Nestled In Utah's Wasatch Mountains Is A Perfect Little Suburban City With Ethereal Views And Outdoor Fun

Utah's rugged and beautiful Wasatch Range brims with endless options for exploring local culture, heritage, and the outdoors. Places like Sandy provide the ultimate base camp to see Utah's endless attractions and beauty, and in Salt Lake City, you can check out a quirky outdoor sanctuary and art space filled with curious sculptures. The Wasatch Range is not only one of the most picturesque series of peaks in the nation, but a place where nature is at its most beautiful, dramatic, and accessible! Whether you're one to hit the slopes at the very first opportunity in winter or you prefer striking out on the hiking trails in the summer, this area is hard to beat. And that's a good reason to add the small city of Mapleton to your itinerary the next time you're traveling along the Wasatch Front.

Mapleton is just 20 minutes from Provo, a little less than an hour to downtown Salt Lake City, and over an hour to Ogden, a charming mountain town full of history and art. The city currently has a population of around 14,500 residents and has seen a growth spurt in recent years, with 5.5% growth in 2024 alone. Nestled within a C-shaped ring of mountains, including the ruggedly gorgeous Spanish Fork Peak, Mapleton benefits from easy access to outdoor recreation while being conveniently close to major cultural and commercial hubs. It's also within close proximity to hidden mountain gems like Helper, Utah's underrated walkable city with a charming main street and an eclectic arts scene, which is only one hour southeast.

Mapleton hosts numerous community events throughout the year, like the Burn Bright gathering on New Year's Eve, during which visitors toss notes containing bad habits into a giant bonfire. Splash of Color is a family-friendly, one-day event in April that celebrates color returning after winter, featuring activities like a spray paint wall, paintball, and tie-dye. Bring a lawn chair and cozy up for concerts at Mapleton City Park in both the summer and winter, or pop by the weekly Mapleton Market on Monday evenings between July and September for fresh produce, local crafts, and more.

Directly east of Mapleton, you'll find ample ways to enjoy the Wasatch Mountains. Head to Maple Canyon and hike the easy, well-maintained trail for 2.3 miles to reach Whiting Campground. Situated within Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Whiting features primitive sites with paved parking areas. Some sites are first-come, first-served, and many are also reservable in advance. If you're in the mood to camp but are looking for family-friendly activities and a few more amenities, the Springville/Provo KOA is just 15 minutes north.

But let's get back to the hiking, because the opportunities don't end at Maple Canyon! For a slightly longer, moderately challenging hike, take the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail to its namesake destination in Diamond Fork Canyon. On sunny days, the pools glow bright blue, and you can also check out three waterfalls that tumble down the Fifth Water Creek. Start along this 4.6-mile out-and-back route from the trailhead along Diamond Fork Road, just around 50 minutes from central Mapleton. This segment of Diamond Fork Road is also where you can stop for a rest at Red Ledges Picnic Area or set up camp at Diamond Campground.

As a growing residential community, Mapleton features some great parks like Maple Grove Park, Mapleton City Park, and Wayne Bartholomew Family Park. Nearby in Spanish Fork, Adventure Heights is an all-abilities park designed to be accessible for everyone. The fun doesn't end when the warm weather does, though. Wintertime is when Utah's mountains really shine, and numerous ski resorts dot the Wasatch peaks north of Mapleton. The nearest ski resort to Mapleton is the famous and luxurious Sundance, with world-class skiing and Michelin Key-winning lodging. Near Sandy, you'll find fantastic ski resorts like Alta Ski Area, Solitude Mountain, and Snowbird, among others.

It's hard to beat settling in for some good grub after a great day spent outdoors. This area boasts a number of great restaurants and cafes, and what could be better than a doughy, wood-fired pizza pie? Stop by Mateo's Artisan Pizza for a unique local takeout experience. Choose from Italian classics like Margherita and pepperoni, or try the spicy "Diavola" — meaning "the devil" in Italian — or the sweet-and-savory Hawaiian. For more of a sit-down vibe, pop up the road to Springville, an "art city" brimming with unmatched scenery and charm, which is less than 10 minutes by car. Take a seat at local favorite Magleby's, which is located right off Main Street. This is the spot where charcuterie and shrimp cocktail appetizers meet comforting, Italian-style surf and turf.

When it comes to places to cozy up after a good meal, Mapleton is home to several well-appointed vacation rentals, or you can lay your head at Art City Inn in Springville. The charming, contemporary hotel revives an 1892 building in the town's historic district, and its 11 suites are all unique.