Hatch, in Southern Utah, is the quaint, peaceful place you’re looking for.
One of the big benefits of going on vacation is that you get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and be someone new. You get to try new things and explore different places, all while relaxing and finding new passions that you might not normally see yourself doing.
Next on our list after Antimony, Utah, you can find Hatch — a small town settled by Mormon pioneers in 1872 at the junction of Mammoth Creek and the Sevier River. Not too long after its establishment, the town increased in population to 100 residents in 1800 and hasn’t increased by much since then. Today, there are approximately 127 people living there. So why come to Hatch, Utah?
Picture this.
You’re driving Scenic Highway 89, also known as Utah’s Heritage Highway, you turn right into “Hatchtown” as one of the town’s historic nicknames would say. You roll down the windows to inhale the fresh summer air and realize that this is the perfect town, away from the crowds, to park the car and create a home base for the duration of your vacation.
Hatch, Utah has many hotels, motels, RV parks and campgrounds for comfortable accommodations. If you have a large group, you can rent a house that sleeps anywhere from eight up to 40 people! Nothing beats waking up to the red rock views in this beautiful countryside.
Depending on arrival time, visitors find that Hatch’s most striking feature is the spectacular view of the sunset when the sun shines on the cliffs of Paunsaugaunt Plateau in Dixie National Forest. The plateau dominates the eastern side of the valley and is an ideal destination for hiking and breathtaking views.
A short distance from the town is Mammoth Cave, one of Utah’s largest lava tubes. Just east of Duck Creek Village on State Road 14, turn left onto Forest Road 067. Drive five miles and turn right onto Forest Road 064. After about one mile, turn left and you’ll find the sign for the caves.
Mammoth Cave is fun for families to explore, with over 2,200 feet of passages in the summer months. Believed to be from lava that is several thousand years old, this area is some of the youngest in geologic terms. Upon first glance, you’ll think it’s just a big hole in the ground, but it’s not! Stop to take a closer look. What starts as a big hole, ends in a smaller exit that might cause you to crawl out on your belly. If you are claustrophobic, you can turn around and exit the way you came.
In town, you can visit the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum. Schedule an appointment ahead of time to see a three-room schoolhouse that was erected in 1939. Admission is free along with an educational experience of the rich history of the area and the people who used to reside there.
If fishing is something you’re interested in, nearby Sevier River offers some of the best fishing in the area. ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking and mountain biking are also great activities while staying in Hatch.
Use Hatch as Your Home Base
To branch out from the local attractions, Hatch, Utah is the perfect location to make camp while you adventure throughout Bryce Canyon Country. As you continue on your road trip on Utah’s Heritage Highway 89, you’ll soon find yourself passing Red Canyon to arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park. In addition to this national park, Hatch is close to Zion National Park, Dixie National Forest, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and two state parks in the area. There’s so much to discover, it’s hard to decide where to start!
So, if you find yourself wondering where to stay, Hatch is the place for you.
It’s all About the Food
But wait, we know what you’re thinking. What about the food?
Food is one of the most important parts of a vacation, and Hatch has several options for dining including a unique 50s-style Galaxy Diner. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Galaxy Diner provides a hearty meal that will make you feel like you’re home. Eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy for breakfast, a classic burger for lunch and even fish and chips for dinner, what could be better?
At the end of the day, if you are looking to wind down with alcoholic beverages, The Outlaw Saloon, a Western Bar and Grill, is new to the area and is one of the only, if not the only, full-service bars in the area. Open from May to October from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. daily (except Tuesdays) you’ll find drinks, as well as steaks and other delectable foods to make you feel right at home in the Wild West.
Designate Hatch, Utah as your home base next time you’re in town. Don’t forget to share your adventures on social media by tagging @brycecanyoncountry and using the hashtag #BryceandBeyond.
