The American Southwest is a land of striking contrasts, where towering red rock formations meet vast desert plains. As such, many travelers set their sights on the well-known towns and cities, eager to experience the region’s dramatic landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and storied past. Moab, which is so famous that it receives millions of visitors each year, often claims the spotlight as Utah’s ultimate desert retreat.
Yet, for those who crave the same breathtaking scenery or easy access to some of Utah's most popular national parks, like Arches and Canyonlands without the crowds, there is an underrated alternative worth checking out. This desert destination grants access to the same iconic landscapes, along with a rich cultural history that spans thousands of years.
Here, hidden ruins whisper tales of ancient civilizations, deep canyons carve through the earth in mesmerizing patterns, and scenic drives lead to viewpoints untouched by throngs of tourists.
Instead of waiting in long lines for a sunrise photo at Delicate Arch, which is Utah's most popular arch, visitors can explore remote trails where solitude enhances the beauty of the desert.
For those willing to skip Moab and step off the beaten path, this underrated city is also located within a short drive of Utah’s most famous national parks and scenic sites.
Blanding, Utah, Is A Hidden Gem In The Desert
Compared to Moab, Blanding is a quieter gateway to Utah's most stunning landscapes.
Blanding is a peaceful city nestled in southeastern Utah, about 75 miles from Moab, making it far removed from the city's bustling crowds. Located in San Juan County, this city is home to over 3,000 residents, providing a quiet yet adventurous retreat to some of Utah's most underrated yet scenic summer spots.
Surrounded by dramatic red rock landscapes, deep canyons, and ancient archaeological wonders, Blanding is an ideal base for exploring some of Utah’s most breathtaking natural and historical sites.
Blanding’s roots trace back to the late 19th century when Mormon settlers from the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition sought fertile land and new opportunities. Over the decades, the town has retained its frontier spirit, blending modern amenities with a deep connection to the region’s Indigenous and pioneer history.
Today, Blanding serves as the gateway to a vast, unspoiled desert landscape, where visitors can experience history, solitude, and adventure all in one place.
Fewer Crowds, More Adventure: Why Blanding Is A Great Alternative To Moab
Skip Moab's more vibrant adventure scene for a quieter city that still provides access to fascinating natural attractions
Despite Moab being rated among the most welcoming destinations in the U.S., its growing popularity has turned it into a bustling tourist hub, often packed with visitors, traffic, and rising prices. For a quieter desert escape, travelers can turn their attention to Blanding. This city’s undisturbed atmosphere, small-town charm, and affordability allow travelers to fully connect with the region’s natural beauty and history.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Blanding delivers just as much adventure as Moab, if not more. The region is packed with scenic hiking trails, rugged off-roading routes, hidden slot canyons, and remote ruins, all without the crowds.
Instead of waiting in line for a photo at Delicate Arch, visitors to Blanding can explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwellings in total solitude. Jeep trails, such as Arch Canyon Road, offer thrilling off-road experiences, while countless scenic overlooks provide postcard-worthy views of Utah’s vast, unspoiled landscapes.
Blanding’s Proximity To Utah’s National Parks
They may not be as close to Blanding as they are to Moab, but the underrated city is still a great base.
One of Blanding’s greatest strengths is its prime location in southeastern Utah, placing travelers within a short drive of some of the state’s most iconic national parks and monuments. While Moab is often considered the go-to for visiting Arches and Canyonlands, Blanding is one of the beautiful small towns with easy access to Utah's national parks.
From towering rock formations and rugged canyons to ancient ruins and natural bridges, the region surrounding Blanding is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers. Below are some of the must-visit parks near Blanding, along with what makes them worth exploring.
Canyonlands National Park (Needles District) – 1 hr 19 min (69.6 miles) from Blanding.
While most visitors to Canyonlands head straight for the Island in the Sky district near Moab, Blanding provides easy access to the Needles District. This less-visited yet equally spectacular section of Canyonlands sits less than 1.5 hours from Blanding, easily accessed via US-191 N and UT-211 W.
Named after its colorful spires of sandstone, the Needles offers some of the best hiking and backcountry experiences in Utah. Unlike the busy overlooks of Island in the Sky, the Needles District provides a remote and immersive desert experience, perfect for those looking for solitude.
With a network of over 60 miles of challenging trails, the Needles District is a haven for experienced hikers seeking adventure and breathtaking views. Trails like the Chesler Park Loop showcase the district’s stunning rock formations, while the Druid Arch Trail offers gorgeous views of one of the park’s most impressive arches.
Besides hiking, travelers can enjoy 4WD adventures along the Elephant Hill Road, which is one of Utah’s most thrilling off-road trails, leading deep into the park’s rugged wilderness.
Arches National Park – 1 hr 22 min (79.8 miles) from Blanding
Arches National Park is one of Utah’s must-visit destinations, renowned for its over 2,000 natural stone arches. This park is an easy day trip from Blanding, with travelers taking less than two hours to reach it via US-191 N.
In the park, travelers explore some of the best viewpoints along the Delicate Arch hike, where dazzling sunrises and sunsets glow against the breathtaking scenery.
The park’s Windows Section, renowned for its massive arches, showcases Mother Nature’s wondrous creations, drawing photographers throughout the year. This section is home to magnificent features like the Turret Arch, the Parade of Elephants, and the massive North Window.
Travelers craving adventure and beauty without too much physical exertion can embark on a scenic drive around Arches, offering jaw-dropping vistas without the need for long hikes.
Natural Bridges National Monument – 42 min (37.9 miles) from Blanding
Often overlooked in favor of more famous Utah parks, the Natural Bridges National Monument is one of the most underrated gems in Utah. Natural Bridges is home to unique features, including three massive natural bridges which were carved over thousands of years by water erosion.
Despite being less visited, this monument features beautiful trails, including the Sipapu Bridge Trail, which descends into a canyon. This moderately challenging route offers up-close views of one of the park’s largest bridges.
The park’s Kachina and Owachomo Bridges are also accessible via shorter trails, all offering excellent photography opportunities.
Hovenweep National Monument – 53 min (45.6 miles) from Blanding
Hovenweep National Monument is another underrated gem in Utah, offering a fascinating glimpse into how the ancestral Puebloans lived thousands of years ago.
Being one of the best ancestral archeological sites in the Southwest, this historic site features well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins scattered across the high desert landscape, perfect for history buffs and hikers looking for a quieter, more reflective experience. The park features six prehistoric villages, with structures such as Square Tower, Holly House, Cutthroat Castle, and Hovenweep Castle.
Adventurers explore the structures via interconnected hiking trails, including the 0.82-mile Hovenweep Castle Hike, leading along Square Tower Loop Trail. This trail allows travelers to view the Square Tower Group structures, the Hovenweep House, and the Square Tower before heading back to the starting point.
Other Top Outdoor Attractions In And Around Blanding
There's more to this city than just access to Utah's national parks
While Blanding serves as the perfect base to explore some of Utah’s most popular national parks, this city and its surrounding areas boast a wealth of hidden gems that many travelers overlook.
These attractions offer a deep dive into the region’s history and natural beauty, showcasing rich heritage and stunning landscapes. They prove that tourists don't need to visit Moab to explore the history and culture of Southern Utah.
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
For history lovers, the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Utah. This state park and museum preserves a 1,000-year-old Ancestral Puebloan village, offering visitors a first-hand glimpse into the daily lives of the Indigenous people who once thrived in this region.
The site continues to be a place of importance for modern Native American communities, making it a great spot to learn about Indigenous history and traditions.
In this park, visitors walk among the remains of a large Puebloan settlement, including a well-preserved ceremonial chamber known as a kiva. Adventurers also discover an extensive artifact collection related to the Indigenous people, such as pottery, tools, and intricate jewelry.
The Dinosaur Museum
Blanding may be a small city, but it holds a big secret from prehistoric times. The Dinosaur Museum is home to an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, skeletons, and life-sized models, luring travelers with kids and fossil enthusiasts.
One of the museum’s highlights is its dinosaur track exhibit, displaying real fossilized footprints left behind millions of years ago. The museum also features full-scale dinosaur skeletons, as well as exhibits on ancient sea creatures and early mammals. This family-friendly destination also explores the role of dinosaurs in pop culture, displaying props and artwork from classic dinosaur movies.
Goosenecks State Park
There are great state parks in Utah that are great alternatives to Zion National Park, and Goosenecks State Park is a bucket-list destination for travelers who love dramatic landscapes and jaw-dropping vistas. Located less than one hour from Blanding, this park offers one of the most spectacular river meanders in the world, seen from a picturesque viewpoint.
The park’s main viewpoint showcases the majestic San Juan River as it twists and turns through deep canyons in a series of tight, snake-like bends.
Aside from the viewpoint, the park is a photography paradise, with its unique geological formations and deep canyon walls creating a vibrant contrast of colors. Camping under the stars is also a must-do when visiting Goosenecks since its primitive camping with little light pollution, making it a top spot for stargazing.
Mule Canyon
Mule Canyon is another natural site near Blanding, home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in Utah. The canyon features the House on Fire Ruin, which gets its name from the way the sunlight reflects off the sandstone, making it look like the structure is engulfed in flames.
Adventurers explore the ruins via the easy and short House on Fire Trail, a relatively accessible route for most visitors. Beyond House on Fire, the canyon is filled with additional cliff dwellings and rock art, perfect for those looking to venture deeper into history.
From ancient ruins and dinosaur fossils to thrilling off-road trails and breathtaking vistas, Blanding’s outdoor attractions offer something for every type of traveler. The city’s hidden gems prove that Blanding is far more than just a stopover but a destination in its own right.
