Article Summary: Historic Sites In Utah
Historic Sites In Utah. More Than Just Parks has 15 incredible must-see sites for you to visit.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
I’m going to give you my list of the Top 15 Historic Sites In Utah that you’ll want to see.
To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as opposed to national parks. It also includes sites not managed by the National Park Service. After all, we’re more than just parks!
Now if you’re planning a trip to the Beehive State then one book that I highly recommend is: Utah Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal: Explore 50 Natural Wonders You Must See!
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table Of Contents: Historic Sites In Utah
Top 15 Historic Sites In Utah
15. St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
Utah is considered one of the greatest outdoor states in the nation. The western state has top-rated ski resorts, incredible state and national parks, and unique natural wonders. It’s also known for its history, culture, and a variety of popular festivals.
And, the state has some amazing historic sites. More Than Just Parks is excited to share our list of the Top 15 Historic Sites In Utah with you. We’re kicking off our list at #15 with St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral is a historic church located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was founded in 1870, just three years after Utah became a state. The church was originally known as St. Mark’s Chapel and was located in downtown Salt Lake City.
The first permanent building for St. Mark’s was constructed in 1874 on the corner of 200 East and 200 South in Salt Lake City. The building was designed by the famous Utah architect, Truman O. Angell, who was also responsible for designing many of the buildings in Salt Lake City’s Temple Square.
Over the years, St. Mark’s Cathedral has undergone several renovations and expansions. In 1907, the original wooden building was replaced with a new brick structure that included a bell tower and a chancel. In 1917, a large pipe organ was installed, which remains in use today.
St. Mark’s Cathedral & The Civil Rights Movement
During the 1960s and 1970s, St. Mark’s Cathedral was involved in the Civil Rights Movement, hosting several events and speeches by civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy.
In 1994, St. Mark’s Cathedral was designated as the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah. This meant that it became the official seat of the bishop of the diocese.
In 2010, St. Mark’s Cathedral underwent a major renovation and expansion project. The project included the construction of a new wing that houses classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces. The project also included the installation of new stained glass windows and a new organ.
Today, St. Mark’s Cathedral remains an important religious and cultural landmark in Salt Lake City. It is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant community of worshippers.
14. Alkali Ridge
At #14 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is an archaeological site located in the southeastern corner of Utah, near the town of Bluff. Welcome to Alkali Ridge.
The site is known for its well-preserved ancient ruins and artifacts, which provide important insights into the lives and cultures of the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the region over a thousand years ago.
The history of Alkali Ridge dates back to around 700 AD when the Ancestral Puebloans began to build their homes and communities in the area. The site is situated near a natural spring, which would have provided a reliable source of water for drinking, farming, and other activities.
Over time, the Ancestral Puebloans built a network of homes, storage structures, and ceremonial buildings on the site, creating a thriving community that lasted for several centuries.
The Ancestral Puebloans Abandoned The Site
By the late 1200s, the Ancestral Puebloans had largely abandoned the Alkali Ridge site and other settlements in the region. It is believed that a combination of factors, including drought, resource depletion, and social conflict, contributed to the decline and eventual abandonment of the communities.
In the 1800s, European settlers began to explore and settle the region around Alkali Ridge, but it was not until the 1900s that the archaeological significance of the site was recognized.
In the 1930s and 1940s, archaeologists from the University of Utah and other institutions conducted extensive excavations at the site, uncovering a wealth of artifacts and structures that shed new light on the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Today, Alkali Ridge is a protected archaeological site that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans through interpretive exhibits and guided tours.
The site is also an important research site for archaeologists and other scholars who are interested in studying the prehistoric cultures of the American Southwest.
13. Temple Square
The history of Utah is inextricably linked to the history the the Mormon Church and our next historic site is a case in point. At #13 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is the Temple Square.
Temple Square is a historic site located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the spiritual and administrative center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Utah.
The history of Temple Square dates back to 1847 when Brigham Young and a group of Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley after a long journey from Illinois. Young selected the site for the temple and the city center, and construction on the Salt Lake Temple began in 1853.
Over the years, other important buildings were constructed on Temple Square, including the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
It’s Known For Its Unique Oval-Shaped Dome
The Tabernacle was built between 1864 and 1867 and is known for its unique oval-shaped dome and remarkable acoustics. The Assembly Hall was built in 1882 and is used for smaller meetings and events.
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building was originally constructed in 1911 as the Hotel Utah, but it was later renovated and converted into a multipurpose building that includes a restaurant, offices, and meeting spaces.
In addition to the historic buildings, Temple Square is also known for its gardens and landscaping. The gardens were first planted in the 1850s and have since become a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
Today, Temple Square remains an important spiritual and cultural center for members of the LDS Church and a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world. It is home to many important events and gatherings, including the annual Christmas Lights display and the General Conference of the LDS Church.
12. The Place Heritage Park
Our next historic site is a collection of restored pioneer-era buildings and artifacts that provide a glimpse into the lives and cultures of the early settlers of Cache Valley. At #12 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is the Place Heritage Park.
The history of this site dates back to the mid-1800s when Mormon pioneers began to settle the Cache Valley region of Utah. The park includes several historic buildings, including a log cabin, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and a granary. Many of these buildings were moved to the park from their original locations in the surrounding area and have been carefully restored to their original condition.
The park also includes a number of exhibits and artifacts that showcase the skills, tools, and lifestyles of the early settlers. Visitors can learn about early farming techniques, cooking methods, and crafts such as weaving, quilting, and pottery.
Check Out The Brigham Young College Museum
One of the most popular attractions at the site is the Brigham Young College Museum. The museum is housed in the former administration building of Brigham Young College, a private college that operated in Logan from 1877 to 1926. The museum features exhibits on the history of the college, as well as displays on local history and culture.
The Place Heritage Park is also a popular venue for events and activities, such as pioneer reenactments, concerts, and festivals. The park is open year-round and offers guided tours, educational programs, and other special events.
Today, it’s a cherished cultural and educational resource for the people of Logan and Cache Valley. It provides a valuable connection to the past and helps to preserve the rich history and heritage of the region for future generations.
11. Topaz War Relocation Center
Our next historic site commemorates one of the darkest chapters in American history. At #11 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is the Topaz War Relocation Center.
The Topaz War Relocation Center was a Japanese American internment camp established during World War II by the U.S. government.
It was located in Millard County, Utah and was one of ten internment camps where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and detained after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The camp was in operation from September 11, 1942, to October 31, 1945.
The internment of Japanese Americans was a result of widespread anti-Japanese sentiment during World War II. The government believed that Japanese Americans posed a security threat, and as a result, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to internment camps throughout the country.
At Topaz, approximately 11,000 Japanese Americans were housed in tar paper-covered barracks surrounded by barbed wire. The living conditions in the camp were harsh, with limited privacy and basic necessities like food and clothing being in short supply.
Attempting To Maintain A Sense Of Normalcy
Despite the difficult living conditions, the Japanese Americans at Topaz attempted to maintain a sense of community and normalcy by forming organizations, hosting cultural events, and participating in sports leagues. After the war ended, the internees were released from the camp and many returned to their homes on the West Coast.
The Topaz War Relocation Center is now a historical site, and its remains serve as a reminder of the injustice and discrimination faced by Japanese Americans during World War II.
The site is a symbol of the power of the US government to violate civil liberties in the name of national security, and serves as a warning to future generations against similar actions.
The legacy of the Topaz War Relocation Center continues to be felt by Japanese American communities, and it remains an important part of American history.
Top 10 Historic Sites In Utah
10. Rainbow Bridge National Monument
We’re on to our Top 10 Historic Sites In Utah. At #10 is a geologic wonder. It’s considered one of the world’s longest natural bridges. Welcome to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
The bridge spans the span of 275 feet (84 meters) and is up to 290 feet (88 meters) high.
The Rainbow Bridge is sacred to many Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, and Paiute, and has been considered a place of spiritual significance for thousands of years.
The monument was created by President William Howard Taft in 1910 and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1963.
Visitors to the monument can take guided boat tours or hike to the bridge for views of the surrounding landscape and to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this natural wonder.
Rainbow Bridge Has Had Some Notable Visitors
After the initial publicity, a few more adventurous souls journeyed to Rainbow Bridge. Teddy Roosevelt and author Zane Grey were among those early travelers who made the arduous trek from Oljeto or Navajo Mountain to the foot of the Rainbow.
Visiting Rainbow Bridge was made easier with the availability of surplus rubber rafts after World War II, although the trip still required several days floating the Colorado River plus a 7-mile hike up-canyon. By the early 1950s, people could travel by jet boat from Lees Ferry, then make the hike—a trip totaling three days!
What Teddy Roosevelt and his contemporaries witnessed—evidence of the significance of Rainbow Bridge to early and present day Native American cultures—is difficult to discern today.
Since then, much archeological evidence has been lost as Lake Powell, along with thousands of visitors, arrived. The Glen Canyon Dam was authorized in 1956.
By 1963, the gates on the dam closed and rising Lake Powell began to engulf the river and its side canyons. Higher water made access to Rainbow Bridge much easier, bringing thousands of visitors each year. (Source: NPS)
CHECK OUT: 14 MIGHTY Utah National Parks & Monuments To Visit
Next morning early we started our toilsome return trip. The pony trail led under the arch. Along this the Ute drove our pack-mules, and as I followed him I noticed that the Navajo rode around outside. His creed bade him never pass under an arch . . . This great natural bridge, so recently “discovered” by white men, has for ages been known to the Indians.
—Theodore Roosevelt, after his 1913 visit,
from A Book Lover’s Holiday in the Open
9. Historic Beehive House
Our next site is a historic building located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was built in 1854 and served as the official residence of Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and the first governor of the Utah Territory.
At # 9 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is The Beehive House.
The history of the Beehive House is closely tied to the history of the LDS Church and its early leaders. Brigham Young played a crucial role in the settlement and development of Utah in the mid-1800s, and the Beehive House served as his home and center of operations for many years.
The house was designed in the Gothic Revival style and features a distinctive beehive-shaped structure on the roof, which is a symbol of industry and thrift in Mormon culture. The house originally had 20 rooms, including a large dining room, reception room, and private living quarters for the Young family.
The Beehive Was Used For Official Government Business
During Brigham Young’s tenure as governor, the Beehive House was also used for official government business. Young hosted many dignitaries and politicians at the house, including President James Buchanan, who visited Utah in 1858 in an attempt to resolve tensions between the federal government and the Mormon settlers.
After Brigham Young’s death in 1877, the Beehive House remained in the possession of the Young family for several decades. In 1911, the LDS Church purchased the house and began to use it as a museum and historic site. Today, the Beehive House is open to the public and offers guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs.
The Beehive House is an important symbol of Utah’s pioneer heritage and the early history of the LDS Church. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and achievements of the early settlers of Utah and the important role that Brigham Young and other Mormon leaders played in the development of the state and its institutions.
8. Bonneville Salt Flats
At #8 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is a geologic wonder. It’s the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The Bonneville Salt Flats is a vast salt flat located in northwestern Utah, about 120 miles west of Salt Lake City. The history of the Bonneville Salt Flats dates back millions of years, when the region was covered by a large, shallow lake known as Lake Bonneville.
Over time, the lake began to recede, leaving behind a vast expanse of salt flats and other mineral deposits. The salt flats cover an area of approximately 30,000 acres and are made up of several layers of salt and other minerals, including gypsum, potash, and magnesium.
The Bonneville Salt Flats have long been an important site for scientific research and exploration. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, several expeditions were mounted to explore the region and study its unique geology and ecology.
The Site Began To Attract Attention From Speed Enthusiasts
Back in the 1920s, the Bonneville Salt Flats began to attract attention from speed enthusiasts who were drawn to the flat, straight stretches of salt for land speed racing. In 1935, the first Bonneville Speed Week was held, and since then, the salt flats have become a popular site for speed racing events and other motorsports.
In addition to land speed racing, the Bonneville Salt Flats have also been used as a filming location for movies and commercials, and as a site for testing new vehicles and equipment.
Despite its importance as a natural and cultural resource, the Bonneville Salt Flats have faced challenges in recent years, including concerns over the impact of salt mining and other industrial activities on the fragile ecosystem of the region. Efforts are currently underway to protect and preserve the salt flats for future generations.
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7. Jurassic National Monument
You don’t have to be a fan of the Jurassic Park film series to enjoy our next historic site. At #7 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is Jurassic National Monument.
According to the Bureau of Land Management, Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry (CLDQ) at Jurassic National Monument contains the densest concentration of Jurassic-aged dinosaur bones ever found.
Over 12,000 bones (belonging to at least 74 individual dinosaurs) have been excavated at the quarry.
Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry has helped paleontologists learn a great deal about the Jurassic period, yet the site presents at least as many mysteries as it helps to solve.
Curiously, more than 75% of the bones come from carnivores, primarily Allosaurus fragilis. With more than 46 individual specimens of Allosaurus, scientists have been able to deduce much about how Allosaurus aged and compare individuals to better understand intraspecies diversity.
As a visitor to this amazing place, not only do you get to see the area where the dinosaurs roamed, but you also have the opportunity to take in a “wall of bones” and even touch a dinosaur bone that dates back millions of years.
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6. Natural Bridges National Monument
We’re on to another geologic wonder and Utah’s filled with them. At #6 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is Natural Bridges National Monument.
Di you know that people repeatedly occupied and abandoned Natural Bridges during prehistoric times?
They first began using this area during the Archaic Period, from the year 7000 BCE (Before Common Era) to 500 CE (Common Era).
Only the rock art and stone tools left by hunter-gatherer groups reveal that humans lived here then.
According to the National Park Service, three hundred years after their ancestors left, the farmers returned. They built homes of sandstone masonry or mud-packed sticks, both on the mesa tops and in alcoves in the cliffs.
South facing caves provided passive solar heating and cooling. The farmers often chose sites near seep springs where water could be found.
Utah’s First National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument is Utah’s first national monument and visitors to this incredible place will discover three majestic natural bridges.
Declared a National Monument in 1908, the bridges are named “Kachina,” “Owachomo” and “Sipapu” in honor of the ancestral Puebloans who once made this place their home.
Hiking At Natural Bridges
Among the incredible hiking trails at Natural Bridges are the following:
- The Full Loop which is 12-miles (19.3 kilometers) and passes all three natural bridges as it winds through the canyons and over the mesa top. This trail is primitive and strenuous. Pets are not allowed on this trail (service animals are). Stop at the visitor center for updated conditions and detailed directions.
- The Sipapu-Kachina Loop which is 5.7 miles (9.2 kilometers) and passes by Sipapu and Kachina Bridges, through canyons, and over the mesa top. This trail is primitive and strenuous. Pets are not allowed on this trail (service animals are). Stop at the visitor center for updated conditions and detailed directions.
- Kachina-Owachomo Loop which is 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers) and passed by Kachina and Owachomo Bridges, through canyons, and over the mesa top. This trail is primitive and strenuous. Pets are not allowed on this trail (service animals are). Stop at the visitor center for updated conditions and directions. (Source: NPS)
Camping is available and campsites are first-come, first-served and open year-round. Each site has a fire grill, picnic table, and tent pad, but no running water, electricity, or hookups.
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The Top 5 Historic Sites In Utah
5. Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
What’s so wonderful about our historic sites in Utah is that so many feature a history of long, long ago. We’re on to the Top 5 Historic Sites and at #5 is just such a place. Welcome to Parowan Gap Petroglyphs.
Now you might be someone who enjoys Revolutionary War or Civil War historic sites, but, in the case of this our next site, you can connect with a past which reaches back to the days of the dinosaurs.
Geologic History Of Parowan Gap
Approximately 15 million years ago, a long slender section of sedimentary rock sheared from the earth’s crust along parallel fault lines. This up-thrown block, later named the Red Hills, began to inch its way above the surrounding valley floor.
At the same time the block was rising, a stream was cutting a path perpendicularly across the ridge. For millions of years the uplifting of the ridge and the down-cutting of the stream remained in equilibrium.
The petroglyphs here are thought to be the work of several cultural groups and represent a long period of use by Native cultures. What these designs mean is still unknown.
Archaeologists debate that they represent concepts, ideas or actual happenings. Perhaps they were part of a religious activity or hunting ritual.
As for the local Native Americans, they consider them to be an important part of their cultural history relating stories of their ancestor’s lifeways.
A Superb Gallery Of Native American Rock Art
Parowan Gap is a nationally recognized extravaganza of petroglyphs–a superb “gallery” of Native American rock art. Here one can witness what is at least a 1,000 year accumulation of artwork pecked into the rock.
Geometric designs, images of lizards, snakes, mountain sheep, bear claws and human figures adorn the smooth canyon walls of the pass.
While we don’t know the precise age of these petroglyphs yet, we do know that the agriculturally based Sevier-Fremont lived in the area over a thousand years ago.
There is little doubt that some of the designs were made by this group, or perhaps even the earlier nomadic Archaic peoples.
Researchers believe that the semi-nomadic ancestors of the present day Southern Paiute also created some of these figures. (Source: Utah.com)
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4. Dinosaur National Monument
We’re on to the “Final Four.” At #4 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is Dinosaur National Monument.
Dinosaur National Monument is a hidden gem straddling the remote northern corners of two states, Colorado and Utah.
The common refrain here is that if you’re interested in dinosaurs you’ll love this monument – which is true, but it vastly undersells this sprawling and immensely beautiful monument.
In addition to the famous dinosaur quarry and countless immaculately preserved dinosaur bones and skulls from various species, the park is home to over 200,000 acres of outdoor grandeur.
Here you can peer into the depths of stunning red rock canyons, whitewater raft the world-class Green or Yampa rivers, explore historic cabins and ponder ancient petroglyphs, camp out under a star-studded sky, and of course hike numerous trails venturing into the rugged and beautiful surroundings.
And while you’re there be sure to check out the Quarry Exhibit Hall which allows visitors to view the wall of approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones in a refurbished, comfortable space.
Here, you can gaze upon the remains of numerous different species of dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic period, including Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus along with several others.
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3. Golden Spike National Historic Site
Our next historic site commemorates the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. At #3 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Utah is the Golden Spike National Historic Site.
The Golden Spike National Historic Site is located in Promontory, Utah.
The history of the site is closely tied to the construction of the railroad in the mid-1800s and the important role it played in the development of the American West.
In the early 1860s, the Central Pacific Railroad Company began construction of a railroad line eastward from Sacramento, California, while the Union Pacific Railroad Company began building a line westward from Omaha, Nebraska.
The two lines eventually met at Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869, where a golden spike was driven into the ground to mark the completion of the transcontinental railroad.
The ceremony at Promontory was a major event in American history, and thousands of people gathered to witness the occasion.
The golden spike, which was made of 17.6 karat gold, was donated by David Hewes, a California businessman, and was engraved with the words “May God continue the unity of our Country, as this Railroad unites the two great Oceans of the world.”
After The Completion Of The Railroad
After the completion of the transcontinental railroad, Promontory remained an important transportation hub for several decades, serving as a major junction for rail traffic and a center of commerce and industry in the region. However, with the decline of the railroad industry in the mid-20th century, the site fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned.
In 1957, the Golden Spike National Historic Site was established to commemorate the completion of the transcontinental railroad and to preserve the historic site for future generations.
The site includes a replica of the original golden spike, as well as several historic locomotives and other artifacts related to the construction of the railroad.
Today, the Golden Spike National Historic Site is a popular destination for tourists and railroad enthusiasts, who come to learn about the history of the transcontinental railroad and to witness reenactments of the driving of the golden spike. The site is open year-round and offers a variety of educational programs, exhibits, and special events.
The Last Spike Site
Visitors to the Golden Spike National Historic Site can see the location of the Last Spike Site, 1869 railroad construction features, walk or drive on the original railroad grade, and get an up close view of Victorian era replica locomotives.
While there you can also learn about the amazing people, places and stories which were a part of this incredible technological achievement.
To learn more, I recommend: Nothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869 by Stephen Ambrose.
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2. Bears Ears National Monument
We’re down to our final 2 historic sites. In the runner-up spot at #2 is Bears Ears National Monument.
As one of the many premier outdoor destinations in the state of Utah, Bears Ears National Monument should be on the bucket lists of every public lands enthusiast.
It protects some of the most beautiful and unique lands in the southwest including both natural and cultural wonders.
Every year, visitors to the Bears Ears region enjoy many recreation activities, including hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, river rafting, and riding off highway vehicles.
The Battle To Preserve Bears Ears
The Bears Ears Cultural Landscape in Southeast Utah includes archaeological sites, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and ancient roads that tell stories of diverse people over the course of 12,000 years.
After years of collaboration between the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition and others, along with the public comment process, President Barack Obama named Bears Ears a national monument on December 28, 2016, and protected 1.35 million acres of land for one of the most significant cultural landscapes in our history.
Trump Threatens The Monument
On December 4, 2017, President Donald Trump announced his decision to revoke Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah and replace it with two much smaller monuments.
This action removed protections from more than a million acres that include thousands of extraordinary archaeological sites vulnerable to looting and vandalism.
Joe Biden To The Rescue
On October 8, 2021, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation restoring Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah.
With this action, full protections are back in place for Bears Ears, an area rich with archaeological resources, prehistoric cliff dwellings, paleontological resources, and sites sacred to many Native American tribes. (Source: National Trust For Historic Preservation)
Three Main Areas To Visit In Bears Ears
However you choose to enjoy your visit to the Bears Ears region, remember to visit with respect, leave no trace, and know before you go.
There are three main areas on BLM-managed lands where you may consider recreating within Bears Ears National Monument:
- Indian Creek: It’s a scenic corridor along Highway 211 where visitors can enjoy a number of recreational activities. Climbers flock to this area in the spring and fall to test their skills on some of the best crack climbing routes in the country. Bird watchers keep their eyes peeled for raptors like Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, which make their homes on Indian Creek’s sheer, dramatic cliffs.
- Cedar Mesa & Comb Ridge: They are large landforms located in the southern portion of Bears Ears National Monument. These areas contain many cultural resources, which draw the attention and admiration of many recreationists. Backpackers and day hikers alike enjoy rugged routes through the deep gorges of Grand Gulch and the many canyons within Comb Ridge.
- San Juan River: It winds through some of the most spectacular views in canyon country, abound with natural and cultural resources. Boaters enjoy the San Juan River by raft, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or packraft! A permit is required to float on the San Juan River year-round, including permits issued by lottery for launch dates from April 15th through July 15th. (Source: BLM)
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1. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
As the #1 Historic Site In Utah, More Than Just Parks has chosen Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Now you have may have noticed that we have omitted Utah’s Amazing National Parks from our list of historic sites.
Have no fear, however, as we haven’t forgotten about them. As a matter of fact, More Than Just Parks does provide an excellent article on Utah’s National Parks.
If you’re interested in learning more then check out: 14 MIGHTY Utah National Parks & Monuments To Visit.
It’s Larger Than All Of Utah’s National Parks Combined
As for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, at 1.87 million acres it’s more than double the size of all 5 of Utah’s National Parks combined and every bit as spectacular.
This Rhode Island-sized national monument is a 200 million year old red rock cathedral of time.
Vast canyons, striking cliff-faces, rugged desert wilderness, and ancient history collide here making for an epic southwestern mecca.
The “staircase” steps thousands of feet over five different life zones from coniferous forests to low-lying desert revealing millions of years of truly awesome geological history.
Recreation opportunities here are seemingly endless including hiking, biking, fishing, canyoneering, climbing, rappelling, swimming, camping, backpacking, and so much more.
How Did It Get Its Name?
I don’t know about you, but that’s the first question I asked when I began researching this national monument.
The monument is named for the series of topographic benches and cliffs that, as its name implies, step progressively up in elevation from south to north.
As the landscape shifted over the millennia from lakes to sand dunes to rock, the Grand Staircase was formed by tectonic uplift along the Colorado Plateau, which fanned out and exposed the various layers of sediment and rock.
Restoring The Boundaries – Trump Strikes Again!
During his presidency, Donald Trump issued a proclamation slashing Grand Staircase–Escalante by roughly half.
This would leave nearly a million acres of federal public land open to harmful developments—such as mineral exploitation, coal mining, new road construction, the use of mechanized vehicles, and oil and gas drilling—that could ruin vital parts of this national treasure.
If you’re keeping score, The Trump Administration Rolled Back More Than 100 Environmental Rules. Here’s the Full List.
Over four years, the Trump administration dismantled major climate policies and rolled back many more rules governing clean air, water, wildlife and toxic chemicals.
Joe Biden Rescues Another National Treasure
On Oct. 8, 2021, President Joe Biden issued Presidential Proclamation 10286 restoring the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument thereby rescuing another national treasure.
Way to go, Joe!
A Monument Which Spans Five Life Zones
The Monument now spans across nearly 1.87 million acres of America’s public lands in southern Utah, and is an outstanding biological resource, spanning five life-zones – from low-lying desert to coniferous forest.
When visiting, you’ll be traveling the land of the Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont people, who were experts at farming this rugged land and built granaries to store what they grew.
Their descendants, including people from the Hopi, Paiute, Zuni, Ute, and Navajo tribes, have strong ties to this land today, leaving behind rock art panels, occupation sites, campsites and granaries. (Source: BLM)
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Map Of Historic Sites In Utah
List Of Historic Sites In Utah
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Bears Ears National Monument
- Golden Spike National Historic Site
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Jurassic National Monument
- Bonneville Salt Flats
- The Beehive House
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument
- Topaz War Relocation Center
- The Place Heritage Park
- Temple Square
- Alkali Ridge
- St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
Why Trust Us About Historic Sites In Utah?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, U.S. Forest Service, and more for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
And, in 2018, our father – having spent a lifetime teaching history – joined us so that he could help us to tell the stories behind these amazing places.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested joining the adventure, sign up below!
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