visitors to venture off the beaten path.
8. Grover: Tiny Town with Big Skies
Grover is a tiny community with a population hovering around 100 residents, offering an intimate glimpse into life under Utah’s expansive skies. Known for its phenomenal stargazing opportunities, Grover boasts some of the darkest skies in the country, making it a paradise for astronomy enthusiasts. The lack of light pollution allows the Milky Way to shine brightly overhead, creating unforgettable nighttime panoramas. The town itself is a quiet enclave with few businesses, centered around a close-knit community. Grover’s seclusion is a product of its remote location and minimal development, providing a serene environment where the natural world takes center stage.
Where is Grover?
Located in Wayne County, Grover sits just south of Utah State Route 12, one of America’s most scenic highways. The town is perched on the doorstep of Boulder Mountain and is a short drive from Capitol Reef National Park’s lesser-known entrances. Its out-of-the-way position, nestled amid forests and red rock cliffs, contributes to its isolated feel. Getting to Grover involves traversing winding roads that cut through dramatic landscapes, a journey that is as rewarding as the destination itself. The town’s remoteness ensures unspoiled natural surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere.
7. Escalante: Secluded Base for Grand Adventures
Home to approximately 800 residents, Escalante is a remote town renowned for its proximity to some of Utah’s most spectacular natural wonders. It serves as a gateway to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering endless opportunities for hiking, canyoneering, and photography. Visitors can explore slot canyons like Spooky and Peek-a-Boo or marvel at natural arches and waterfalls hidden within the rugged terrain. The town’s economy revolves around tourism and outdoor recreation services, catering to adventurers seeking paths less traveled. Escalante’s seclusion is underlined by its vast surrounding wilderness and distance from major cities, making it an ideal spot for those craving solitude and nature’s grandeur.
Where is Escalante?
Positioned along Scenic Byway 12 in Garfield County, Escalante lies in the heart of southern Utah’s canyon country. Its remote location is emphasized by the expansive stretches of uninhabited land that surround it on all sides. To reach Escalante, travelers navigate through winding roads that offer breathtaking views of high desert plateaus and deep canyons. The town’s distance from interstates and urban centers enhances its secluded charm, inviting visitors to disconnect from the outside world and immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of the desert.
6. Boulder: High Desert Haven on Scenic Byway 12
Boulder is a small town with a population of about 250, known for its rich history and unspoiled natural surroundings. Perched at the base of Boulder Mountain, the town offers access to stunning slot canyons, ancient Anasazi ruins, and vast wilderness areas. Attractions like the Anasazi State Park Museum provide insight into the region’s indigenous cultures. The local economy includes farming, ranching, and tourism, with a growing interest in organic farming and farm-to-table dining experiences. Boulder’s seclusion is enhanced by its location along one of the last areas in the continental U.S. to receive mail by mule, reflecting its historical isolation. The town’s remote setting provides a peaceful retreat amid Utah’s diverse landscapes.
Where is Boulder?
Situated in Garfield County along Scenic Byway 12, Boulder is nestled between Capitol Reef National Park to the north and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to the south. Its remote location is characterized by the surrounding Dixie National Forest and the rugged terrain of the Aquarius Plateau. Access to Boulder involves traversing winding mountain roads with striking vistas, such as the renowned Burr Trail. The town’s distance from major highways and urban areas contributes to its secluded ambiance, making it a hidden gem for travelers seeking an off-the-grid experience.
5. Torrey: Tranquil Town Under Thousand Lakes Mountain
Torrey is a serene town with around 200 residents, renowned for its tree-lined streets—a rarity in the high desert. The town serves as a picturesque gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, offering easy access to hiking trails, petroglyphs, and scenic drives. Visitors can enjoy local art galleries, eateries, and the relaxed atmosphere that defines Torrey. The economy is primarily driven by tourism, catering to visitors exploring the park and surrounding wilderness. Torrey’s seclusion is due to its small size and distance from populous areas, creating a tranquil setting amidst red rock cliffs and lush orchards nurtured by the Fremont River.
Where is Torrey?
Located on Utah State Route 24 in Wayne County, Torrey sits just eight miles west of Capitol Reef National Park’s visitor center. The town is framed by the towering Thousand Lakes Mountain and Boulder Mountain, offering a backdrop of impressive natural beauty. Its remote position is underscored by the lack of nearby urban centers, with the nearest sizable town being hours away. Accessing Torrey involves driving through scenic byways that wind through the desert and mountains, enhancing the sense of escape. The town’s seclusion makes it a peaceful base for exploring central Utah’s rugged landscapes.
4. Notom: Hidden Gem Along the Waterpocket Fold
Notom is a tiny, unincorporated community with a handful of residents, offering a truly secluded experience along the Waterpocket Fold—a unique geological feature in Capitol Reef National Park. Visitors to Notom can explore lesser-known trails, discover hidden arches, and witness panoramic views of the folding Earth layers. There are no traditional industries here; instead, the area is characterized by ranching and a deep connection to the land. Notom’s extreme seclusion is due to its remote location, lack of services, and minimal population, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and untouched natural beauty.
Where is Notom?
Notom is situated in southern Wayne County, along the Notom-Bullfrog Road, which runs parallel to the eastern boundary of Capitol Reef National Park. This gravel road offers access to remote areas of the park, far from the main tourist routes. The community’s isolation is profound, with vast stretches of desert and canyonlands surrounding it. Reaching Notom requires careful planning, often involving travel on unpaved roads that are weather-dependent. Its remote location ensures a quiet escape, where one can truly disconnect and immerse in the stark beauty of the desert landscape.
3. Ticaboo: Desert Oasis Near Lake Powell
Ticaboo is a remote community with a population fluctuating around 20 residents, serving as a gateway to the secluded northern regions of Lake Powell. Ideal for explorers seeking water adventures amidst a desert backdrop, Ticaboo offers activities like boating, fishing, and off-road excursions into the surrounding canyons. The local economy revolves around tourism, particularly catering to outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to Lake Powell. Ticaboo’s seclusion is emphasized by its sparse population and vast distances from other towns, creating a tranquil oasis where the desert meets the lake.
Where is Ticaboo?
Located in Garfield County along Highway 276, Ticaboo sits near the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Bullfrog Marina. Its remote desert setting is characterized by red rock formations and arid landscapes. Access to Ticaboo involves a long drive through unpopulated stretches of road, with the nearest significant town being hours away. The seclusion of Ticaboo is part of its charm, offering an escape into the heart of Utah’s desert while still providing access to the recreational opportunities of Lake Powell.
2. Caineville: The Quiet Outpost Beneath the Bentonite Hills
Caineville is a small, unincorporated community with fewer than 20 residents, nestled beneath striking bentonite clay hills. The area is known for its otherworldly landscapes, making it a favorite among photographers and off-road enthusiasts. Activities include exploring the Factory Butte area and admiring the unique geological formations that create a surreal, moon-like environment. Caineville has virtually no industry, with its seclusion and minimal amenities emphasizing its off-the-beaten-path status. The town’s isolation provides an unparalleled opportunity for solitude amidst some of Utah’s most dramatic scenery.
Where is Caineville?
Caineville is located along Utah State Route 24, east of Capitol Reef National Park in Wayne County. The town’s remote position beneath the bentonite hills contributes to its secluded atmosphere. The surrounding terrain features vast badlands and towering buttes, with few signs of civilization. Travelers reaching Caineville will pass through miles of open desert, reinforcing the sense of isolation. The area’s minimal development and sparse population make it a quiet haven for those seeking to explore Utah’s lesser-known natural wonders.
1. Hanksville: Gateway to Mars-like Landscapes
Hanksville, with a population of around 250, is a small town that serves as a starting point for adventures into Utah’s most surreal landscapes. The town is located near Goblin Valley State Park and the Mars Desert Research Station, areas that offer vistas reminiscent of the Martian surface. Visitors can engage in activities like hiking among peculiar rock formations, exploring slot canyons, or participating in simulated Mars missions. The local economy is supported by tourism, catering to those intrigued by the unique desert environment. Hanksville’s seclusion is marked by its vast surrounding deserts and minimal traffic, making it a hub for explorers and photographers seeking unearthly scenery.
Where is Hanksville?
Situated at the junction of State Routes 24 and 95 in Wayne County, Hanksville lies in the remote southeastern part of central Utah. The town is surrounded by endless stretches of sandstone deserts and is a considerable distance from any major city. Its location near the Henry Mountains and several national parks accentuates its secluded setting. Accessing Hanksville requires a drive through expansive and sparsely populated landscapes, enhancing the feeling of venturing into the unknown. The town’s remoteness and proximity to Mars-like terrains make it a unique destination for those looking to truly get away from it all.
I recently visited the central Utah desert, and I was blown away by Bicknell and Grover. Hanksville’s unique rock formations and Goblin Valley are incredible too! Such rich history everywhere.