Rockville UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rockville, Utah.
1. Smithsonian Butte Back Country Byway
SCENIC DESERT DRIVE
Smithsonian Butte Back Country Byway offers travelers a breathtaking scenic drive through the desert landscape near Rockville. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding red rock formations and Zion National Park from various vantage points along the route. The byway provides a less crowded alternative to experience the natural beauty of the region.
2. Grafton Cemetery
HISTORIC PIONEER SITE
Grafton Cemetery stands as a solemn reminder of the pioneer history in the Rockville area. The historic burial ground contains graves dating back to the mid-1800s, telling stories of the hardships faced by early settlers. Visitors can walk among the weathered headstones and connect with the region's past in this peaceful setting.
3. Crimson Slot Canyon
DRAMATIC RED ROCK FORMATION
Crimson Slot Canyon near Rockville offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore narrow passageways carved by water through vibrant red sandstone. The winding canyon features dramatic lighting effects as sunbeams penetrate between the high walls, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Exploration tours often combine UTV rides with hiking for a comprehensive outdoor experience.
4. Peekaboo Slot Canyon
STUNNING NATURAL WONDER
Peekaboo Slot Canyon near Rockville features some of the most photogenic slot canyon passages in the region. The canyon's undulating walls display mesmerizing patterns of light and shadow as sunlight filters through the narrow openings above. Visitors typically access this natural wonder through guided tours that combine UTV rides with moderate hiking.
5. Zion National Park
MAJESTIC CANYON WONDERLAND
Zion National Park stands as one of the Southwest's most spectacular natural treasures just minutes from Rockville. The park features soaring sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the magnificent Zion Canyon carved by the Virgin River over millions of years. Visitors can explore popular trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows or simply marvel at the breathtaking scenery from numerous viewpoints throughout the park.
6. Angels Landing Trail
THRILLING ELEVATED HIKE
Angels Landing Trail offers one of the most exhilarating hiking experiences in Zion National Park near Rockville. The trail climbs to a precarious ridge with chain-assisted sections where hikers navigate narrow pathways with dramatic dropoffs on both sides. Those who complete the challenging ascent are rewarded with unparalleled 360-degree views of Zion Canyon from the 1,488-foot summit.
7. Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
ENGINEERING MARVEL HIGHWAY
Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel serves as a spectacular gateway to Zion National Park near Rockville. The 1.1-mile tunnel, completed in 1930, was carved through solid sandstone and features windows that provide brief glimpses of the canyon landscape. Larger vehicles require special traffic control measures to pass through this single-lane engineering marvel that connects the park to destinations eastward.
8. Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon
SOUTHWESTERN CULINARY DESTINATION
Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon offers visitors to the Rockville area a taste of Southwestern cuisine in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves up favorites like enchiladas, tacos, and mesquite-grilled specialties alongside craft beers and margaritas. After a day of exploring nearby attractions, guests can relax on the outdoor patio with views of the surrounding red rock landscapes.
9. Zion Outfitter
ADVENTURE GEAR HEADQUARTERS
Zion Outfitter provides essential outdoor equipment and services for visitors exploring the Rockville and Zion National Park area. The shop offers gear rentals for The Narrows hike, including specialized canyon shoes, neoprene socks, and walking sticks for navigating the Virgin River. Customers can also browse a wide selection of hiking apparel, equipment, and local souvenirs to enhance their outdoor adventures.
10. Grafton Ghost Town
PRESERVED PIONEER SETTLEMENT
Grafton Ghost Town stands as a well-preserved remnant of Mormon pioneer life near Rockville, featuring several restored buildings including a schoolhouse, homes, and barns. The abandoned settlement, established in 1859, gained fame when it appeared in the classic film 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.' Visitors can walk among the historic structures and imagine the challenges faced by early settlers attempting to establish a community in this harsh desert environment.
11. Oscar's Cafe
LOCAL FLAVOR HOTSPOT
Oscar's Cafe serves up hearty American and Mexican-inspired cuisine to hungry travelers visiting the Rockville area. The casual eatery is known for generous portions of burgers, sandwiches, and southwestern specialties that fuel hikers before or after their adventures in Zion. Guests particularly enjoy the restaurant's relaxed patio seating where they can savor their meals while taking in views of the surrounding red rock scenery.
12. Zion Canyon Village
GATEWAY SHOPPING CENTER
Zion Canyon Village offers a convenient collection of shops, restaurants, and services at the entrance to Zion National Park near Rockville. The complex houses the Zion Canyon Theater with its giant-screen nature films, as well as various boutiques selling local art, jewelry, and outdoor gear. Visitors can handle all their pre-adventure needs in one location, from groceries and dining to souvenirs and park information.
13. Canyon Overlook Trail
ACCESSIBLE PANORAMIC VIEWS
Canyon Overlook Trail provides a relatively easy hiking experience with spectacular rewards just minutes from Rockville. The one-mile round-trip path leads to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon, the winding road below, and the massive sandstone formations that make the park famous. This family-friendly trail offers some of the most impressive vistas in Zion National Park without requiring the strenuous climbing of other popular hikes.
14. Deep Creek Coffee Co.
ARTISAN CAFFEINE STOP
Deep Creek Coffee Co. serves as a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors exploring the Rockville and Zion National Park area. The cafe offers expertly crafted espresso drinks, smoothies, and light breakfast and lunch options in a cozy, artistic atmosphere. Guests can fuel up for their adventures while enjoying the shop's outdoor patio with views of the towering red rock formations that define the region.
15. The Narrows
ICONIC RIVER CANYON TREK
The Narrows invites adventurous hikers to wade through the Virgin River as it flows between towering canyon walls reaching up to 1,000 feet high near Rockville. This world-famous slot canyon hike takes visitors through sections where the river spans the entire canyon floor, with sheer walls sometimes only 20-30 feet apart. The play of light on the colorful sandstone, the cool flowing water, and the unique perspective of looking up from within the canyon create an unforgettable hiking experience.