Torrey Utah

With a population of only two hundred and fifty two people (as of 2021), Torrey, Utah, is located just eight miles from Capitol Reef National Park. It is known for its tree lined main street and surrounding cliffs and meadows. It has an elevation of 6,800 feet, making the summer temperatures of 50-90 degrees F very enjoyable. During the winter, however, temperatures can range from 0-60 degrees F. It is in close proximity with Thousand Lakes Mountain and Boulder Mountain, offering beautiful scenery.

Originally established by Mormon settlers in the 1880s, Torrey has a lot of pioneer history. It still houses a historic pioneer era schoolhouse that has been preserved by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Built in 1898, the building was used as both a schoolhouse and LDS meeting house. Now, however, tourists can even stay overnight in the schoolhouse for a real pioneer experience.

Jay L. Torrey

In the 1880s, Torrey was originally known as Youngtown, after John William Young. It has also been known by the names Central, Poverty Flat and Bonite. However, once the town got to a post office, it became known as Torrey, after Jay L Torrey, a Colonel of the 2nd Regiment.

Gateway to Capitol Reef

Torrey has the largest amount of available tourist resources in Wayne County. It offers visitors lodging, cafes and restaurants and an information centre for visitors. Being just eight miles from Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey offers plenty of activities for tourists. These include hiking, canyoneering, climbing tours, mountain biking and dirt biking. All of these activities have guides available for tourist assistance.

Torrey offers close proximity to beautiful canyons, trails and parks. Tourists can enjoy stunning views, and a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and many more.

  • Capitol Reef National Park – located just eight miles from Torrey, Capitol Reef National Park offers tourists a variety of park activities including rock climbing, camping, backpacking, hiking and mountain biking. It gets its name from a 100 mile, reef resembling monocline called Waterpocket Fold.
  • Boulder Mountain – Boulder Mountain, the 11 foot wooded plateau, is part of the Dixie Forest. Tourists can hike, fish, camp and admire the stunning views of rock cliffs, tranquil lakes and canyons.
  • All American Road – highway 12, the only All-American road in Utah, offers scenic views of Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Torrey has three churches of different denominations – St Anthony of the Desert Mission, Grace Christian Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Torrey has come to be known as ‘the biggest little city in Wayne Country’. With its beautiful scenery, close proximity to canyons, trails and parks, and offering so much for tourists to experience, Torrey, Utah is quickly becoming a popular destination for tourists.

Keep Capitol Reef Country Forever Mighty

What is Forever Mighty? It’s practicing responsible travel while visiting Utah and Capitol Reef Country by following the principles of Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace.

Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, be considerate of others, support local business and honor community, history and heritage. Help us keep Utah and Capitol Reef Country’s outdoor recreation areas beautiful, healthy, and accessible.

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