Uniquely Utah: Three Unusual Natural Wonders
Great Family Adventures in Utah
Utah, a land of unique and unparalleled natural beauty, boasts an abundance of wonders waiting to be explored. While iconic attractions like canyons, arches, and historical sites draw visitors from around the globe, a trove of lesser-known marvels offers a more intimate and authentic experience of the state’s diverse landscapes. Despite the spotlight on renowned destinations, Utah’s hidden gems beckon with their pristine allure and untouched splendor. As tourist dollars continue to bolster Utah’s economy, surpassing a staggering 8.1 billion, it’s evident that the allure of the state’s natural wonders remains as strong as ever. We previously wrote an article detailing the breakdown of tourism in Utah. Yet, amid the clamor for popular sights, the overlooked treasures often hold the most enchantment. Here, we unveil three off-the-beaten-path natural wonders that promise to captivate and inspire those who venture beyond the tourist trails.
The Lace Curtain
As a result of volcanic activity, The Lace Curtain is located on the north side of the Pahvant Butte and is most easily accessed from Fillmore. It’s a great reason to get the ATVs out. According to a sign at the Lace Curtain’s base, this magnificent cliff formed when the butte erupted from the former Lake Bonneville. On the other sides of the butte are wave-action carved terraced benches. On the north side, more intense waves cut this massive vertical cliff. Minerals in the groundwater then cemented the cinder cone’s tuff, an ongoing process. In places, muddy material has washed down the face of the cliff like frosting dripping down the sides of a cake. Those “drips” protect the rock from immediate erosion, while areas in between weather out as small cavities and caverns, leaving an intricate “lacey.” effect. These small places have become favorite nesting places for birds.
Starving? Try This Place
In the heart of Fillmore, Utah, Cluff’s Carhop and Cafe is a beloved institution, offering a nostalgic dining experience that harkens back to a bygone era. As you pull up to its iconic carhop stalls or step inside its cozy interior, you’re transported to a time when roadside diners epitomized American culinary culture. At Cluff’s, classic comfort food reigns supreme, with juicy burgers, crispy fries, and creamy milkshakes satisfying cravings with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying a quick meal on the go or savoring a leisurely dine-in experience, Cluff’s Carhop and Cafe captures the essence of Fillmore’s warm hospitality and timeless charm, making it a favorite destination for locals and travelers alike.
The Many Faces of Pando
The term “Pando” proliferates with multiple meanings and interpretations in the vast expanse of the digital realm. A mere search on the internet reveals diverse associations: Pando emerges as a catalyst for organizational enhancement, a conduit for communal amusement in the form of party games, and a facilitator of seamless communication within healthcare networks. Yet, the scope of Pando’s identity transcends the boundaries of industry and recreation, extending even to the realm of leisure with its manifestation as a camp trailer. Furthermore, Pando assumes yet another guise in the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape, embodying innovation and connectivity as a telecommunications company. Within this rich tapestry of interpretations, the essence of Pando is woven with threads of versatility and adaptability, encapsulating a myriad of roles and functionalities across diverse domains.
Utah’s Pando
Pando can be many things, but if we narrow the scope to focus on our outdoor environment, it will be the most giant tree in the world. When the Pando clones were discovered, scientists gave them Latin names that meant “I spread.” Pando is an aspen clone that originated from a single seed and spread by sending up new shoots from the expanding root system. Pando is believed to be the largest, most dense organism ever found. Weighing nearly 13 million pounds, the clone spreads over 106 acres, consisting of over 40,000 individual trees. Some of the trees are over 130 years old. Researchers first recognized it in the 1970s. Its massive size, weight, and age have caused worldwide fame. Located in central Utah in the Fish Lake National Forest, Pando is approximately one-mile southwest of Fish Lake on State Highway 25. The highway cuts right through Pando’s middle. Interestingly, the quaking aspen replaced the Colorado blue spruce as the Utah State Tree in 2014. A summer breeze causes the leaves to “quake,” a characteristic that sets this tree apart from others in the forest. I love to ride forest trails through aspen stands in the summer and fall when the leaves turn yellow and red. Later in the year, these leaves drop like gold coins on the trails to be stirred up in passing. The aspen plays a role in making Utah outdoors so great.
A Unique Place To Recharge
45 minutes southwest of Fish Lake is Torrey, Utah, and the unique Etta Place Cidery & Taproom. Set against the backdrop of towering red rock cliffs and expansive desert vistas, this inviting establishment offers a refreshing oasis for locals and travelers alike. This orchard-based cidery beckons visitors with its rustic charm and artisanal craftsmanship. Step inside and be greeted by the inviting aroma of handcrafted ciders, meticulously brewed using locally sourced apples and infused with innovative flavors that tantalize the palate. The Bar Snacks are five star-worthy. Whether sipping on a crisp, dry cider or exploring a flight of unique seasonal blends, each sip at Etta Place Cidery & Taproom is a journey of taste and discovery. With its cozy ambiance and commitment to quality, this hidden gem embodies the spirit of Torrey’s vibrant community, inviting guests to unwind, indulge, and savor the flavors of the Utah desert.
The Crystal Geyser
A cold-water geyser located on the east side of the banks of the Green River 10 miles south of the town of Green River on I-70, called Crystal Geyser, is natural and artificial. Sometimes referred to as a “Soda Pop Geyser,” Crystal Geyser results from an oil drilling exposition in 1935. Drilling began on an exploratory oil well, Ruby No. 1, and by November of that year, it was reported that a significant water flow had been encountered. In January, at a depth of 360 feet, a pocket of CO2 gas was hit, blowing one hundred-five pounds of drilling mud 60 feet out of the ground. The well was abandoned after reaching a depth of 2,627 feet, leaving a geyser that quickly attracted regional attention. This new geyser spouted an 80-foot column of water into the air at regular intervals of about 15 minutes and a 150-foot spout every 90 Minutes. The geyser has calmed down recently, and eruptions have become more frequent. However, it was reported that the wet spring of 2024 has increased its activity. I have been to the Crystal Geyser, and even though I have not witnessed an eruption, I have looked down through the top of the pipe and have seen the effervescent water bubbling up and down. There is enough of a flow emitted to send water cascading over the colorful terraced travertine surface down into the Green River.
You’ve Got To Eat Tho
On the shores of the mighty Green River, just a couple miles off I-70, Tamarisk Restaurant offers tasty dishes ranging from burgers and salads to regional favorites like Navajo Fry Bread and huevos rancheros. The family-friendly restaurant has been a staple in the area since 1979 and is large enough to accommodate tour groups. The Tamarisk is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can stop here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and either start or finish your day here (there is plenty to do in the area and several overnight options in Green River). While eating, you might spot boaters and rafters floating by on the river, and if you’re lucky enough to settle in just before sunset, you will see a fantastic spectacle of colors in the sky as the sun goes down.
Utah’s breathtaking landscape boasts an array of natural and semi-natural wonders that beckon adventurers to immerse themselves in its grandeur. These three natural and semi-natural wonders give reason to explore Utah’s great outdoors. Amidst the hustle and bustle of popular attractions, a serene escape awaits within three hidden gems, each offering a tranquil sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature’s embrace. These captivating destinations invite exploration, promising an unforgettable journey to revel in the untouched beauty of Utah’s great outdoors, far from the crowds and noise of more frequented sites.