Just an short 10 minute drive to Capitol Reef Sign and 15 minutes to the visitor center!
The Torrey House sits at the crossroads of some of Utah's most spectacular scenery. Capitol Reef National Park is just down the road, Scenic Byway 12 starts right in town, and Boulder Mountain, Goblin Valley, and Fish Lake are all an easy day trip. Explore by day, then come home to relax on the deck under some of the darkest skies in the country.
Capitol Reef National Park: ~10 minutes
Towering cliffs, hidden arches, and historic orchards make Capitol Reef one of Utah's most underrated national parks. Hike to Hickman Bridge or Cassidy Arch, drive the Scenic Drive into Capitol Gorge, and stop in the historic Fruita district, where you can pick fruit from the orchards in season and grab a homemade pie at the Gifford House.
Scenic Byway 12 · starts in Torrey
Often called one of America's most beautiful drives, Byway 12 climbs over Boulder Mountain through aspen forests with sweeping views of the canyon country below. Continue to the town of Boulder, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and all the way to Bryce Canyon.
Boulder Mountain · about 30–45 minutes
One of the largest high-elevation plateaus in North America, dotted with dozens of lakes. It's a favorite for fishing, hiking, and cool summer escapes from the desert heat, and in fall the aspens turn brilliant gold.
Goblin Valley State Park · about 1 hour 15 minutes
A surreal landscape of thousands of hoodoos, or "goblins," that kids and adults love to explore. Nearby, Little Wild Horse Canyon offers one of the most accessible slot canyon hikes in Utah.
Fish Lake · about 40 minutes
A beautiful alpine lake known for trout fishing, boating, and Pando, a massive aspen grove considered one of the largest living organisms on Earth.
Cathedral Valley · half-day or full-day trip
Remote and dramatic, with monoliths like the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon rising from the desert floor. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and check road conditions before heading out.
Dark Sky Stargazing · right from the back patio
With almost no light pollution, the Torrey area offers incredible views of the Milky Way. Step outside after dark, or join a ranger-led night sky program at Capitol Reef during the season.
Where to Eat
Torrey has a surprisingly good food scene for a small town. For dinner, local favorites include Hunt & Gather Restaurant, Torrey Grill & BBQ, Chak Balam, and Capitol Burger. Torrey Grill & BBQ serves slow-smoked, scratch-made barbecue with chuck-wagon style dining and an outdoor fire pit. For something different, Etta Place Cidery, an orchard-based cidery, opened a cider taproom in 2024. In the morning, Dark Sky Coffee is a walk- or drive-up cafe in a red-roofed tiny house on the east end of Main Street. If you're driving Byway 12, Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder is well worth the trip.