Santaquin Travel Guide

Explore Santaquin, a city in Utah, with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking routes, food scene, and cultural information.


Introduction to Santaquin

Located in the Wasatch Range of Utah, Santaquin is a small city known for its rural charm and stunning natural beauty. From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, Santaquin offers a range of experiences for visitors. In this travel guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, hike, eat, and stay, as well as provide valuable cultural and safety information.

List of Places to Visit in Santaquin

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Santaquin City Hall and Pioneer Museum: Explore the history of Santaquin and the pioneers who once called it home at this must-visit museum.
  • Goshen Historic District: Take a stroll among historic buildings dating back to the 1800s, including a schoolhouse, church, and log cabins.
  • Spring Lake Cemetery: Pay your respects to early settlers buried at this beautiful and peaceful cemetery.

Natural Attractions of Santaquin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Santaquin Canyon: This majestic canyon offers breathtaking views, a refreshing waterfall, and challenging hiking and climbing routes.
  • Bald Mountain Scenic Area: Take a scenic drive or hike to the summit of Bald Mountain for panoramic views of the Wasatch Range and surrounding valleys.
  • Payson Lakes: A series of six connected lakes surrounded by towering trees, this spot is perfect for fishing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santaquin

  • Loafer Mountain Trail: A popular hike with locals, this moderate hiking trail offers stunning views of the valley below.
  • Santaquin Summit Trail: This trail leads to the summit of Santaquin Peak, the highest point in the Wasatch Range’s southern section, with spectacular views of the surrounding area.
  • Grotto Trail: This short, family-friendly hike leads to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole.

Best Things to Do in Santaquin: Activities and Tours

  • Santaquin Orchard: Visit this fruit orchard to pick your own apples, peaches, and other seasonal fruits.
  • Wagon Land Adventure: Enjoy a western-themed adventure with horse-drawn wagon rides, campfire dinners, and live entertainment.
  • Skydive the Wasatch: For thrill-seekers, experience the rush of skydiving with a tandem jump over Utah’s stunning landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santaquin

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Santaquin Canyon and hike to the waterfall
Day 2 Visit Santaquin Orchard and enjoy a picnic lunch
Day 3 Take a scenic drive to Payson Lakes and enjoy a day of fishing and paddling
Day 4 Discover the history of Santaquin at the Pioneer Museum and Goshen Historic District
Day 5 Journey to Bald Mountain Scenic Area and take a challenging hike or relax with a picnic and enjoy the views
Day 6 Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding forests with a horse-drawn wagon ride at Wagon Land Adventure
Day 7 Take to the skies with Skydive the Wasatch for the ultimate adventure

Food and Drink Scene of Santaquin

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cherry Hill Farms Peaches: A local favorite, these peaches are harvested in mid-summer and are a must-try.
  • Country-style Breakfast at Denny’s: Perfect for a morning pick-me-up, enjoy a hearty breakfast with eggs, bacon, and hash browns.
  • BBQ at Cowboys Smokehouse Grill: This western-themed restaurant offers a variety of BBQ dishes, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.

Local Beverages

  • Utah Craft Beer at Hoppers Grill and Brewing Co.: Enjoy a flight of locally brewed beer with food and live entertainment.
  • Santaquin Peach Days: Held during the second week of September, this annual festival celebrates the local peach harvest with live music, games, and, of course, peach-centric treats.

Where to Stay in Santaquin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Quality Inn: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities, including a fitness center and swimming pool.
  • Santaquin Inn: A no-frills budget motel offering clean and cozy rooms.
  • Private Mountain Cabin: Enjoy the serenity and beauty of the surrounding nature with a stay in a private mountain cabin.

What to Buy in Santaquin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Peach-Derived Products: Bring a bit of the local flavor home with homemade jams, jellies, and even salsas made from Santaquin’s famous peaches.
  • Handmade Crafts at Santaquin Christmas Craft Fair: Held annually in November, this festival offers handmade crafts, ornaments, and other gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Santaquin

Santaquin is a predominantly Christian community, with various faiths represented. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, including modest attire at religious sites and events. The city celebrates Peach Days every year, a festival dedicated to the local peach harvest, featuring live music, games, and plenty of peach-centric dishes.

Best Time to Visit Santaquin

The best time to visit Santaquin is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, visitors willing to brave colder temperatures will be rewarded with stunning fall foliage in September and October. The Santaquin Peach Days festival takes place during the second week of September, making it a popular time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santaquin

Do:

  • Respect local customs and dress appropriately for religious sites and events.
  • Take advantage of the many hiking trails and natural attractions throughout the city.
  • Try the local peach-based cuisine and fresh fruit from one of the city’s numerous orchards.

Don’t:

  • Assume that all locals share the same religious or political views.
  • Litter or otherwise damage the natural environment surrounding the city.
  • Neglect to tip when dining out or enjoying other local services.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santaquin

  • Stay safe while hiking by wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, bringing plenty of water, and staying on marked trails.
  • While Santaquin is generally considered a safe city, taking basic precautions against theft and personal safety is recommended.

Health in Santaquin

  • Visitors should take precautions against the high altitude and dry climate, including staying hydrated and using sunscreen.
  • There are several medical facilities in and near Santaquin, ensuring easy access to medical attention if needed.

Getting to Santaquin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santaquin

  • Salt Lake International Airport is the nearest major airport, located approximately 70 miles north of Santaquin.
  • Provo Municipal Airport is a smaller airport located approximately 20 miles east of the city.

Bus Stations Near Santaquin

  • The Greyhound bus station in Salt Lake City offers service to and from Santaquin.
  • The Provo bus station, located approximately 20 miles east of Santaquin, also offers service to the city.

Other Options

  • Several car rental agencies serve the Utah area.
  • Private shuttle services and taxis are available for transportation within the city.

How to Get Around in Santaquin

Car rentals are available for those who prefer independent travel, while taxis and shuttle services can help to get around within the city. Walking and biking are also popular options for visitors who want to explore the downtown area.

Where to Go Next from Santaquin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Provo: Located approximately 20 miles east of Santaquin, Provo is home to Brigham Young University, the Utah Lake State Park, and numerous cultural and outdoor attractions.
  • Sundance: Famous for its ski resort, this picturesque town is just 30 miles northeast of Santaquin and offers outdoor activities year-round.
  • Salt Lake City: Utah’s largest city, Salt Lake City is located 70 miles north of Santaquin and offers a rich cultural scene, historic landmarks, and stunning mountain views.

Conclusion

Santaquin’s natural beauty, charming historic district, and delicious local cuisine make it a must-visit destination for travelers to Utah. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply relaxing in a tranquil mountain setting, Santaquin has something to offer for everyone.

Santaquin Chieftain Museum housed in the old Central School Santaquin Chieftain Museum housed in the old Central School