Location: Blanding
Top Things to do in Blanding
The 9 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Blanding, Utah (UT)
Blanding is a city in San Juan County, Utah, United States. The population was 3,375 at the 2010 census, making it the most populated city in San Juan County. It was settled in the late 19th century by Mormon settlers, predominantly from the famed Hole-In-The-Rock expedition. Economic contributors include mineral processing, mining, agriculture, local commerce, tourism, and transportation.
Restaurants in Blanding
1. The Edge of the Cedars State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Informative displays on the history of the region.
Reviewed By paulsY5534PS
I am old enough to remember when this park was on a little dirt road out of town. Now the road is paved and the museum sits in a residential neighborhood as the edge of Blanding has reached the Edge of the Cedars. That doesn't change the ruins, which were there long before Blanding, or the quality of the collections and displays. It puts Anasazi state park (across the Waterpocket Fold in Boulder) to shame. Also, they actually allow you to climb into a kiva here which is always fun for kids and adults too. There are a couple of videos you can watch if you have time, a good sized gift shop, flush restrooms, and two floors of exhibits. Everything except the kiva (wood ladder) is accessible so everyone can enjoy it. The friendly staff can answer your questions and give you directions and information on other archaeological sites nearby.
2. Natural Bridges National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 851 reviews
The natural bridges in this remote area are best visited on a nine-mile, one-way loop road.
Reviewed By mjsuss50
I really enjoyed this place. I took two hikes, the first was to Sipapu Bridge, a spectacular trail with some steep and rocky places, a few ladders and also some stairs. Great scenery on the way and magnificent at the Bridge itself. Then I walked on a much shorter and easier trail to the delicate Owachomo Bridge. I recommend seeing these places.
3. Goosenecks State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 653 reviews
Reviewed By The_Travel_Family123 - Las Vegas, United States
Just wow, camped here for $10 amazing experience to be able to sit on the edge, we just stumbled across this place while driving through mexican hat. Amazing.
4. The Dinosaur Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
5. Utah State Route 95
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By ccindyk48 - Westville, United States
We came up from Moki Dugway (Hwy 261) & visited Natural Bridges NM first. Then, we took Hwy 95 to Blanding. Great scenery! Lots of pulloffs for photo ops. Don't miss Roadside Kiva or Butler Wash Ruins.
6. Blanding Visitor's Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Seaside590093
The Blanding Visitor's Center was one of the best things to happen to us as we travelled through Southern Utah this past summer while visiting the many beautifyl National Parks. IT is head and shoulders above other visitor centers - with powerful wifi, a comfortable relaxation room for connecting and catching up with the outside world, and some great advice for things to do, places to see, eateries, etc. The friendly staff saved us gas money with their up-to-date information on the entry status of the Navajo Reservation and a scenic short cut into Canyonlands park. We also found Blanding to have the best gas prices in the region. Don't go through Blanding without stopping! We returned several times.
7. Mule Canyon Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Bigredmachine - Salt Lake City, United States
About 1/2 mile east of the Mule Canyon roadside Ruins, is the turnoff for the Mule Canyon Hiking Trailhead which is located at mile marker 102. There are no signs, just a graded dirt road going north. About 1/3 mile north on this graded dirt road, you will come to the Trailhead. Parking is just on the side of the road. This Trailhead will take you to one of the most famous of the Cedar Mesa Puebloan ruins commonly called the “House on Fire” ruins. This is a 1 to 1 1/2 mile hike each way depending on how many ruin sites you want to see(there are many other ruins along Mule Canyon). This is an easy to moderate hike. The steepest part is where the trail drops quickly into the canyon. After that, the trail is mostly flat, following the dry stream bed. The House of Fire Ruins gets its name from unique markings on the roof look like flames in the orange reflected light of the native rock. You should be able to see the orange flames at anytime of day, but they show up better in the morning and at dusk. Look for the handprint pictographs high on the wall in the passageway to the left of the ruins.
8. Butler Wash Archeological Ruin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By gogotom - Portland, United States
It's a short hike from the parking lot to the viewpoint of the ruins. It is well worth the trip. You don't get to climb in the ruins, but you get a good view. Bring binoculars
