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THE 10 BEST Utah Fishing Charters & Tours

Fishing charters & tours in utah.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. All Seasons Adventures

2. Rocky Mountain Outfitters

3. Utah Pro Fly Fishing

4. Big Rock Adventure

5. High Country Adventure

6. Park City On The Fly

7. Park City Fly Fishing Company

8. Spinner Fall Guide Service

9. Wasatch Guide Service

10. Trout Creek Flies and Green River Outfitters - Day Trips

11. Trout Bum 2

12. Mayfly Guide Service

13. High Country Adventure

14. Old Moe Guide Service

15. Rocky Mountain Recreation of Utah

16. Park City Fly Fishing Guides

17. Fish Heads Fly Shop

18. Nomad Unlimited Adventure

19. Freyvogel Fly Fishing

20. Wilderness Trout Expeditions

21. Stonybrook Fly Fishing

22. Park City Outfitters

23. Simply Fly Fishing

24. Park City Anglers

25. Trout Tales

26. Sundance Fly Fishing

27. Experience Utah

28. Quiet Fly Fisher Guide Service & Fly Shop

29. On The Fly Utah

30. May Fly Guide Service

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Green River Guided Fishing

Excellent fly fishing.

The Green River is well known for its excellent fly fishing and is considered one of the best tailwater fisheries in North America. This world-class, blue-ribbon trout fishery is home to Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats, and Cut-Bow Hybrid Trout. The Division of Wildlife Resources in Utah states that the Green River has between 8,000 and 22,000 fish per mile between the dam and Red Creek rapids (view River Map and Sections here ).

Flaming Gorge Resort offers guided fishing trips on the Green River and is one of the longest-running guide services with almost 40 years of experience.  Our full-day trips include transportation to and from the Green River, soft drinks, hearty lunches, and an experienced guide along with their expert personal instruction. Whether you are new to the sport or an old pro, our guides will help you enjoy the magnificent scenery and help you catch "the big one." Green River fly fishing is sure to make your trip an unforgettable one!

To Book Your Guide NOW Call us at 435-889-3773 ext. 0

Maximum 2 clients per boat

• Green River Fishing Guide Rates
• Winter Fishing Package

Full Day Fishing (Approx. 8 hours fishing)   Best of Day (Approx. 6 hours fishing)   Half Day (Approx. 4-5 hours fishing)

                                                           *Guided fishing rates for fishing on "B" or "C" Sections also available. See 'Green River Fishing Guide Rates" tab

The Fly Ty Guy Guides Available Trips

Utah Fishing Guide | 4 Hour Wade Fishing Trip

Fishing Guide Utah | 8 Hour Wade Fishing Trip

Utah fishing with the fly ty guy guides, elevate your utah fly fishing experience with expert guides, meet the guides, guides trevor and clay, utah guided fishing trip.

Looking for exceptional fly fishing guides in Utah? Meet The Fly Ty Guy Guides, led by expert guide Trevor Nicolaides. Based in Utah, our team specializes in delivering unparalleled fly fishing experiences across the state's pristine waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, we provide personalized fly fishing trips tailored to your skill level and preferences. From wade fishing adventures to guided excursions on the renowned Provo River, our fly fishing guide service ensures an unforgettable outdoor experience. Book your Utah fly fishing adventure with us today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Fishing out of Utah, The Fly Ty Guy Guides will make your Guided Fishing Trip the best Fishing experience we can provide. We target Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Mountain Whitefish. We Fish Middle and Lower Provo River, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and Millcreek Canyon. See the maps below for exact guest meeting locations. We meet our guests at The Fly Ty Guy Guides ( Provo, UT, USA ). Elevate Your Utah Fly Fishing Experience with Expert Guides!.

Utah Fishing Near Me

JOIN ME OUT ON THE WATER

Prices range from $375 - $525

Guided Fishing Trip Locations on Utah

Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, Utah stands out as a premier fishing location with its abundance of pristine rivers and lakes. For an unparalleled angling experience, trust The Fly Ty Guy Guides, your go-to Utah fly fishing guides. Our seasoned Utah fishing guide, Trevor Nicolaides, leads personalized fly fishing trips that cater to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Explore the art of wade fishing or embark on a guided fly fishing trip along the famous Provo River—the epitome of flyfishing in Utah. Book your adventure with us to unlock the full potential of Utah's unparalleled fishing opportunities.

The Fly Ty Guy Guides Fishes Middle and Lower Provo River, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and Millcreek Canyon. See the map for exact locations. We meet our guests at The Fly Ty Guy Guides ( Provo, UT, USA ).

Utah Fishing Locations

The map shows where we fish. the red area is our primary fishing area depending on time of year and fishing conditions. the pins represent guest meeting locations..

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Fly Fishing Utah's Green River

100,000 trout await you on thirty beautiful river miles., this is dry fly paradise.

The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah has developed a reputation as a world renown tail-water fishery.  Crystal clear waters and one of the most prolific trout populations anywhere make the Green River an excellent place to catch and observe trout in their natural environment.  Red sandstone cliffs, towering hundreds of feet high, parallel much of the river and are some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet.  The latest trout population estimates show 12,000 trout per mile on stretches of the A Section!  

The Green River is divided into 3 distinct sections over 30 miles, offering anglers of every skill level a vast variety of fishable water.  The A, B & C Sections each offer a unique experience.

Know Before You Go:

Dutch John, Utah is a small town of 200 residents.  Amenities are limited, but the outdoor recreation opportunities are amazing!   

Floating the Green River in a drift boat with an experienced oarsman is a huge advantage.  The trout in the Green River are highly educated.  Most days you will need perfect presentations to fool them.  Practicing your casting before your trip will greatly enhance your fishing experience. 

Our guides choose the river section to float each day on the morning of the trip.  This allows us to show you the best day possible.  If you have a preference of river section, please let your guide know when you meet them. 

Utah Green River Drift Boat Rates

Full Day   $ 70 0  

Full Day - June & July   $ 75 0  

Half Day   $550  

Sunset Float   $500  

Green River Float Trips include : Drift boat trip covering 7 miles or more of river, one of the premier fly fishing guides on the river, all flies needed, beverages (non-alcohol), & a freshly prepared lunch on full day trips - snacks and drinks are provided on all other trips

We can accommodate 1 or 2 anglers per boat.

Not included:   Guide Gratuities, &

Utah Fishing License

(River Transportation is tax exempt)

A Section - Red Canyon

The A Section of the Green River begins just below Flaming Gorge Dam and proceeds seven miles through a breathtaking canyon to the Little Hole take-out. The towering red sandstone cliffs, ponderosa pines, crystal clear water, and abundant trout are what make the "A" section of the Green River world famous. In the upper miles of this section, the river is characterized by slower moving water with many deep pockets and long runs. The middle and lower areas of this section have several productive shelves, rapids, and pocket water with intermittent deep pools.

The numerous trout throughout this section provides an unparalleled learning opportunity, as they convey a visual understanding of their behavior to the angler. The ability to watch fish eat your flies, whether on the surface or below, is invaluable to any angler eager to learn the technicalities of this sport. The most common wildlife on this section includes moose, bighorn sheep, deer, river otters, thousands of fish, and several species of predatory birds. Whether its the awe-inspiring canyon walls, the wildlife, or the visual type of fishing this section has to offer, the Red Canyon float appeals to anglers and sightseers alike.

B Section - Devil's Hole

The B Section of the Green River is perhaps the most remote of the three sections. The lengthy (1 hour) drive out and limited wading access allow for healthy brown and hybrid trout populations to thrive.This float trip begins at the previous campsite of the famous explorer, Major John Wesley Powell, and continues nine miles through a very beautiful and diverse part of the river corridor.

The first four miles contain many deep pools, shallow shelves, and fishable back-eddies. At the four mile point, the small stream and canyon of Red Creek converge with the Green, creating the largest rapid between the dam and the Colorado State border. In the absence of stormy weather, the water of Red Creek becomes clear and the opportunity for casting large dry flies below the rapid can be very rewarding. The remainder of this float is marked by a much gentler river bottom, grassy banks, and numerous islands. Deer, Elk, Moose, predatory birds, mountain cats, river otters, snakes, and many other small animals are abundant throughout the area and are frequently seen.

C Section - Brown's Park

The C Section of the Green River begins at the John Jarvie Ranch, a State Historic Site, and continues through the Brown’s Park National Wildlife Refuge. The river meanders fifteen more miles through the open valley of the Park to the Colorado State line. Due to the drop in elevation and increased distance from the dam, the water continues to warm up, creating a brown trout paradise.

Though there is a substantial reduction in numbers of fish, this part of the river maintains the most natural ecosystem and healthiest fish of the three sections. There is wildlife aplenty throughout this desert oasis, most notably moose, deer, duck, and geese. The fish on this section remain the toughest to catch due to the lack of protective structure and the large population of predatory birds. Lengthy casts into the wind and an accurate presentation are needed to fool these wary, but magnificent brown trout. If you’re not about numbers, but can appreciate the challenge for wild trout in a beautiful country atmosphere, this is the place for you.

Utah Fishing Guides

Check real-time availability on Utah fishing trips. Online booking | Guides from $580

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Recently Booked Fishing Guides In Utah

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“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Other Trips in Utah

Everything to know about booking a fishing guide in utah, what are the best fishing trips in utah.

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 2 trips in Utah, and the most popular trips in the area are Provo River Float 'n Fish guided by Sam and Lake Powell Bass Fishing guided by Sam .

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

The most popular cities to book a charter in Utah are Heber City and Bullfrog .

Looking for kid friendly guides / fishing lessons in Utah? Check out our beginner and family friendly guides in Utah .

What types of fishing trips are common in Utah?

River fishing is the most popular in Utah as well as lake fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Utah are: 1. smallmouth bass, 2. walleye, 3. striped bass, and 4. largemouth bass.

The most common fishing techniques in Utah are topwater fishing, trolling, and sight casting but light tackle fishing and cut bait fishing are popular as well.

How much does an Utah fishing trip cost?

in Utah prices can range anywhere from about $580 to $900, but the average price for a half day trip in Utah is $550. The average price for a full day trip in Utah is $825.

What month is best for fishing in Utah?

The most popular season for fishing in Utah is summer, and most anglers book their trips 0 days in advance.

Do I need a Utah fishing license and what are the bag limits in Utah?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Utah, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Utah. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Utah.

The Best Places to Fish in Utah

• Bullfrog, UT
• Heber City, UT

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Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

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Experienced Guides

Our ORVIS endorsed guides will take care of you every step of the way. Fly fishing near Park City and Salt Lake City on the renowed Provo River. 

Guided fly fishing trips on the Provo River 

A fly fishing adventure of a lifetime.

We are located within a stone's throw of Park City, Utah, in the Heber Valley. Rocky Mountain Outfitters provides a blue ribbon fishing experience on the Provo and Weber rivers. As an Orvis endorsed guide service, our guides have the experience, knowledge, and expertise to guide you through some of the most exciting and enjoyable fly fishing water in the Western United States.

Read our customer reviews to see what people are saying about our team!

Guided Fly Fishing Adventures

Meet Our Guides

Fishing Highlights

Reel Deal of the Week

Come and check out the latest fish of the week at Rocky Mountain Outfitters, and you might just discover your new favorite catch!

Check It Out

“There are no harder working and no better guides in the west!”

Do yourself a favor and book a fly fishing trip with Rocky Mountain Outfitters! We fished with them in 20 degree weather and honestly we lost count of how many fish we caught. There are no harder working and no better guides in the west! The fishing was excellent and they are just great people to hang out with! We laughed all day! We were treated like royalty as they taught us to be better fishermen which led to catching more fish! Ryan, Andrew and Paxton (I hope I spelled that right) thank you for a great day. Matt, Lane, Holly and I had a blast! You should have saw the rainbow that got away, it was huge!!!

Welcome to Kokanee Krew Outfitters!

Join us for an unforgettable Utah fishing experience! We provide private trips to 6 different reservoirs and promise to deliver a memorable experience for you, your family and friends! Come fish with our Krew!

Kokanee Krew Outfitters is under special use permit with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache & Fishlake National Forests and by Utah State Parks

Get to Know Us

Kokanee Krew Outfitters was founded by Heber City, Utah local, Corey Baker. His love for fishing started at a young age and he's been sharing his knowledge and passion for this outdoor activity with friends and family for years!  The Krews goal is to make sure everyone that steps onto our boats will have a trip that they will never forget!  

Ice Fishing Trips Available this Winter

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Local Fishing Adventures

Whether you're a local to the area or visiting the area, we promise you'll fall in love with fishing these mountain reservoirs. As a local residents for over 40 years, our guides have had the opportunity to fish the local reservoirs and gain valuable knowledge to give you the best fishing experience! Check out our available trips!

Loved by Friends & Families

The crew at Kokanee Krew are so solid. Our guide, Roger is just a stand-up guy, super knowledgeable, and a lot of fun to fish with. Super patient with a newbie like me. Nearly all of my group of friends and coworkers had never caught a Kokanee before, and we all filled our limit! Thanks to the guys at Kokanee Krew for an incredible day of fishing!

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Welcome to Trout Creek Flies

The Trout Creek family invites you to join us on one of the best tail water fisheries in the world. Offering guided fly fishing trips on the Green River, a full-service fly shop, lodging, raft rentals, and shuttles.

We are here to serve all visitors through unparalleled service, sharing our experience and passion for the outdoors, and teaching others the knowledge we’ve gained throughout the years.

Guided Fishing

Raft Rentals

Shuttle Service

Wade and Gene helped our novice group catch many big browns and rainbows. They also cooked a great cheese burger for lunch.

– Dave D

(435) 885-3355

May 16, 2024

Flows: 880 daily -1550 evening/nightly cfs

Temps: 44-48 F

Fishing remains good on all sections of the river. The baetis (bwo) hatch is still going strong on some parts of the river, and we are still seeing some good midge hatches mid morning. With the weather finally warming up we are starting to see some terrestrial insects such as cicadas, flying ants, seed bugs, and beetles. Both dry flies and nymphing have been productive. Streamer fishing can be decent when conditions are right.

Go-to flies:

BWO nymphs, emergers, cripples, duns, and spinners. (sz. 18-20) Red, wine, black, and brown midge pupa. (14-18) Brown and red worm patterns. Peach, pink, and yellow egg patterns. Cicadas black with yellow highlights. (12-14) Flying ants black and brown. ( 12-14) Seed bugs brown (12-14) Beetles black (10-12)

Get In Touch

Email Address

1155 Little Hole Rd, Dutch John, UT 84023

[email protected]

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Fall Fly Fishing Utah’s Provo River

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Now Available! Provo River Float Trips!

UTAH PRO FLY FISHING

Choosing the right guide service makes all the difference.

Utah Pro Fly Fishing is a trusted name in the Utah’s fly fishing Guide scene, with over 15 years of experience guiding anglers on the state’s picturesque rivers. Our team of professional and passionate guides possesses an intimate knowledge of Utah’s best fishing spots. We pride ourselves on catering to our guests’ skill levels and interests, ensuring a personalized fly fishing trip that exceeds expectations. Book with us today for an unforgettable adventure on the water.

• GREAT FOR FAMILIES!

Half-Day Fly Fishing

Utah Pro Fly Fishing offers half-day fly fishing trips for people of all skill levels. We provide all the necessary fly fishing equipment.

• User Ages 6+
• Hour Glass 4 Hours
• User Ages 8+

Half-Day Provo Float Trips

Our Lower Provo River float trips give anglers the option of exploring the Provo River in a hole new way. Come join our professional Utah fishing guides for a fantastic day of float fishing.

• Hour Glass 8 Hours

Full-Day Fly Fishing

Utah Pro Fly Fishing’s knowledgeable and passionate guides will teach your group the techniques and tricks of fly fishing. Lunch is included on full-day trips!

Strawberry Reservoir Half Day Fly and Light Tackle Guided Tour

Experience Utah’s Premier Trout and Salmon Reservoir Adventure Explore Various Fishing Methods – Spin Fishing, Fly Fishing, and Trolling.

Guides That are Dedicated, Patient and Friendly

As Utah fly fishing guides based in Park City, we take pride in our knowledge and expertise of the sport. Our team of full-time professionals has spent countless hours on the Provo River, Weber River, and other small streams in the area, honing our skills and learning the secrets of these waters. We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge with our clients and providing them with an unforgettable experience on the river. Whether you’re looking to catch trophy trout or simply enjoy the beauty of Utah’s landscapes, we’re here to make it happen. And with our thorough instructions and top-notch customer service, you’ll leave feeling like a pro and eager to return for more.

What Makes Fly Fishing In Utah So Great

Fly fishing is one of the best outdoor adventures Provo and Park City, Utah have to offer. If you are considering taking a Park City fly fishing excursion, take a minute to learn exactly what fly fishing is, and how great of an outdoor adventure it will be for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Fly Fishing is an angling method of fishing using an artificial fly to catch fish. Not only is a special fishing rod required but a special technique is also used when casting because of the nearly weightless fly being used to lure in the fish. The great thing about Park City fly fishing is that anyone can learn how to do it and it can be done in any body of water. Fly fishing in Utah with our pro guides is great because we take you in the water with the fish. You get to stand in the middle of the river and see the fish up close, giving you an entirely unique fishing experience.

What to expect on your Utah Fly Fishing Adventure

Fly fishing on the Provo River is unlike any other experience because of the healthy population of trout in all sections of river. By taking a guided pro fly fishing tour, you will have the opportunity to catch a handful of different fish including Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout between 12 and 20 inches. Each of our fly fishing guides are experts, and are there to help you have the best fly fishing experience possible. The great thing about fly fishing Utah on the Provo is that the season never ends. You will be able to catch different fish depending on which season you decide to take your guided fly fishing tour. No matter what time of year, you will have an experience of a lifetime and hopefully catch a handful of beautiful trout.

Why Choose Utah Pro Fly Fishing?

Are you ready to discover the beauty of fly fishing in Utah? Look no further than Utah Pro Fly Fishing! Our team of experienced guides is here to help you make the most of your time on the river, no matter your skill level. We believe that fly fishing should be a hands-on experience, which is why we’ll be right there with you, sharing in the thrill of the catch and helping you hone your skills. With year-round fishing opportunities and a wide range of rivers to   fish, there’s never been a better time to explore Utah’s incredible fly fishing scene.

Message From the Founder

As a Park City fly fishing guide on the Provo River, I love being on the water and seeing how the character of the river changes on a daily and sometimes even hourly basis. There is always something new to discover and learn about the river, the fish, and the sport of fly fishing. I love that every time you go out on the water, you will have a new and different experience than the previous time. No two trips are ever the same. Creating this outdoor adventure for others is one of my greatest successes.

Check Out Our Reviews ★★★★★

Great people, had a lot of fun with my son on our first fly fishing trip. It was cold with snow on the ground but we did catch several trout. Thanks for the great time!

Caleb n Dan took great care of us on a wet cold day. Worked w different nymphs to get the trout. Highly recommend these guys!

Jeff was the perfect guide for my husband and 11yo son. Friendly, flexible, calm & true expert who loves the outdoors. My family was safe, learned a TON and can’t wait to return!

Mark was terrific. Me and my 10 & 11 yr olds had never fly fished before and he taught us the basics. Scenery was pristine, equipment was new and well maintained and Mark put us on many fish.

The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. He was patient with me as this was my first time fly fishing. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a fun day of fly fishing in Utah!

Guide Services

Park city fly fishing guides.

Trout Bum 2 has a complete staff of highly experienced, professional Utah fly fishing guides. We are a complete fly fishing outfitter located here in Park City, Utah only 30 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport. With our convenient location, you can jump off of a plane and be fishing that same day. We have a full staff of Provo River fly fishing guides and a crew of Green River fly fishing guides that live full time on the Green. We also offer guide services on the Weber River & many other Utah waters.

Let one of our friendly fly fishing guides help you learn and find fish on your next fly fishing adventure. We offer half day and full day guide trips on local streams in Utah, including the blue ribbon Provo River, the lesser known but extremely productive Weber River and various other small streams. We also offer guided drift boat fishing on the world renowned, blue ribbon, Green River in Utah.

In Park City for activities other than fly fishing? Let us take you out for a few hours in the morning or afternoon on a half-day trip. Coming to Utah primarily to fish? Let us show you all of the spectacular fishing Utah has to offer on a multi- day, multi- water trip of a lifetime! It is up to you, a few hours or several days we can make it happen! Whether you are a complete amateur that has never seen a fly rod or a seasoned veteran who has fly fished the world, our experienced Utah fly fishing guides can show you a fantastic time on the water!

Local Rivers

Flyfishing trips on the Provo River, Weber River & Small Streams

The Green River

Float trips on the Green River tailwater below Flaming Gorge Reservoir

​SpecialFishing & Lodging Offers

Anglers enjoy year round Fly fishing  Green river Red canyon below Flaming gorge dam. Our friendly old moe guide service fly fishing staff offer river wading. Scenic drifting, wading, walking and viewing  local big game wildlife.  Over night shore camping includes meals and camping gear.

 Floating in drift boats through the many scenic green river canyons and meadows is available year round with old moe guide service.  

We offer discounted green river fishing  trips & lodge during off peak seasons in addition to lodging in Dutch John Utah .Our 3 bedroom 2 bath 1300 square foot home is fully furnished and has a double car garage and is located only 2 mIles from our green river acess point for fishing.

Year round dry fly fishing on the Green River is also available depending on the hatch of the day and season. However nymphs are in season everyday of the year.

Green River Float & Wade ​

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Green River Fly Fishing & Lodging ​

Our highly skilled Green river fly fishing guides float, wade, walk, hike and drift the canyons and plains below Flaming Gorge dam Utah. Old Moe Guide Service is your Orvis endorsed guide service for Green river fly fishing.  Over 100,000 wild Brown trout giant Rainbow trout, Cuttbow hybrids and other fish species call the Utah Green river sections home.The blue ribbon crystal clear river is known around the world for superb year round fly fishing,  floating, boating, wading, walking, hiking and biking. The green river near Dutch John is the best tailwater trout fishing location in Utah. Fishing guests especially enjoy floating the canyons and plains with our expert and friendly Old Moe fishing Guides who have over 100 years experience  fly fishing Green river meadows, plains and canyons.

Old Moe river Guides are based in Dutch John Utah and have green river drift boats to provide access to superb dry fly, wet fly, streamer and nymph fishing fun year round. Floating Utah's crystal clear waters of the Green River is an experience and vacation you'll never forget. ​

​ 435-885-3342

Call today for information, reservations and ask about out lodging special!

Fishermen and women catch trophies fly fishing Green river canyons and plains.  Floating the scenic green river makes a life time of fun memories as you are accompanied by our Orvis endorsed  old moe guide service fishing guides.  Our lodging and guides are located close by the Green river in Dutch John Utah only 2 mIles from Flaming Gorge Dam.  

Over night Green river guided float and fishing river camping trips are available for individuals, corporate get aways, family reunions and groups in the scenic canyons surrounding the green river.  

We have  fly fishing float trips for 1/2 day, full day and overnight  with guide service on all sections of the Green River in Utah. Dry fly fishing, streamers wet flies or nymphs the Green River has fantastic year round fly fishing.

The Green River is a great place for fly fishing beginners to come and learn how to successfully  fly fish from a green river drift boat with our friendly and knowledgeable fishing guides!

Old Moe Guide Service ©  All Rights Reserved

This Red Rocks Desert Park Is One Of Utah's Most Underrated In 2024

Gunlock State Park offers hiking, boating, fishing, and camping opportunities, with spectacular falls in late spring.

• Embrace the tranquility in Utah's Gunlock State Park with picnicking, climbing, fishing, and more activities year-round.
• Check out the red-rock waterfalls, now flowing again, nestled in the desert for magical moments and effortless hikes.
• Enjoy panoramic views, bike to Snow Canyon, and relax in the sandy beach area while avoiding the crowds at Gunlock State Park.

With its plethora of charming towns, natural wonders, ski resorts, and festivals, Utah is one of the most popular US states, drawing 10.6 million visitors to its national parks and 12 million to its state parks in 2023 .

Some of its top destinations include Springdale, the perfect base camp for exploring the iconic Zion National Park and its 90 miles of hiking trails; Arches National Park, whose stunning red-rock formations definitely live up to the hype ; and, obviously, the capital, Salt Lake City, which offers museums, sweeping gardens , and exciting activities year-round.

Also worth noting in the Beehive State is a lesser-known site that is slowly getting the recognition it deserves: Gunlock State Park , located in the southwestern county of Washington, about 15 miles northwest of St George, a small city with grand attractions .

Here is all you need to know for a memorable visit to this red-rock desert park, from its highlights to its recreational activities, as well as the recommended months to explore it.

7 Scenic Small Towns With Beautiful Utah Views

Why is gunlock state park worth visiting, an overview of its history, features, and facilities.

The tiny unincorporated community of Gunlock was named after its first settler, a Mormon pioneer called William “Gunlock Will” Hamblin, who came from Ohio in 1850. He was, as you’ve probably guessed, a skilled repairer of gunlocks and a renowned shooter and hunter.

Nestled far away from the crowds for optimum tranquility, Gunlock Reservoir was established in 1970 for irrigation purposes; it is 1.8 miles long, 0.7 miles wide, and 115 feet deep.

Today, the State Park, with its sandstone and lava rock formations, has turned into a pleasant picnicking, hiking, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, climbing, bass, bluegill, and catfish fishing, swimming, stargazing, and camping spot.

As for the amenities, they include 30 powered campsites with water and a dump station, a boat ramp, pavilions, three cottages for rent, restrooms, and ample parking space.

A Utah fishing license is required ($24 for three days).

8 Utah Small Towns for Every Traveler Type

Hike the gunlock falls trail, gunlock falls trail is rated 4.4 stars on alltrails.

The most elusive and spectacular part of Gunlock State Park are the red-rock waterfalls that occasionally defy the desert drought in spring, but they have rarely flown in the past 10 years. Fortunately, they're decidedly active again in 2024, thanks to heavy snowfall and an abundance of warm temperatures and moisture , but visitors always ought to check the official Facebook page for updates before their trip.

The main trail that leads to this striking piece of paradise is considered relatively easy, even for children. It features minor scrambling and is enjoyable even with low levels of water, and especially during the magical golden hour.

Visitors recommend bringing water shoes to cool off in the water.

7 Most Underrated Scenic Spots To Visit In Utah This Summer

What visitors have to say about gunlock state park, gunlock state park is rated 4.5 stars on tripadvisor.

It goes without saying that the site is best explored in late spring, when the waterfalls are fully back in business; but people can still visit it any time of the year, given the ample choice of activities around the reservoir.

Reviewers on TripAdvisor have commended the park staff for their friendliness and help. They particularly enjoy the stunning panoramic view from the butte overlooking Gunlock Road, observing grazing cattle, and frolicking in the small sandy beach area.

Other visitors choose to extend their trip by biking 30 minutes to Snow Canyon State Park in order to explore its mesmerizing lava tubes and sand dunes . Other nearby sites to consider include Quail Creek and Sand Hollow.

Gunlock State Park is growing in popularity, so it's better to check it out before it turns into a crowded tourist destination, regardless of your outdoor activity of choice.

The Magnificent Waterfront Airbnb In Utah That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat

W hen the warmer weather starts to arrive in Utah, if you are like me, you want to head outdoors. A little fresh air and Vitamin D can do wonders for your mind and body. For the perfect spring getaway, head to Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch near Kanab and book a stay in a luxury glamping tent. This fabulous waterfront Airbnb in Utah is perfect for some time away. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the many comforts of home. Oh, and did we mention it sits right above a charming pond?

Your new spring tradition will be booking a stay at this beautiful waterfront glamping suite at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch. Located in a canyon just a short drive from Kanab, you will be surrounded by natural beauty everywhere you look.

This glamping tent will not disappoint. the minute you walk inside, you’ll feel right at home., four guests can comfortably sleep in this tent and you’ll find many amenities like soft linens, full power, and ac units during the summer months., and while the inside is certainly lovely, we recommend you spend as much time outdoors as possible. pull up a seat on the deck and relax. this utah airbnb sits right above a large pond, providing you with some extraordinary views., plus, guests have access to the numerous amenities offered by the ranch including a bbq pit, grassy areas, and fire pit. you can also try your luck fishing or even rent stand-up paddleboards for some adventure on the water., if you are in the mood to wander, meander along one of the walking paths on the property., enjoy waterfront views, cozy accommodations, and natural beauty everywhere you look at this airbnb in kanab. it’s a lovely spring retreat..

These glamping suites are available all year. While the spring is delightful, we also love the fall when the area is surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. For more information, visit this waterfront Airbnb in Utah’s online listing .

What are some of your favorite places to visit in the spring? What are some of your favorite things to do in Kanab, Utah ? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments.

If you are looking for suggestions on things to do near Kanab and are willing to make a short drive, check out the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail .

The post The Magnificent Waterfront Airbnb In Utah That Is Perfect For A Spring Retreat appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

1 Week, 5 Utah National Parks: A Curated Road Trip Itinerary

In just one eye-popping, mind-blowing, camera-clicking week, experience all of utah’s mighty 5..

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You may have heard, Utah is home to some pretty amazing national parks. And by amazing we mean jaw-dropping, breathtaking, heart-racing stuff. Cliffs, hoodoos and pillars made of candy colored rock; slot canyons, natural arches and verdant valleys. The scenery goes on and on and on. 

So obviously you’d like to see for yourself, did nature really design a valley of castle turrets? Can a bridge of rock be held up by sheer willpower? Yes and yes, and we have a customizable Utah national parks itinerary to prove it. Use our free PDF map download to navigate your road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 in one fell swoop. Well, a 1,000-mile scenic drive, gallons of drinking water and miles of hiking swoop. Tuh-MAY-toe, tuh-MAH-toe.

What's so great about that arch on Utah license plates? See for yourself in Arches National Park.

Travel tips

Before throwing your hiking shoes and sunhat into your carry-on, take care of a few details.

• Buy an America the Beautiful park pass; the $80 fee covers entrance to all the national parks, saving you some cash for souvenir T-shirts. Get your pass through the National Park Service .
• Make park reservations. Arches requires a timed-entry ticket from April through October; visit Recreation.gov to make your vehicle reservation. Some hikes in Zion have a permit lottery; sign up at Recreation.gov . 
• April to October is peak season: Make camping or hotel reservations well in advance.
• Check the weather . It gets HOT during the summer months; pack appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, reusable water bottles and plenty of sunscreen.
• Plan to start your days early. Most people visit the park between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; go during the off hours for cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, the lighting is better for your Insta pics.
• Remember, you can come back! It’s impossible to hike every trail in one park in just a day or two, let alone all five. So plan what you can reasonably do this time around. And don’t worry, the scenery has been around for thousands of years, it’ll be here for you next time.

Accommodations

You can experience the outdoor wonders in three ways: fully immersive, semi-immersive and I-need-a-good-night’s-sleep immersive. If you want the deep dive experience — dirt in your shoes, campfire smell in your clothes — you can set up a tent in or near the national parks.

If you want to dip your toes in the wilderness but still want a mattress, consider renting an RV, campervan or camper trailer . But, if you’re more of a hot shower, hot tub kind of traveler, there are hotels and cabins , either inside the parks or in nearby towns. Can’t decide? Try glamping , camping-like lodging with some luxury hotel amenities.

Arrivals and Departures

The national parks are located in the southern half of Utah, so the two closest international airports are in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Plan your travel as a round trip, or fly into one city and leave from the other. Pick up your rental vehicle and let your Utah national parks road trip begin.

Introduce yourself to Zion along the Riverside Walk.

Day One: Airport to Zion National Park

• Salt Lake City to Zion: 313 miles, 4.5 hours
• Las Vegas to Zion: 168 miles, 3 hours
• Lodging: Camping (spots inside the park fill quickly), hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, glamping

We suggest starting your Utah national parks road trip at Zion , when your legs are the freshest; there are some serious hikes here. In fact, there are so many swoon-worthy hikes at this park, it’s hard to choose just one. Or two. Or three. There’s a reason Zion sees some 5 million visitors every year. Plan on spending at least two days, if you can, to soak up all the scenery. And hey, if you decide to stay even longer, we totally get it.

Temple of Sinawava

After checking into your accommodations, head over to the park to stretch your legs on a warmup hike. Catch a free shuttle at the Visitor Center; it travels the length of Canyon Scenic Drive, with stops at the Zion Lodge and the trailheads.

Stay on until the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, and take the Riverside Walk for the perfect introduction to the park. The paved, 2-mile (round trip) walk takes you along the Virgin River and into a canyon. You’ll see hanging gardens, weeping walls and maybe some wildlife.

This trail ends where the Narrows hike begins. If it’s open and you have sturdy shoes, step into the river and walk the first portion of the hike. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to catch the shuttle back or you’ll be walking an extra nine miles. Fuel up for tomorrow at one of Springdale’s many eateries.

• Grilled grub: Camp Outpost, Whiptail Grill
• Fancy fixin’s: Spotted Dog, King’s Landing Bistro
• Family fare: Zion Pizza & Noodle, Porter’s

Get the best view in Zion National Park from Angels Landing.

Day Two: Zion

If you can get a permit, hike Angels Landing . It has a lot of uphill, steep switchbacks and some sheer drop-offs, but the view of the canyon from way up there? Matchless. Plan on taking several hours for the 5-mile hike. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the top; it’s definitely a better view than any rooftop restaurant can offer. Be sure to pack out all your trash. Register for permits with the National P ark Service .

If you didn’t get a permit, there are plenty of other (and easier) hikes . We recommend Emerald Pools . You’ll see three natural ponds and some waterfalls, separated by a short climb through desert vegetation. The lower pool is a fairly easy hike; it’s a bit more work to get to the other two, but the trail is easy to follow. At the upper pool, cool off in the grotto surrounded by enormous, weeping rock walls.

If you still have some energy, you may want to try another short but noteworthy hike . When you're properly worn out for the day, head back to Springdale for dinner, then maybe catch a show at the Bumbleberry Inn .

Day Three: Zion to Bryce Canyon

• Zion to Bryce: 2 hours, 84 miles
• Lodging : Campgrounds, cabins, B&Bs, glamping

Next stop, Bryce Canyon . Drive back into Zion, heading east on scenic Highway 9 toward Mt. Carmel. You’ll drive through the mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel. In addition to gaining a mad respect for 1920s sandstone blasters, you may catch a glimpse of some bighorn sheep through the built-in windows.

Make one last stop before you leave the area: Checkerboard Mesa . Imagine a giant sat down to do his math homework and got a bit carried away drawing lines. Then, on to Bryce.

Note: Oversize vehicles, such as RVs, are only allowed through the tunnel during limited hours and must pay an additional fee. Read more about restrictions at the National Park Service .

Walk among sandstone towers in Bryce Canyon.

Bryce is Nice

Remember when you tried to make an epic sandcastle? Well, Bryce Canyon did it first. See an entire valley of the tallest, coolest, colorfulest hoodoos on a walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. 

If your legs are still a bit wobbly from Zion, take the Mossy Cave Trail , an easy 1-mile round trip among the spires. Another option is the Bristlecone Loop Trail , which will give you a bird’s-eye view. A little more challenging, the Navajo Loop is the most popular trail in the park; you’ll descend 800 feet into the heart of the hoodoos.

Got more stamina than that bighorn sheep you saw on the drive over? Try the 8.3-mile Fairyland Loop . You’ll hike down into the pink and white canyons, see natural amphitheaters and be surrounded by hoodoos. No need for wings, but you may wish you had some.

Park your tired puppies back in the car and head over to the tiny town of Tropic for some tasty respite. Steaks, house specials, Lavender sponge cake and a wine menu await you at Stone Hearth Grille . For more casual fare, stay in Bryce Canyon City for Ruby’s Inn Cowboy’s Buffet and Steak Room .

The vistas are wide and grand in Canyonlands. Photo by Chad Hurst

Day Four: Canyonlands

• Bryce to Canyonlands: 4 hours 20 minutes, 256 miles
• Lodging : camping, hotels, cabins, glamping

Are you ready to mumble? Under your breath in awe, that is. Definitely not because your quads and hammies are jiggly; they can rest on the drive. Pull out our map of Utah national parks and head toward Moab. It’s the home base for Canyonlands and Arches.

Where Bryce seems like fine handiwork, Canyonlands was made with broader strokes. Get an overview of Utah’s largest national park from the Grand View Overlook . The easy hike takes you up a 1-mile sandstone stairway — to heaven? Just about. It ends at a mesa with an unobstructed view of Monument Basin. Be aware, while the path is wide, there are sheer cliffs.

Catch a perfectly framed sunrise at Mesa Arch.

Mesa Arch is another sweet spot for sweeping vistas, evident by the dozens of photographers shooting here at sunrise. The 27-foot long arch is so obliging, it perfectly frames your photos of the La Sal mountains. It’s worth squeezing into your day no matter the hour, since the trail is only 0.6 miles round trip. Hint: Walk to the arch clockwise, then retrace your steps back to avoid some of the stone steps.

If you’re visiting Canyonlands in the spring or winter, consider hiking the Confluence Overlook Trail , a moderate, 11-mile round trip. You’ll do some scrabbling up and down rocky slopes but it’s mostly flat. The payoff is the vista, 1,000 feet above the spot where the Green River and Colorado River come together. We don’t recommend it for a summer’s day; the trail is fully exposed — no shade — and the heat can be brutal.

The Confluence Overlook Trail is long, but the views are unparalleled. Photo by Chad Hurst

Even if you’re camping, head to Moab for some dinner and a casual walk down its charming Main Street. For a small town, there’s a surprisingly large assortment of dining options, from traditional kebabs at Sultan Mediterranean Grill to curry from Thai Bella Moab.

Day Five: Arches

• Canyonlands to Arches: 29 minutes, 26 miles

Just half an hour away from Canyonlands, Arches has mesas, buttes and some wiiiide, gravity defying arches. The most popular — so popular it can be seen on one-third of Utah’s license plates — is Delicate Arch. It’s not an easy hike to see it; there are some steep stretches on the 3-mile trip. But you’ll be rewarded by a magnificent, solitary arch standing in a bowl of sandstone. Wax as poetic as you like, it’ll be fitting.

Visit one of the world's longest natural bridge in Arches.

Actually, rare beauties are a thing for Arches. You’ll understand what we mean when you head over to Landscape Arch ; it’s the fifth longest natural bridge in the world. The slab of rock spans 290 feet, but it is only 18 feet wide. How does it stay up? No idea.

Day Six: Canyonlands or Arches

Have time to stick around for another day? You could take another hike in Arches, or head back to Canyonlands. Or consider some activities nearby such as white-water rafting , kayaking and off-roading . 

Drive on to the town of Torrey, just outside Capitol Reef, for the night so you can get an early start in the morning.

Day Seven: Capitol Reef and Home

Park logistics.

Arches to Capitol Reef: 2 hours, 133 miles

Lodging : camping, glamping, hotels

The final stop on our Utah national park itinerary is Capitol Reef National Park . This compact park is no slouch in rock sculptures, either. 

Reach for the stars at Cassidy Arch, named for a local outlaw.

First hike: A moderate 3.5 mile climb to Cassidy Arch . It’s a big one — standing 400 feet tall. It’s pretty photogenic, too, much like the movie star who played the arch’s namesake, Butch Cassidy. 

Next up, a moderately easy jaunt up to the Hickman Bridge . The 2-mile round trip trek includes fantastic scenery along the way, culminating in not just one, but TWO arches.

Grab a late lunch outside the park at Capitol Burger, a food truck serving gourmet burgers (find its exact location for the day on its Facebook page). Then settle your trail-worn body into your vehicle, crank up the air, choose your playlist and head back to the airport.

Home Logistics

Capitol Reef to Salt Lake City: 3 hours 23 minutes, 218 miles

Capitol Reef to Las Vegas: 5 hours, 327 miles

On the long drive back, make your case for which national park deserves a second, longer look. Utah.com will be here to help you plan your next trip and all your other excursions around our state.

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Gordon Monson: The national image of Utah football? It will rule and reign over the Big 12 in its first year.

The utes are the early favorites to win their new league for a reason..

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes wide receiver Money Parks (10) runs the ball as the Utah Utes host the Arizona State Sun Devils in NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.

Remember those old television commercials for a camera company featuring Andre Agassi in which he dipped his sunglasses down and oh-so-cooly declared, “Image is everything”?

It is said that ad campaign haunted the tennis great for years, and while some criticized it for promoting style over substance — which was big at the time — it also prompted a divisive philosophical discussion among the thoughtful or perhaps it was among the really, really bored, some believing there were at least a few drops of veracity in the proclamation, some saying, “No, no … image is nothing.”

Well. If the former is partially true, if image reflects style and substance, if it represents not just what’s on the surface, but what’s going on two or three layers down, that’s both good news for and says something important about Utah football. Something important and something hard-earned.

In the comprehensive, Kyle Whittingham’s program has an image, all right, a reputation of being a buzzard-tough outfit, an annual collection of dudes you could see working on an oil rig or melting down steel over at the plant or mining for coal 2,000 feet down or fishing for the latest catch on a distressed boat in the Bering Sea or maybe even teaching fourth-graders at a local elementary school. Guys who get a messy job done regardless of the degree of difficulty. They play football the way Bo Schembechler would have wanted it played — with a socket wrench in one hand and a crankshaft in the other, all governed by unusual grit.

Whittingham gets credit for setting the tone for all of that.

But there’s more — necessary stuff, like talent, skill and speed.

That’s the rep. It’s been like that for years, but on a national scale it went throttle up in more recent seasons, beyond vague memories of the Fiesta Bowl at the conclusion of the 2004 run and the Sugar Bowl after 2008. Can you believe those wins were some 20 and 16 years ago now? Whoa. Making an almost yearly trip to Pac-12 championship games, even without wins in the Rose Bowl or any other bowl over the Utes’ past five postseason appearances, including two losses to Northwestern, one to Texas, one to Ohio State and one to Penn State, hasn’t diminished the way Utah football is thought of, not among many fans, many national football observers.

Evidence of that is seen in the predictions for the Utes as they enter the Big 12. It’s not often that a newcomer to a strong league is projected to win the thing in that inaugural year. There’s a lot to get used to — opponents never faced before, venues never visited before, crowds never heard before, travel routes never traversed before, coaches never strategized against before, and more. It’s like an amateur golfer playing a course for the first time, not knowing precisely where the dastardly unseen bends in the fairways and greens are. But no matter, that’s exactly where a lot of preseason guesses are going right now — forecasting that Utah will reign over the newly expanded conference in Year One.

The Utes are highly ranked in most early polls, some prognosticators placing them in the Top 10, many having them qualifying for the new 12-team playoff.

Joel Klatt of Fox Sports not only has Utah “most likely” winning the league — “They’re the best team in the Big 12,” he says — and getting a top-four seed and a bye in the playoff, he also says that Salt Lake City “is immediately the toughest place to play in the Big 12.”

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.

You can hear the objections in places like Stillwater and Manhattan and maybe Provo, too. But Klatt is backed by some statistical formulas — granted, they are inexact — that rate Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the Utes are 18-1 over the past three seasons, near the summit of difficult road stops in all of college football. It’s a tribute to the team and to its fans.

Either way, that’s the perception, and while widely-held views sometimes are wildly off target, in this case, Utah’s reputation is an accurate reflection of the remarkable progress the program has made. Longtime Ute fans can remember the days when games were lost before they were even played, when Utah might rise up on occasion to snag a win, but when more often it was scheduled by out-of-conference teams as an easy victory for them and a money game for the Utes.

Not anymore.

Any team looking for easy now wouldn’t schedule Utah and most certainly would only come to Rice-Eccles if it were seeking a bloody nose and broken kneecaps. Big 12 opponents will have no choice in the matter, come they must.

So, wherever you land on the sliding scale of philosophical debate over image being everything or image being nothing at all, you’ve got to admit, competitively speaking, owning one that puts bits of doubt in opponents and stirs just the right amount of confidence in a football team is useful. Better to be respected or feared than to be discounted or laughed at.

Almost nobody in the Big 12 is discounting or laughing at Utah as it heads into its virgin season there, and voices around the country seem to agree that only the foolish would do so.

Editor’s note • This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.

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Southwest Weekenders travel series visits Panguitch: ‘Taking you back in time’

ST. GEORGE —  When you’ve made an emotional connection to a place as a child, it feels like coming home when you return years later. Even if you can’t remember images, you never forget that feeling.

Cruising into the town of Panguitch, just 30 minutes outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, feels familiar. My parents managed the Bryce Canyon National Park Lodge when I was very young.

Some of my friends joined me on a recent journey to Panguitch. Despite their lack of prior visits,  they were also filled  with nostalgia as we drove down Main Street. The town’s rich history and charm resonated with them, creating an instant connection.

In 1864, the former lumber and ranching community  was founded. Now, w orn brick buildings housing gift shops and eateries line the roads. While the outside of locations often remain the same through the years, some, like the historic Gem Theater and the Two Sunsets  Hotel , have undergone indoor renovations.

Roger Kaspar and his wife, Ruth Henrie Kaspar, are not just business owners in Panguitch; they are part of its rich history. Ruth’s family has strong roots in Panguitch and her forebears helped settle the Garfield County area. Her father, Panguitch native Jimmy O. Henrie, made significant contributions as a civil and nuclear engineer, she said.

Although he is a “Californian through and through,” Roger said he fell in love with the area, noting its historic buildings and the surrounding natural beauty, such as the red rocks and cedar trees.

“The first time I came  down here was before we were married,” he said. “I met many of her relatives. She’s probably related to half the town. I fell in love with Ruth and also with this area. I’ve been coming back ever since. I’ve hiked most of the slot canyons in the area. … I just  really  love this area and want to see Panguitch succeed, keep traditions alive and add new ones.”

One of those beloved traditions is the Pioneer Day Parade, which commemorates the day Brigham Young and the early Mormon pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. As part of the celebration, fire engines drive down the street during the parade and spray the children with water. There is also the Garfield County Fair each year.

“There’s an activity there that I’ve never  ever seen anywhere else …  what they call the fish grab,” Roger said. “They bring all these trout from the hatchery   and put them  into these big pools.  The little  kids  and the older kids  all get in there with the fish, catch them; many people take them home and do a big fish fry.”

Before the couple bought the hotel and theater, they purchased the two-story red brick home owned by Ruth’s parents, Jimmy O. and Evelyn Henrie. The house  was built by Ruth’s great-grandparents, James Bell Heywood and Maria Clarinda (Larsen). Her great-grandfather not only built the home in 1899 but also formed the bricks and fired them across the street to build the house.

Inspired by the theater’s history and love for the area, they purchased the Gem Theater in September 2020.

At the time, the Gem Theater  had been up for sale after the previous  person running t he theater came down with cancer and died .   The 1909 theater was on the verge of becoming a building for storage   units , but Roger said it had too much history, such as his wife’s grandmother playing the piano there when it showed silent films.

The lobby of the Gem Theater now features an ice cream parlor where Roger makes homemade ice cream and carries BYU Creamery ice cream. He also makes other sweets like hand-dipped chocolates using a crunchy quinoa filling dipped in Belgian dark chocolate.

The theater shows first-run movies and classic films . Theater rentals are offered as well for people looking to celebrate birthday parties or family gatherings while watching a movie of their choice.

Later, the couple bought the Panguitch Inn on Main Street, now the Two Sunsets Hotel, hoping to preserve its historic charm and add new visitor experiences.

The hotel was in bad shape after sitting idle during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It was a lot of work,” Roger said. “And I think you can see it’s turned out quite nicely.”

He said the name “Two Sunsets Hotel” was derived from an illusion in the area: when the sun sets in the west, it simultaneously lights the mountains to the east, making it appear that there are two sunsets.

Roger’s eyes lit up when he talked about the memorable experiences he wanted visitors to have with each property having its own draw.

“I think it’s different for the hotel and the theater. With the theater, I want visitors to have a kind of a throwback-in-time feeling.  It’s set up so that it’s like a 50’s-era ice cream parlor on the walk-in,” he said. “It’s a single-screen movie theater where you can see first-round movies, but it’s really  walking into a historic building that’s taking you back in time.”

The Gem Theater also houses a game room with air hockey, foosball and chess, and upstairs, visitors will find a rock shop featuring unique rocks from the area, as well as rock lamps and decorative stones. 

“There’s some pretty cool rocks just from the surrounding area,” he said. “And some of my kids are really into rock hounding, rocks and things like that. So it’s been great fun doing that with them.”

When people visit, Roger said he wants them to have quality experiences and to remember their visit long afterward. 

“We have a tremendous number of people from different countries that come here and stay here, which is fun,” he said. “I sit here in the lobby sometimes of the hotel, and on a given night, there might be visitors from different parts of Europe, Singapore, and all over the United States.  And that’s  really  fun to talk and share experiences with them. It’s fun to connect in different ways with people.”

Those looking for another one-of-a-kind experience should mark their calendars for the  Quinoa Harvest and Andean Festival, which the Kaspars hold each September when the Panguitch-grown quinoa is ready to harvest.  The festival features a Peruvian buffet, traditional Andean music, quinoa experts, a hike into a local canyon with llamas  and other activities.  

Roger, who plants quinoa on their property for the festival, said quinoa is an excellent crop for Panguitch to grow since it thrives at high elevations and originates in the high mountain valleys of the Andes Mountains. He added that it requires moderately cool temperatures to set seed, tolerates a short growing season, can grow in poor soil, requires less water than most crops, especially alfalfa, and has a bitter coating that deters birds and other animals, which is  removed  before cooking.

The Kaspars have six children and  originally  didn’t plan on entering the hospitality business, as both have doctorate degrees.  Roger is a biochemist  and  continues to work on therapeutics for rare skin diseases . Ruth is an audiologist in private practice.

Click here for tips on visiting the area.

Editor’s Note:

“Southwest Weekenders” is a travel series exploring diverse destinations in the American Southwest. From majestic desert landscapes to historic towns, each article offers readers an insider’s guide to weekend getaways. Southwest Weekenders aims to inspire wanderlust and provide tips for planning short trips.

Photo Gallery

The Roger and Ruth Kaspar extended family enjoy their family-owned movie theater, Pangutich, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

The grandchildren of Roger and Ruth Kaspar enjoy ice cream at their family-owned movie theater, Pangutich, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Panguitch native Jimmy O. Henrie built this home by hand and it is still in the Henrie family with the owners Ruth and Roger Kasper, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Historical photo of the Hi-Way 89 Lodge on Main Street where the Two Sunset Hotel sits currently Panguitch, Utah, 1950s | Photo by Frank Keith Richards, courtesy of his grandson Jeff Richards, St. George News

The Two Sunsets Hotel has been refurbished and modernized and is the location of many previous historic businesses, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Panguitch's Gem Theater is pictured on Main Street, around 1953. The war movie "Desert Rats" starring James Mason, Robert Newman and Richard Burton came out in 1953, while a poster for the 1952 Western film "The Lusty Men" is also visible, Panguitch, Utah, date not specified | Photo by Frank Keith Richards, courtesy of his grandson Jeff Richards, St. George News

L-R: The manager of the Two Sunsets Hotel Lori (Loriann) Williams stands with owner Roger Kaspar, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

A vintage washing machine sits on the porch of the historic Henrie home, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Blue sky overhangs the tield where the Kaspar family grows quinoa grain for the Quinoa Harvest and Andean Festival featuring Peruvian buffet and Andean music, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

The historic Gem Theater has been restored by Ruth and Roger Kasper, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

A rock shop can be found in the historic Gem Theater, which has been restored by Ruth and Roger Kasper, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

A rock shop can be found upstairs in the historic Gem Theater, which has been restored by Ruth and Roger Kasper, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Roger Kaspar stands on the second floor of the historic Gem Theater which has been restored, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

This photo shows an inside look at one of the rooms at The Two Sunsets Hotel, which as been refurbished and modernized, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

One of the rooms is shown at The Two Sunsets Hotel which as been refurbished and modernized, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

The Gem Theater features an ice cream parlor, rock shop and game room, Panguitch, Utah, May 3, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.

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What it’s like for the Red Sox while Netflix documents their season

BOSTON — As players hustled about the clubhouse during pregame availability this past home stand, there was one noticeable absence.

The Netflix cameras had the week off.

The camera crews have become so enmeshed in the daily life of the Boston Red Sox since the start of spring training — their hovering boom mics, their cameraman riding a Segway on the field and their expanse of equipment parked outside the clubhouse door — that the fact they weren’t around this past week felt like something was missing.

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Part of their absence is due to budgets and abiding by union worker rules. But the other part is the impossibility of capturing every moment of a baseball season and cramming it into what is scheduled as eight, hour-long episodes set to air on Netflix in the spring of 2025 (no official date has been announced). Their daily filming isn’t quite necessary for the full picture and yet director Greg Whiteley and his crew of about a dozen have become familiar after what felt like a foreign experience at the outset of spring training.

“I think from what I’ve heard from the guys, everybody’s become a lot more comfortable with it,” right-hander Nick Pivetta said. “I personally don’t even notice when they’re around half the time.”

And that’s the point.

When Netflix announced in February the documentary project with MLB featuring the Red Sox, no one quite knew what to expect, even those intimately involved with the planning. From the outset, it’s been clear the point of the project is more to shine a light on the lives of players and those in the organization along with behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry versus documenting the wins and losses on the field each night.

That’s why after gathering material for each of the team’s first 16 home games, the Netflix crew took this home stand off and will be headed on the road a bit more. The crew will be traveling with the team to St. Louis on Friday to capture what it’s like to pack up after playing a 7 p.m. home game, one which the Red Sox dropped 7-5 after with a strange ninth inning , fly overnight to a new city, arriving in the wee hours of the morning, sleep for a few hours in the hotel and then head to a new ballpark that night for another game.

“This is part of baseball. You play a game, get in somewhere at 5 in the morning, wake up at 10, you’re not sure where you are, and you got a game in nine hours,” said executive vice president and chief marketing officer Adam Grossman, who’s been heavily involved from the beginning with the Netflix production on the Red Sox side.

Whiteley, who also produced Netflix hit documentaries “Last Chance U” and “Cheer,” has had full access to everything Red Sox. Cameras are in the clubhouse where reporters are allowed, but also in the training room and weight rooms where it is off-limits to media. They are in manager Alex Cora’s office when he has to deliver tough news to a player, like optioning him to Triple A or designating him for assignment. The crew has been in the dugout for more than a dozen games already and each night roughly eight to 10 players and coaches are wearing mics, picking up audio of discussions about in-game decisions, mound visits, tactical moves, maybe even second-guesses — or perhaps what they had for lunch that day or where they plan to visit on the next road trip.

Parsing through the thousands of hours of audio and video will be a monumental task.

“The whole production is a work in progress as they get to know more about the baseball season,” Grossman said. “There’s a reason why the players wanted them to do it. We want people to see what it takes to get through a season. But (the Netflix crew has) never been through a season. So there are times that they don’t know what to cover. They’re getting smarter or more attuned by the day.”

The Red Sox have no say in the final product, but there have been daily meetings during the first two home stands between Whiteley and a group of Red Sox front office members including Grossman, executive vice president and assistant general manager Raquel Ferreira, senior vice president of marketing and broadcasting Colin Birch and directors of baseball communications and media relations Abby Murphy and Justin Long .

The meetings help map out logistics like which road games make sense to travel to, how best to follow chief baseball officer Craig Breslow around for a day, when to film members of the front office watching the game from their suite above home plate or which players and coaches will be mic’d up each day. (To this point in production, principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner have not yet had sit-down interviews, but it’s likely they will be featured to some extent.)

The meetings also take on a more granular level like finding places to store the Netflix equipment overnight in the 112-year-old ballpark or which area of the seating bowl would be best to mount a stationary camera to gather crowd shots and fan reaction.

How Whiteley and his crew frame and film everything is up to them.

“(Their) goal is to just blend in with the background and that happens quicker than you think,” Grossman said. “There’s probably gonna be one or two or three things that you’re like, ‘Yeah, I wish that wasn’t in there,’ but that’s how it is and that’s OK. The goal is not to be perfect, the goal is to be human. And the imperfections are part of that.”

The project figures to be illuminating not only for fans of the game, but even for people within the organization who help the franchise operate, but maybe don’t see the day-to-day travel or behind-the-scenes conversations between Cora and his players.

Similar to other Netflix sports documentaries like Formula 1 Racing’s “Drive to Survive” and the PGA’s “Full Swing,” the crew following the Red Sox are aiming to capture all aspects around the team. That includes interviewing grounds crew and ballpark operations staff as well as the media members who cover the team on a daily basis.

There has also been a heavy emphasis on the players’ lives outside the field.

During spring training, Whiteley’s crew visited Garrett Whitlock ’s home in Fort Myers, Fla., where Connor Wong , Tanner Houck and Richard Fitts also stayed this spring.

“They came one day for like six hours and then two or three other times for like 45 minutes to an hour,” Whitlock said. “So just depending on what we were doing. Sometimes they came in the morning and then other times it was like, ‘Hey, we’re here to stay from lunch through dinner.’ And then other times it was just like, ‘Hey, we’re just coming following you, seeing what it’s like right when you get home, then leave.’’’

Whitlock’s wife, Jordan, is pregnant and due in July so the camera crew asked the Whitlocks if they could accompany the couple to one of their obstetrician appointments on a morning before Whitlock had to head to the ballpark. They also filmed the Whitlocks watching the Boston Marathon after the Red Sox played the Cleveland Guardians in mid-April.

“I’m sure by the end of it it’ll all feel normal, but as of right now — it is normal, but still a little strange,” said Whitlock, who tapped a friend playing in the PGA for what it was like when Netflix filmed “Full Swing.”

During spring training , the Netflix cameras were also on-hand for a nighttime fishing trip with Wong, Kutter Crawford , Chris Martin and Jarren Duran .

The crew made the trip with the Red Sox to the Dominican Republic this spring and documented not just the passion for baseball in the country and the Red Sox exhibition games against the Tampa Bay Rays at Quisqueya Stadium, but also Brayan Bello’s contract extension and what it meant for his family .

The cameras sat down with reliever Cam Booser in spring training and has followed his incredible story from a carpenter installing ceiling tiles a few years ago to making his big-league debut at age 31 with the Red Sox in Pittsburgh in April.

The level of access is all dependent on the comfort of the player. Pivetta and Rob Refsnyder are among the players who prefer not to be filmed outside of the ballpark, aiming to keep their home lives private.

Triston Casas , however, has had a leading role in the early going.

“I’ve always wanted my own personal camera crew, so this is something that I’m actually enjoying,” Casas said with a laugh. “I try to give them all the time that I can.”

Casas, like many players, lives within walking distance of Fenway Park and has had the cameras accompany him on his walk home after games. During the first road trip of the season when the team was in Seattle, the crew joined him on Opening Day grabbing breakfast with Crawford.

“(T)hey loved that,” Casas said. “It was like a little skit almost. Not that we’re actors, but they kind of prompted us in a way to ask each other certain questions to keep the conversation going.”

While most players seem comfortable with cameras around, Casas, unsurprisingly, has fully embraced the documentary aspect.

“I’m a free bird. I fly wherever the wind takes me,” he said. “I’m completely comfortable with them following me around wherever. So I think they ask me so much because I’m one of the only ones that really is OK with going everywhere.”

The planning for this project with MLB began more than three years ago with players looped in at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023. The final call on whether the project would happen was up to a player vote and most were in favor of giving Netflix the green light. The team has had plenty of time to prepare for the strangeness of their lives being documented on a near-daily basis in a different way than traditional media or even the NESN broadcast. Most players suggested that it’s been easier than they expected. Some of the outside work requests have been unique, but if players say no to a request, they’re not forced to do anything.

“I think we are excited to give the fans an inside look of how much we care, how much we prepare and how much it really means to a lot of people,” Refsnyder said. “I think it’s always nice to try to get the most honest portrayal of that. I think sometimes baseball is looked at as a different athletic sport than other sports. So I think to give the fans a look at how we prepare, how we spend time with our families. I think it only helps grow the game. It is scary to take on something and potentially not play good baseball and it’s like, ‘Oh, they’re distracted,’ and things like that. But I don’t think that’s been the case at all.”

One early concern for players was that the cameras would be intentionally seeking to expose players in their worst moments.

“I think we all say and do things in the heat of the moment that we’re not proud of, but obviously it’s a documentary type of production,” Refsnyder said. “We don’t want anything that would be too embarrassing to come out, but also like, we’re all adults and if we do something you have to take accountability for it.

“They always said they were trying their best to portray us in the most honest light,” he added. “So if you’re an asshole, you’re going to come across like an asshole.”

On at least two days early in the season, the cameras have followed Cora around during his pregame routine, which includes his afternoon session with the media.

The Red Sox are playing roughly .500 baseball with spectacular pitching but uneven defense and offense. Cora hasn’t seen the Netflix cameras being a distraction, but did warn his players last year that if they agreed to the project, he wanted them to be all-in.

“I told them if you’re going to do it, you have to embrace it,” he said. “There’s no bitching and complaining because they’re around.”

By the time the documentary comes out next spring, Cora may not even be with the team as he’s in the final year of his contract. The roster will undoubtedly look different, too. But that’s also sort of the point, capturing the ebb and flow over 162 games and the changes that transpire throughout the six-month season.

“It just feels like a part of the job now,” Refsnyder said. “Really doesn’t feel too weird. We have to deal with media every day, so you just build a relationship and trust with the media, and it’s the same thing with Netflix.”

(Top photo from spring training: Billie Weiss / Boston Red Sox / Getty Images)

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Jen McCaffrey is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Boston Red Sox. Prior to joining The Athletic, the Syracuse graduate spent four years as a Red Sox reporter for MassLive.com and three years as a sports reporter for the Cape Cod Times. Follow Jen on Twitter @ jcmccaffrey