Rush Valley UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rush Valley, Utah.
1. Pony Express Station
HISTORIC POSTAL LANDMARK
The Pony Express Station in Rush Valley holds the distinction of being the very first Pony Express station in the region. This historic landmark is located along Faust Road, which follows the original Pony Express Trail running west from Utah County. Visitors can explore this significant piece of local history that represents an important chapter in America's westward expansion.
2. Ophir Historic District
PRESERVED MINING TOWN
Ophir Historic District preserves the remnants of a once-thriving mining community near Rush Valley. Visitors can walk through the historic streets and view well-preserved structures that tell the story of Utah's mining heritage. The district offers a glimpse into the past with its historic buildings and mining artifacts.
3. Crystal Float Spa
RELAXATION AND WELLNESS
Crystal Float Spa provides visitors with a rejuvenating wellness experience in the Rush Valley area. The spa specializes in float therapy, allowing guests to experience weightlessness in specially designed sensory deprivation tanks. With a 4.6 rating, it's considered one of the top relaxation destinations in the region.
4. Oquirrh Hills Golf Course
SCENIC DESERT GOLFING
Oquirrh Hills Golf Course offers golfers a challenging experience against the backdrop of Utah's stunning mountain scenery. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens that blend harmoniously with the natural desert landscape. Golf enthusiasts appreciate the course's strategic layout and the panoramic views of the surrounding Oquirrh Mountains.
5. Utah Motorsports Campus
RACING AND ADVENTURE
Utah Motorsports Campus is a premier racing facility offering high-speed thrills near Rush Valley. The campus features multiple track configurations for professional and amateur racing events throughout the year. Visitors can experience everything from spectating professional races to participating in driving schools and karting adventures.
6. Deseret Peak Wilderness Area
ALPINE HIKING PARADISE
Deseret Peak Wilderness Area showcases dramatic alpine terrain that rises dramatically from the surrounding desert basin. The area features numerous hiking trails leading to spectacular viewpoints and pristine mountain lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts can experience diverse ecosystems and wildlife while exploring this natural wilderness just a short drive from Rush Valley.
7. Stagecoach Inn
HISTORIC FRONTIER LODGING
Stagecoach Inn preserves the history of frontier travel near the Rush Valley area. This restored historic structure once served travelers along the Overland Trail and Pony Express route. Visitors can step back in time as they explore this authentic piece of Utah's pioneer history.
8. Camp Floyd State Park
CIVIL WAR ERA POST
Camp Floyd State Park preserves the remnants of one of the largest military installations in the United States during the 1850s. The park includes a museum housed in the historic Stagecoach Inn that displays artifacts and tells the story of this pre-Civil War military expedition. Visitors can explore how this remote outpost played a significant role in western expansion and national politics.
9. Rush Lake
DESERT OASIS RECREATION
Rush Lake is a unique desert lake with no surface outflow, draining solely through underground seepage and evaporation. During wet years, the lake becomes a popular destination for sail boarders and water recreation enthusiasts. The lake's size varies dramatically with precipitation levels, creating an ever-changing landscape that reflects the dynamic nature of Utah's desert environment.
10. Iosepa Ghost Town
HAWAIIAN PIONEER SETTLEMENT
Iosepa Ghost Town preserves the remains of a unique Hawaiian settlement established in Utah's desert in 1889. The town was home to Hawaiian converts to the Mormon faith who created a thriving community in this harsh landscape until 1917. Today, visitors can explore the cemetery and remaining foundations while learning about this fascinating chapter in multicultural western history.
11. Stockton Cafe
AUTHENTIC WESTERN DINING
Stockton Cafe serves up classic American comfort food in an old-timey atmosphere just minutes from Rush Valley. The cafe has been a local institution for generations, offering travelers and locals a taste of authentic western hospitality. Visitors appreciate the homestyle cooking and nostalgic ambiance that captures the essence of small-town Utah.
12. Mercur Mining Camp
GOLD RUSH HISTORY
Mercur Mining Camp preserves the history of one of Utah's most significant gold mining operations near Rush Valley. The site was once home to a booming mining town that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this once-prosperous community and learn about the technological innovations that made mining possible in this challenging landscape.
13. Stansbury Mountains
DESERT RANGE EXPLORATION
The Stansbury Mountains rise dramatically from the Great Basin desert floor near Rush Valley, offering spectacular recreational opportunities. This mountain range features diverse ecosystems ranging from desert scrubland to alpine meadows and forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography in this relatively uncrowded natural area.
14. Skull Valley
DESERT WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Skull Valley offers visitors a chance to experience the forbidding desert wilderness of the Great Basin region. The valley's stark beauty showcases the dramatic landscape that challenged pioneers traveling west in the 19th century. Today, adventurers can explore this remote area to gain a deeper appreciation for Utah's diverse natural environments and the resilience of those who first settled here.
15. Five Mile Pass Recreation Area
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE PARADISE
Five Mile Pass Recreation Area marks the boundary between Tooele and Utah Counties, offering extensive trails for off-road enthusiasts. The area provides diverse terrain for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-highway vehicles across its expansive desert landscape. Recreational riders appreciate the open spaces and spectacular mountain views that characterize this popular destination near Rush Valley.