If you’re visiting Capitol Reef National Park, chances are you’ll pass through the small town of Torrey, Utah. While it may look like a quiet desert town at first glance, Torrey is actually full of charm, local art, and some surprisingly great food. It’s also the perfect basecamp for exploring one of Utah’s most underrated national parks.

Whether you’re staying overnight or just passing through, here are some of the best things to do in Torrey.

1. Explore Capitol Reef National Park

The main reason most people visit Torrey is its close proximity to Capitol Reef, so it’s likely you’re already doing this if you’re there. The park entrance is only about 10 minutes away, making Torrey the most convenient place to stay while exploring. If you want to know where to stay when visiting Capitol Reef, I’ve got a list of the hotels in Torrey.

Inside the park, you can spend your time hiking, scenic driving, or exploring historic sites. Some of the most popular things to do include:

• Hiking to Cassidy Arch
• Driving the scenic Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
• Visiting the historic Fruita District
• Stopping by Gifford Homestead for their famous homemade pies

If you’re planning a full day in the park, Torrey makes it easy to head out early and beat the crowds. Of course, you don’t get big crowds there in the winter. I have an article about the difference between visiting Capitol Reef in the winter and the summer if you’re planning your trip and want to read more about that.

2. Eat at Local Restaurants

For such a small town, Torrey has a surprisingly good food scene, as long as the restaurants are open. This will mainly depend on whether or not you’re in Torrey in the winter or any of the other seasons. In general, there’s a couple of spots that are open all year long.

I love food. If you’ve been around for a while, you know that about me. After a long day of hiking, grabbing dinner in town is the perfect way to unwind, and if you’re visiting Capitol Reef, Torrey is gonna be the best spot to grab dinner.

Some popular restaurants in Torrey, Utah include:

• Slackers Burger Joint – A local favorite known for burgers, shakes, and a casual atmosphere.
• The Wild Rabbit Cafe – A cozy cafe with great breakfast and coffee options.
• Hunt & Gather Restaurant – A more upscale option featuring seasonal dishes and local ingredients.

Many restaurants in Torrey close earlier than you might expect, so it’s a good idea to plan dinner before late evening, or look at the open times when planning your itinerary.

3. Visit Local Art Galleries

Torrey has a strong artist community, and you’ll find several galleries showcasing local artwork, photography, and handmade crafts, which is super fun, and kind of unexpected (in my opinion) about a small desert town like Torrey.

One of the most well-known galleries in town is Gallery 24, which features work from local artists inspired by Utah’s desert. It is definitely worth a stop if you’re spending any time in Torrey.

Walking through these galleries is a great way to support local artists and pick up a unique souvenir from your trip, if that’s what you like to do on your trips.

4. Go Stargazing

Capitol Reef National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, and Torrey sits right next to it. The view of the starts there is unreal!

On clear nights, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even planets with the naked eye. Simply step outside your hotel or campground and look up! The stargazing in Torrey, Utah is incredible.

If you want an even better view, drive a few minutes outside town where there’s less light. There’s plenty of guides on the internet about what to look out for during different times of the year when you’re stargazing, so use those as a reference. The more you look up at the sky (and not at light around you or on your phone) the more you’ll see!

5. Drive Scenic Highway 12

Torrey sits right along one of the most beautiful drives in the United States: Utah State Route 12.

This highway connects Torrey to destinations like Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. If you came from that direction, you’ve already seen how amazing it is. But if it wasn’t part of your plan to drive across it, you definitely should!

Even if you only drive part of it, you’ll see dramatic cliffs, sweeping desert views, and some of the most unique landscapes in Utah. If the weather is really bad, it can be a little scary to drive on, so keep that in consideration.

6. Shop at Local Stores

Torrey has a handful of small local shops where you can find souvenirs, outdoor gear, and handmade items. It’s a great place to grab something unique rather than the typical tourist souvenirs. Of course, these aren’t always open in the winter, so it’s something you’ll want to check.

You’ll find everything from desert-inspired art to locally made products that reflect the culture of southern Utah.

Final Thoughts

Torrey, Utah may be small, but it’s packed with character. From great food and local art to incredible stargazing and easy access to Capitol Reef National Park, it’s the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the area.

Whether you’re stopping for a meal or staying the night, Torrey is definitely worth spending some time in, despite how small of a town it is. Have a great time exploring!

If you want more information about the Utah National Parks and various other travel destinations, check out my other content! I also have an Instagram where I post slightly more often.

Happy travels!