The San Rafael Swell, located in south-central Utah, is the place to go for a breathtaking experience without being overwhelmed by tourists.
The scenery of this place gives Canyonlands National Park a run for its money with its enormous expanse of sandstone cliffs, mesas, washes, and slot canyons.
For a first visit, I recommend the easy-to-reach Wedge Overlook, known as “Utah’s Little Grand Canyon,” where the San Rafael River has carved a rust-colored gorge through the desert.
Even though I love how quiet it is, the solitude comes with a tradeoff. Services are limited, some roads are rough, and cell service can be spotty. To be extra cautious, I tell first-time visitors to fill their gas tank beforehand, carry more water than they expect to drink, and check the weather forecast before leaving.
