Torrey

About eight miles from Capitol Reef National Park, on State Route 24, is the tiny town of Torrey. When the Spanish-American War broke out, Torrey, a member of the Wyoming legislature, gained national attention by suggesting the formation of three volunteer cavalry regiments made up of stockmen and cowboys. The 1st Regiment, the only one to see action, was more commonly known as the Rough Riders; Torrey was promoted to colonel of the 2nd Regiment, the "Rocky Mountain Riders".

The community is rural and serene. Less than 200 people live in the truly tiny, tree-lined town of Torrey. Torrey is renowned for being the starting point for exploring the Capitol Reef National Park. It is a place where simple pleasures abound. With less than half as many visitors as Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah's less popular parks. It's a hidden treasure, crammed with canyons, craggy cliffs, and organic arches. At 6,800 feet above sea level, the region is a cool summer getaway where visitors can take advantage of unhurried lodging and a variety of regional eateries.

Few minutes from the town itself, the Thousand Lake Mountain offers a wealth of hiking, kayaking, and fishing opportunities with its rusty sandstone canyons and lush forests. Even though the peaceful, family-friendly town is sleepy, it also hosts the Cowboy Music and Poetry Festival, which brings visitors in the summer.