Photo: Murray Foubister · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Torrey sits on Highway 24 a few miles west of Capitol Reef National Park, where the Waterpocket Fold rises in red and white cliffs. Pioneer orchards in the park’s Fruita district still produce cherries, apricots, peaches and apples.
The nights are why many people stay: Torrey was recognized as Utah’s first International Dark Sky Community, and the Milky Way is bright overhead on clear nights.
See and do
- Capitol Reef National ParkThe Scenic Drive, Capitol Gorge and Hickman Bridge.
- Fruita orchardsPick fruit in season at the park’s historic orchards.
- Gifford HomesteadA historic farmhouse in Fruita selling fresh pies from March into October.
- Cathedral ValleyTowering monoliths on a rough dirt road in the park’s north end.
- Scenic Byway 12Climb over Boulder Mountain toward Boulder and Escalante.
Eat and drink
- Gifford Homestead piesSmall fruit pies baked daily in season; they sell out early.
- Highway 24 cafésBurgers, Southwestern dishes and post-hike meals along Main Street.
- Farmers marketSummer produce in the town park.
Through the year
- Heritage StarFestSeptember: astronomy programs and star parties in the park and in Torrey.
- Fruit harvestJune to October in the Fruita orchards.
Day trips from Torrey
- Goblin Valley State ParkAbout an hour east.
- Boulder and EscalanteAbout an hour south on Scenic Byway 12.
- Fish LakeAbout an hour west: a high mountain lake ringed by the Pando aspen grove.
Good to know
- Services are limited; fill your gas tank.
- Bring a red flashlight for stargazing.
- Pies sell out early in the day.
Parks in Southern Utah
More towns nearby
St. George
Sunny desert city of red cliffs, golf and Zion day trips
Springdale
Zion’s front porch, with a free shuttle to the park gate
Kanab
Little Hollywood, with dunes, animals and the Grand Staircase
Cedar City
Festival City, with Shakespeare in summer and high country next door