Jace Lamonica
The Colorado Plateau, spanning Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, is a vast expanse known for its rugged landscapes and remote communities. Amidst its canyons, mesas, and deserts lie towns that have preserved their seclusion, offering a glimpse into a life intertwined with nature and history. Here are ten such secluded towns, each with its unique charm and story.
Bluff, Utah
In 1880, Mormon settlers reached Bluff after an agonizing journey through the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail. They built homes along the San Juan River, hoping for prosperity. Today, Bluff remains a quiet refuge, where visitors walk among pioneer cabins and hear echoes of perseverance in the desert wind.
Torrey, Utah
At the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey offers a serene escape with tree-lined streets and sandstone buildings. Founded in the late 19th century, the town of 200 serves as a base for exploring Capitol Reef’s hidden valleys, while its art scene and local eateries add to its small-town charm.
Escalante, Utah
Dry winds whisper through juniper and sagebrush in Escalante, a town surrounded by sculpted rock formations and canyons. Here, dawn and dusk transform the desert into a mesmerizing canvas of oranges, purples, and golds. A place where the wilderness reigns, Escalante’s silence carries the weight of time.
Marble Canyon, Arizona
Marble Canyon is an isolated outpost where the Colorado River carves through sheer rock walls. Home to the historic Navajo Bridge, it serves as a gateway to the Grand Canyon’s lesser-visited North Rim. With breathtaking scenery and minimal crowds, it’s a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts, as well as solitude seekers.
Mexican Hat, Utah
Named after a rock formation resembling a sombrero, Mexican Hat is a tiny community along the San Juan River. With about 30 residents, this outpost offers access to Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park. Its remote location and sparse amenities make it a true getaway for solitude seekers.
Hanksville, Utah
Hanksville’s remote setting in Wayne County makes it a gateway to Mars-like terrains. With fewer than 300 residents, the town lies near the Mars Desert Research Station. Surrounded by the Henry Mountains and the vast San Rafael Swell, Hanksville offers geological wonders, starry night skies, and boundless solitude.
Chinle, Arizona
For centuries, the Diné people have called Chinle home, living in harmony with the land. Towering cliffs of Canyon de Chelly shelter ancient dwellings, reminders of past civilizations. Here, stories of the Navajo Nation echo through canyon walls, carried by the wind. Beneath Spider Rock, history whispers through stone.
La Sal, Utah
Tucked beneath the La Sal Mountains, this unincorporated community offers a tranquil retreat for mountain solitude seekers. With a sparse population, it provides access to alpine forests, meadows, and trails. Its distance from major highways enhances its remoteness, making it ideal for introspection and deep nature immersion.
Monticello, Utah
Monticello’s quiet streets lead to the Abajo Mountains, where pioneers sought refuge from the harsh desert. A town shaped by miners, ranchers, and dreamers, its seclusion remains its greatest treasure. Here, the air is crisp, the stars shine bright, and the past feels just within reach.
Boulder, Utah
One of Utah’s most isolated towns, Boulder was the last in the continental U.S. to receive a paved road. Surrounded by Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, it retains its frontier spirit. With organic farms, historic lodges, and breathtaking scenery, Boulder is a quiet haven for those embracing solitude.
