Boulder, Utah

Written By Leah Abadi

Ideal for a Long Weekend Getaway from Salt Lake City

Everyone knows Boulder, Colorado — but have you heard of Boulder, Utah? 👀


This underrated little mountain town is home to some of the best farm-to-table food in the state, surrounded by organic farms, waterfalls, red rock canyons, and alpine forests all in one place.


It’s perfectly tucked between Capitol Reef, Escalante, and Grand Staircase, with easy access to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and several other iconic national parks — making it the ultimate home base for your next Utah adventure.

Think: Fresh bread at sunrise, wildflower hikes, and stargazing that’ll ruin city lights forever.

BOULDER DAY1 - SLC TO BOULDER

đźš— Getting There

  • Drive time: ~4.5 hours from SLC

  • Route: I-15 S → US-20 E → UT-12 E — One of the prettiest highways in the country

  • Stop for coffee in Richfield (Try Little Wonder CafĂ©) or Torrey if you’re coming through mid-day. We ate Chak Balam Mexican Restaurant and it was honestly some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had in my entire life. Don’t miss out.

Afternoon:

  • 2 OR 3 PM - Arrive at Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch (BMGR).

    • Check into your cabin, suite, or yurt.

    • Take a walk around the property — the views of the Escalante canyons are unreal.

    • There is a waterfall hike on the property as well that is so quaint.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Sweetwater Kitchen (Onsite, Farm-To-Table)

    • Seasonal menu with ingredients sourced directly from local farms.

    • Don’t skip the trout or anything with house-made bread and local honey butter.

  • Watch sunset from the porch or fire pit with a glass of wine or hot cocoa.

BOULDER DAY2 - BOULDER

Morning:

  • Start your day slow with coffee and breakfast at the ranch. Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast, but you can also whip something up in your cabin or head into town for a sit-down meal at Little Bone, located inside Boulder Mountain Lodge. The same property is also home to the iconic Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm — a James Beard–nominated, must-visit dining spot that defines Boulder’s farm-to-table scene.

Once you’re fueled up, set out for a scenic drive or morning hike:

  • Burr Trail Road: A photographer’s dream, with red-rock switchbacks, canyons, and endless viewpoints.

  • Lower Calf Creek Falls: A six-mile round-trip hike leading to a stunning waterfall surrounded by Navajo sandstone cliffs.

  • Head of the Rocks Overlook: A quick, family-friendly stop with panoramic views — perfect if you’re traveling with kids or short on time.

Afternoon:

  • After your morning adventure, treat yourself to a coffee with a view at Kiva Koffeehouse — perched high above the Escalante River Canyon and only about 20 minutes from Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch. Order one of their house-made pastries or the famous BLT on freshly baked bread, then sit out on the deck and take in the canyon views. It’s easily one of the most scenic coffee stops in Utah.

  • Head back to the ranch for some well-deserved downtime — read in a hammock, journal by the creek, or simply soak up the quiet.

Evening:

  • As the sun dips behind the mountains, enjoy dinner at Sweetwater Kitchen on-site, or head back to Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm (reservations highly recommended). End your night stargazing under Boulder’s pitch-black skies — it’s one of the best places in the country to see the Milky Way.

BOULDER DAY3 - BOULDER TO SLC

Morning:

  • Ease into your final morning with one last slow breakfast at the ranch — whether that’s coffee on your cabin porch or a leisurely meal in the lodge dining area while watching the morning light hit the mountains. If you haven’t already, take a quiet walk around the property — you’ll often spot deer grazing nearby or hear the creek running through the canyon.

  • When you’re ready to pack up, don’t rush. Boulder is one of those places that makes you want to linger. Grab a to-go coffee from the ranch or swing by Kiva Koffeehouse again for a quick caffeine fix and one last look at that canyon view before heading out.

Afternoon:

  • Make your way north along Highway 12, one of the most scenic drives in America. It winds through slickrock canyons, alpine forests, and open desert — so take your time. Stop in Torrey for lunch at Hunt & Gather (seasonal, locally inspired dishes) or Capitol Burger, a casual favorite for something quick and satisfying.

  • If you’re feeling adventurous, make a quick detour into Capitol Reef National Park for a short scenic drive or pie stop at the historic Gifford Homestead before continuing home.

Evening:

  • Arrive back in Salt Lake City by early evening — windows down, snacks in the car, playlist still going. You’ll come home dusty, happy, and already planning your next trip back to Boulder. 🌅

Leah Abadi
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