2026 Wayne County Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#mytraveldiary Cathedral Valley, part of Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, is a remote and rugged desert landscape renowned for its towering monoliths, dramatic cliffs, and expansive vistas. It offers a sense of isolation and raw natural beauty, making it a destination for adventurous travelers seeking the untouched side of the American Southwest. ⸻ Ambience & Setting The valley is defined by its massive sandstone formations that resemble cathedrals rising from the desert floor. Vast open spaces, red rock buttes, and dramatic skies create a striking and almost otherworldly atmosphere. The remoteness ensures a quiet, meditative experience far from crowds. ⸻ Highlights • Temples of the Sun and Moon: Towering monoliths of Entrada sandstone, among the most iconic sights in the valley. • Cathedral Valley Loop: A scenic 60-mile drive offering breathtaking views of monoliths, valleys, and mesas. • Jailhouse Rock and Glass Mountain: Unique geologic features with fascinating textures and mineral deposits. • Sweeping Vistas: Panoramic views across the desert, ideal for photographers and nature lovers. • Solitude: A chance to experience Capitol Reef’s beauty without the bustle of its main attractions. ⸻ Practical Info • Location: Northern section of Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA. • Access: High-clearance vehicle recommended; roads may be impassable when wet. • Facilities: No services within the valley; nearest amenities in Torrey, Utah. • Best Season: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and accessibility. ⸻ Why It’s Worth Visiting Cathedral Valley offers a rare combination of raw desert beauty and profound solitude. Its towering monoliths and remote setting evoke a sense of timelessness, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with some of Capitol Reef’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

🏙️ Salt Lake City, located in northern Utah, is named after the Great Salt Lake. It is the capital and largest city of Utah. Nestled between the majestic Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, it sits at an elevation of 1,320 meters, surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. 🌄🏔️ 🕍 Salt Lake City's history is closely tied to the Mormons. In 1847, a group of Mormons fled persecution in the east and traveled long distances to establish their faith community here. Their leader, Brigham Young, designated the site of the Salt Lake Temple and planned the layout of the city. Since then, the headquarters of the Mormon Church has been located in Salt Lake City, with more than half of the residents practicing Mormonism, making Salt Lake City the Mormon capital or holy city. 🕊️🙏 🏛️ In addition to its religious culture, Salt Lake City is a city full of art and culture. It is home to several higher education institutions, such as the University of Utah and Westminster College, which provide a solid foundation for the city's cultural prosperity. The Salt Lake City Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Utah, with a large collection of Western art from ancient to modern times, with exhibits from different periods and styles. 🖼️🎨 🏞️ Of course, Salt Lake City is also an outdoor paradise. With its unique natural conditions, it is an ideal place for skiing, hiking, biking, and adventure. There are many national parks and nature reserves around Salt Lake City, such as Capitol Reef National Park and the Great Salt Lake, offering visitors a wealth of outdoor experiences. 🏂🚴‍♂️👣 🏟️ In addition, Salt Lake City is a sports fan's paradise. It hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and is home to some professional sports teams, such as the Jazz basketball team and Real Salt Lake soccer team, offering sports fans the opportunity to watch and experience the games. 🏀⚽️ 🛍️ Salt Lake City's business district is also bustling. There are a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to meet the shopping, dining, and entertainment needs of residents and visitors. In Salt Lake City, you can taste a variety of cuisines, from authentic American burgers to exotic dishes. 🍔🍣 🌃 Salt Lake City is a charming and vibrant city. Whether it's religious culture, artistic atmosphere, outdoor activities, or sports and entertainment, Salt Lake City offers a wide range of experiences. If you're looking for a place to experience both natural beauty and urban excitement, Salt Lake City is a must-see. 🌈💖

Visiting Factory Butte was an amazing exploration experience. I enjoyed seeing the unique geological formations that are similar to other landscapes in the area 🌵. The scene was filled with rocks of various colors and strange shapes, creating a wonderful visual experience 🌈. Walking around the rocks, especially in areas with diverse terrain, was full of interesting discoveries 👣. The quiet atmosphere and remote nature made it an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the desert and take in the breathtaking scenery 🌄.

Basking in a Mars-like landscape. 🚀😮 #trip with @be_mesmerized 📍 Bentonite Hills, Utah, USA Located just east of Capitol Reef National Park, it is a must-see if you are visiting Capitol Reef on an Utah road trip. The best time to visit the Bentonite Hills is during blue hour, try to arrive in the area about an hour or so before sunset.

The blue sky, white clouds, red rocks, and green water seen in the Dome Reef National Park are magnificent and breathtaking. The park also preserves many houses built by Mormon immigrants in the early days, and early rock art can be seen on the red rocks. Visitors can hike, ride horses, camp, and more in the park, but mountain biking is prohibited.

The blue sky, white clouds, red rocks, and green water seen in the Dome Reef National Park are magnificent and breathtaking. The park also preserves many houses built by Mormon immigrants in the early days, and early rock art can be seen on the red rocks. Visitors can hike, ride horses, camp, and more in the park, but mountain biking is prohibited.

Dome Rock State Park is named after its white dome-shaped mountaintop and boasts some of the most spectacular geological formations in the American West. You can hike, backpack, camp, and bike on the colorful rock layers.

Dome Rock State Park is named after its white dome-shaped mountaintop and boasts some of the most spectacular geological formations in the American West. You can hike, backpack, camp, and bike on the colorful rock layers.

Dome Reef Park is named after its white dome-shaped mountaintop. The park boasts the most spectacular geological structures in the American West, where you can hike, camp, and bike on colorful rock formations. Dome Reef National Park, Utah.

Dome Reef Park is named after its white dome-shaped mountaintop. The park boasts the most spectacular geological structures in the American West, where you can hike, camp, and bike on colorful rock formations. Dome Reef National Park, Utah.