Utah is filled with small towns that boast quite extraordinary histories. However, one small town that is often overlooked is located in southern Utah, near the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Boulder, Utah is not only a fascinating and beautiful place to visit, but also has quite the past. It is one small town that certainly deserves your attention.
Boulder is located in southern Utah, at the base of Boulder Mountain. It is one of the smallest towns in Utah with fewer than 300 residents calling this beautiful area home.
Jeff Youngstrom/Flickr
The history of this area dates back hundreds of years ago when prehistoric groups lived in the region. While we don’t know much about these people, it is believed they lived in the area as long ago as 1 AD.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr It wasn’t until 1889 that the first pioneer settlement was established in the area. However, Boulder didn’t officially become incorporated as a town until 1958.
In 1939, the first year-round road opened in the area, allowing cars to enter from the south and west. More than 45 years later, in 1985, a northern road was paved over Boulder Mountain, allowing for even more access into this small Utah town.
Don Barrett/Google Due to its remote location, Boulder residents were able to enjoy solitude for many years. However, this also meant that certain conveniences took longer to arrive. For example, Boulder claims to be the last area in the continental United States to receive its mail by mule train.
While there are a handful of things to do in Boulder, Utah, we suggest a visit to the Anasazi State Park Museum where you can learn even more about the history of this area and the people who called it home.
Artak Kalantarian/Google This museum features various artifacts and exhibits, and you can even walk through a life-sized, six-room replica of an ancient dwelling. Visit the Utah State Parks website to learn more about this museum, its hours, fees, and exhibits.
During your visit to Boulder, get away and enjoy the beauty of the area. Just outside of Boulder is Posey Lake, a beautiful small lake where you can easily spend some time in nature. Posey Lake is also home to a campground and multiple trails.
claude martin/Google
Boulder is located along Scenic Byway 12 and offers some remarkable views. If you have the time, drive south of Boulder to the Hogsback section of this road, where you will find some steep switchbacks and incredible scenery.
LeeAnne Adams from Washington, DC/Wikimedia Commons
Make sure you visit Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm when hunger strikes.
Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm/Google
Kris Parks/Google A majority of the food served at this award-winning restaurant in Boulder is grown on the mesmerizing on-site farm. The produce is organically grown and the eggs are hormone-free. Plus, everything is absolutely delicious.
Boulder is truly a remarkable place to visit and one small town in Utah that you should never overlook! Have you spent any time in Boulder? What did you do around this small town? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Jeff Youngstrom/Flickr
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
It wasn’t until 1889 that the first pioneer settlement was established in the area. However, Boulder didn’t officially become incorporated as a town until 1958.
Don Barrett/Google
Due to its remote location, Boulder residents were able to enjoy solitude for many years. However, this also meant that certain conveniences took longer to arrive. For example, Boulder claims to be the last area in the continental United States to receive its mail by mule train.
Artak Kalantarian/Google
This museum features various artifacts and exhibits, and you can even walk through a life-sized, six-room replica of an ancient dwelling. Visit the Utah State Parks website to learn more about this museum, its hours, fees, and exhibits.
claude martin/Google
LeeAnne Adams from Washington, DC/Wikimedia Commons
Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm/Google
Kris Parks/Google
A majority of the food served at this award-winning restaurant in Boulder is grown on the mesmerizing on-site farm. The produce is organically grown and the eggs are hormone-free. Plus, everything is absolutely delicious.
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Address: Boulder, UT 84716, USA
