Peak Flavors & Valley Vistas: A Foodie’s Guide to the Wasatch Back

There’s a slight mountain breeze blowing past your skin, a perfect temperature — not too hot, not too cold. You’re staring at the dramatic backdrop of the east side of Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range, with a glistening reservoir between you and the picturesque mountains. You take a bite of some locally-made cheese paired with award-winning artisan chocolate as you picnic by the water. You wonder how no one else is here? How are you immersed in this high quality culinary delight while seemingly in the heart of the mountains? That is Utah’s Wasatch Back for you — a true untapped gem for the culinary-minded not wanting a big city vibe. From farm-side tastings to swanky distilleries, there is no shortage of locally-sourced, award-winning gastronomic experiences in the Wasatch Back.

Opposing the bustle of the Salt Lake metro region, the Wasatch Back is a region to the east of the Wasatch Mountain Range featuring towns like Midway, Heber, Kamas, Park City and more. It’s the perfect place to not only adventure in nature, but in cuisine as well. Whether you’re looking to pair your day with a gentle morning hike and an afternoon of chocolate tasting, or opt for a geo-thermal hot spring dip followed by a farmstead burrata making class — we’ve got you covered with this foodie’s guide to the Wasatch Back.

Must Hits: Craft Spirits & Gourmet Chocolate

High West Distillery 

27649 Old Lincoln Hwy, Wanship, UT 84017

A staple to Utah’s craft spirits is undoubtedly High West Whiskey. Many visitors check out the popular High West Saloon in Park City, but miss the hidden gem of the actual distillery and tasting room located just a short drive from Park City in a town called Wanship. Here you can experience a one- to two-hour distillery tour and whiskey tasting that showcases Utah’s unique whiskey history and how High West was founded. Not only will you be fascinated by their founding story, but you’ll be blown away by the acclaimed whiskey and stunning grounds that host the distillery. Weddings and private events are often hosted at the venue thanks to its upscale western charm. It’s a must see for any visitor.

Ritual Chocolate

2175 W 3000 S STE 100, Heber, UT 84032

Unexpected — in all the best ways — is Ritual Chocolate in Heber, Utah. The chocolate’s wrapping itself radiates luxury, and that’s just what you get when you bite into one of their delectable bean-to-bar chocolates. It is premium quality, ethically-sourced chocolate that pays true homage to cacao’s roots. They named it Ritual specifically for that reason, to honor and appreciate the sacred cacao rituals and ceremonies of the Mayans, Aztecs and Olmecs. Visit their location and get a public factory tour, or better yet, reserve a private tour where you’ll get a full tasting experience, see their entire chocolate making process and learn about partner farms. Just make sure you’re ready to consume lots of delicious chocolate.

New & Noteworthy: The Napa of Utah

Dendric Estate Cider

2617 N State Road 32, Kamas, UT 84036

A truly unique experience is the new cidery, Dendric Estate in Kamas, Utah. It’s one of the driest ciders around, with no residual sugars making it more similar to a sparkling wine than a cider. One-of-a-kind, bold and bone dry — this is a flavor that redefines cider. Visit their 20-acre mountain property, stroll through the massive orchards and snag a bottle of cider to take away at their shop. You can also get a peek into their production process, learn about their founding story and how they perfected their unique flavor from deep knowledge of the land. Local founders, Brendan and Carly Coyle, said “it’s about more than great flavor — it’s about creating something that speaks to the land we live on and the way we choose to live.”

Local Gems: The Midway Boutique Trail 

Midway — also known as the Switzerland of Utah for its Swiss-style architecture and alpine charm — is a unique, off-the-beaten path place to experience authentic local cuisine, boutique shopping and artisan goods. Stroll the quaint town through the Midway Boutique Trail, a walkable route showcasing the best of Midway’s local flavor and craftsmanship. Start at The Dainty Pear (152 W 100 N, Midway), grabbing some exceptional olive oils and vinegars, then indulge in some pastries made from scratch at Midway Bakery on Main (112 S Center St, Midway). Lastly, don’t miss the rich, handcrafted selections at Heber Valley Artisan Cheese (Read: Heber Eats), where you can take a dairy farm tour, or book an artisan cheese tasting (Pro tip: Check their event page to find unique events like cheesemaking classes and more).

The Dainty Pear

152 W 100 N, Midway, UT 84049

Midway Bakery on Main

112 S Center St, Midway, UT 84049

Heber Valley Artisan Cheese

920 River Rd, Midway, UT 84049

Farm-to-Table Artisans: The Slow Food Movement

At its core, the slow food movement is centered around good, clean and fair food. The movement sparked after a popular fast food chain restaurant opened near the Spanish Steps in Rome. Fast forward to today, more and more consumers are wanting to support local, preserve regional cuisines and understand how their food is sourced. Utah is booming with small grassroot vendors, farm-to-table experiences, and local growers. Like the Ballerina Farm Stand in Kamas where sustainable travel never looked so chic. Enjoy this tiny little stop gathering farm-fresh produce, dairy, and goods. You can even scoop an ice cream while you’re there! Or check out the Cooper Moose Farm and get a glimpse of Park City’s local food scene. Enjoy the fresh produce, cut flowers, or if you're lucky, snag a spot at their exclusive farm-to-table dinners (check their website for seasonality and availability).

Another local favorite, Red Bicycle Breadworks. Their company began with a red bicycle toting a small trailer behind it carrying artisan bread. The cheery bike sold small batches at a popular local farmers market, with a red sign saying “keep calm and bake on” flapping behind the bike. Now you can find their fresh baked bread inside The Market at Park City.

Ballerina Farm Stand

1476 W 200 S, Kamas, UT 84036

Copper Moose Farm

1285 Old Ranch Rd, Park City, UT 84098

Red Bicycle Breadworks

1500 Snow Creek Dr, Park City, UT 84060

Natural Highlights: Easy Hikes, Lakes and Hot Springs

If you’re a true food connoisseur, you know how important a good pairing is. Which is why we find that exceptional cuisine is always better paired with the beauty of nature. It’s what truly makes The Wasatch Back a one of a kind destination. Before you hit the farmsteads, boutique shopping, or craft spirits, why not take a morning SUP (stand up paddle board)? Check out the mellow Rockport Reservoir, or Echo Reservoir, for the perfect morning paddle. If that’s too adventurous for you, head to Jordanelle State Park and stroll the Perimeter Trail, or snag one of their day-use picnic tables and simply take in the view. 

Rockport Reservoir 

9040 UT-302, Peoa, UT 84061

Echo Reservoir

2115 Echo Dam Rd, Coalville, UT 84017

Jordanelle State Park

515 UT-319, Heber City, UT 84032

Deer Creek State Park

5566 UT-314, Wallsburg, UT 84082

Another enticing pairing, head to Deer Creek State Park to watch sunset after your day of local farm-fresh cuisine. Recount your best eats as you marvel at the lake reflecting the deep oranges and pinks painting the sky. 

The Provo River

Put-in for the float is typically near Lower Provo River Park Area.

If you’re looking for a little more liveliness, grab a tube and  float the Provo River. This easily accessible river float is beloved by all locals (typically runs May - September, be sure to research and make sure current river conditions are safe). 

The Crater at Homestead

700 Homestead Dr, Midway, UT 84049

Last, but certainly not least, is the rare standout, The Crater at Homestead. This 12,000 year old geo-thermal hot spring is a truly special experience as you’re engulfed in the circular dome limestone ceiling and 60-foot deep waters. What better way to unwind than in the magical, naturally-heated mineral water?

Whatever your preference, mix and match any of these nature offerings with the burgeoning Wasatch Back food scene and you’ll tap into a secret sauce of pure premier, boutique Utah travel. It is the perfect destination for anyone in search of sophisticated local flavors, paired with the most exquisite nature-adjacent activities. So what are you waiting for? Get your palates primed and head east to Utah’s Wasatch Back! After all, what’s better than enjoying some of the finer things in life? Bon appetit.