What's New in Utah
- peri861
- Aug 14, 2025
- 3 min read
Bluff becomes Utah’s newest International Dark Sky Certified Area
Bluff, Utah has been officially certified as an International Dark Sky Community, a prestigious designation that recognises the town's commitment to preserving its natural night environment. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort by Bears Ears Partnership, the Town of Bluff, and local advocates, and it solidifies Bluff's place among a select group of communities worldwide dedicated to protecting the night sky. The town, nestled in the red rock landscapes of southeastern Utah, is home to just under 300 residents and is a gateway to the surrounding region, including nearby communities on the Navajo Nation. Bluff will host its inaugural Dark Sky Festival 14-15 November 2025.
Utah has the highest concentration of International Dark-Sky Association-certified areas with Bluff making the total now twenty-nine. Learn more at darksky.org
The Utah Film Trail invites film enthusiasts to experience these iconic landscapes firsthand
Take a road trip that’s more than scenic—it’s cinematic. Celebrating 100 Years as America's Film Set® last year, Utah continues to play a starring role in some of Hollywood's most iconic productions. Launched in Spring 2025, the Utah Film Trail is a new initiative celebrating Utah’s legacy in film. Featuring a series of physical markers around the state, the trail will guide travellers off the beaten path to discover the real-world locations featured in some of their favourite films and television shows.
A few recognised stops include:
Dead Horse Point State Park | San Juan County - Thelma & Louise, Mission Impossible 2, Westworld
Snow Canyon State Park | Washington County - Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, High School Musical 2
Park City Main Street | Summit County - Dumb & Dumber, Yellowstone
Southern Utah's Newest Oasis for Adventure-Weary Travellers
Southern Utah's newest geothermal wellness destination, Zion Canyon Hot Springs, has officially opened its doors in La Verkin, offering a unique and luxurious experience for visitors seeking relaxation near Zion National Park. The $60 million resort, situated on 11 acres near the Virgin River, boasts an impressive 53 bodies of water, including 32 natural hot springs, 16 globally-inspired mineral soaking pools, and cold plunges. Guests can also enjoy barrel saunas and poolside food and drinks. The resort's therapeutic mineral-rich waters, sourced from the historic Pah Tempe springs, are heated to temperatures between 80 and 104 degrees, and are known for their restorative properties. The resort's mission is to be an oasis where "adventure comes to rest," allowing guests to "relax, restore and rejuvenate" after a long day of exploring.
Sip, Savor, and Explore: Discover Southern Utah's Hidden Wine Trail
Within an hour’s drive of St. George, The Mighty Five® National Parks and multiple state parks — six boutique wineries make up the Southern Utah Wine Trail, each producing less than 2,000 cases of wine per year. More often than not, the person pouring your taste of a locally grown Tempranillo or Sauvignon Blanc is the winery owner, a member of the winery owner’s family or the winemaker him- or herself.
Don’t miss Water Canyon Winery in Springdale. This husband and wife duo Shane & Kalie specialise in natural wine which pairs well with a golden red rock backdrop at sunset. As well there is I/G Winery in Cedar City who source their grapes from the finest vineyards in California, Oregon, Washington and Utah.
Comments