Foodie Journey
This six-day itinerary is fit for foodies, and it's the only one where you might come back heavier than you started.
In a place that’s known for its red rock landscape, it’s incredible that local chefs can coax such a feast of fresh food from the desert. This itinerary is fit for foodies — be warned you might come back weighing more than when you started.
You’ll visit Moab, where you can marvel at the desert’s bounty at the robust farmers' market and enjoy canyon views through your wine glass full of a locally-produced vintage. On the road to Capitol Reef National Park, you can awaken to a farm-fresh breakfast, dine riverside, and then savor salads grown in the desert sun and picked fresh just for you.
Imagine what it was like to farm over 100 years ago at Gifford Homestead, an oasis set among sandstone cliffs. Then gorge yourself at Hell’s Backbone Grill, where almost every single thing on the menu is grown locally. Around Torrey you can find eclectic locally harvested fare like free range rattlesnake.
In Boulder, Cedar City and St. George, you’ll find more unique options including southwestern flavors, big city pizza and Kansas City-style barbeque.
Cap off your trip in Salt Lake City, where you could spend another full week trying to taste everything.
When to Go?
During harvest season (August – October), you can hit all three markets listed by starting on a Thursday in Moab. Check restaurants in advance for any seasonal closures between November – March.
Moab to Capitol Reef
160 Miles
Depending on what time you get started, Tamarisk in Green River serves up a great breakfast or lunch. Mesa Farm Market is the local farmer of your dreams, and it offers CSAs to locals and homestead-style meals to foodie travelers. Finish the day with a slice of homemade pie at Gifford Homestead in Capitol Reef National Park. Overnight in Torrey
Torrey to Boulder
40 Miles
Torrey is a delightful town with an eclectic and tasty food scene to wake you up for the scenic road trip ahead: The All-American Road Scenic Byway 12. You’ll hit 9,000 feet as you climb over Boulder Mountain. Stop at the overlook that peers back into the red rock wonderland of Capitol Reef. But don’t linger too long. You’ll want to hit the Saturday Boulder Community Market, if you’ve timed your trip for it. If not, no worries. You’ll get the very best in truly local cuisine at Hell’s Backbone Grill and you can check out local arts and crafts at the Burr Trail Trading Post. Overnight in Boulder
Boulder to Bryce Canyon
80 Miles
Start the day at the Burr Trail Outpost. A cup of organic, shade-grown coffee and a homemade pastry will get you ready for the harrowing drive down the Hogsback stretch of Highway 12. There are lots of opportunities to stop and stretch along the way, or continue along to the quaint community of Tropic, which has some culinary treats in store. Bryce Canyon National Park gets busy in the summer, but if you can get a table at the Bryce Canyon Lodge inside the park, you’ll be treated to a surprisingly thoughtful menu with local ingredients sprinkled throughout. Overnight in Bryce Canyon City or Panguitch
Panguitch to Cedar City
175 Miles
Today explores the best dining of southwestern Utah, from the Western-inspired dining of historic Panguitch to the rising dining scenes of St. George and Cedar City. Throughout this region there are infinite options for hiking and exploration. Take the S.R. 9 through Zion National Park and eat in Springdale or see the Cedar Breaks National Monument and stop in at Brian Head Resort. Overnight in Cedar City (if your timing is right, catch a Shakespeare performance!)
Return to Salt Lake City
250 Miles
On your way back to Salt Lake City, keep this journey of the southwestern palate going by stopping at Black Sheep Cafe in Provo. Once back in Salt Lake City, you'll have the capital city’s full range of urban eateries to put a culinary exclamation point on this trip.
Other Experiences
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Artisan Cheese in Red Rock Country
Two decades ago, Randy Ramsley traded his Dockers-and-tie city job for a 50 acre plot of land that he called a “Garden of Weedin” and the dream of establishing a sustainable farmstead. Now travelers from all over the globe know the small market and counter-service restaurant at Mesa Farm as a refreshing “must-do” respite seemingly plunked in the middle of nowhere on Highway 24 east of Capitol Reef National Park.
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Six Utah Artisan Cheeses to Try Now
Taste delicious hand-crafted Beehive Cheese from Utah dairies at farmers markets, restaurants and specialty shops. Visit Utah and find your favorite artisanal cheese.
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Urban Vibe and Funeral Potatoes
For fun places to eat in Salt Lake City find the Garage on Beck. Check out the vintage artifacts, the fresh food (funeral potatoes) and the fine live music.
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Utah's Rum Underdogs
Utah distilleries are becoming very popular. Distillery 36 is rising to the top of the list. Drink in their story and then let’s toast with Brigham agricole rum!
