Cities and Towns in Garfield County, Utah

Founded in March 9, 1882, Garfield County is one of 29 counties in the state of Utah. Historically, Garfield County was formed from part of Iron County. The city of Panguitch is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Garfield County has a population of 5,129 and area of 5,083 square miles (13,165 km²).

List of all cities in Garfield County, UT alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Angle, UT	84712	435
Antimony, UT	84712	435
Boulder, UT	84716	435
Bryce, UT	84764	435
Bryce Canyon City, UT	84764	435
Bryce Cyn City, UT	84764	435
Cannonville, UT	84718	435
Escalante, UT	84726	435
Hatch, UT	84735	435
Henrieville, UT	84736	435
Panguitch, UT	84759	435
Rubys Inn, UT	84764	435
Spry, UT	84759	435
Tropic, UT	84776	435

Major Cities and Towns in Garfield County, Utah

1. Panguitch

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.2 square miles
• Population: Approx. 1,500
• Zip Codes: 84759
• Latitude: 37.8280° N
• Longitude: 112.5743° W

Location and History:

Panguitch, the county seat of Garfield County, is located in southern Utah, nestled in the Panguitch Valley near the Red Canyon area. The town was founded in the mid-1800s by Mormon settlers and has a rich pioneer history. The name “Panguitch” comes from a Paiute word meaning “big fish,” referring to the abundant fish in nearby waters. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Panguitch’s economy was supported by agriculture, including cattle ranching, farming, and timber. The town’s location near several national parks made it an ideal gateway for tourism. Today, Panguitch serves as a small, quiet community with a deep connection to its pioneer roots and the surrounding natural beauty of southern Utah.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Panguitch is served by the Garfield School District, with Panguitch High School being the main secondary school. Major landmarks in and around Panguitch include the Red Canyon, part of the Bryce Canyon National Park system, known for its striking red rock formations. Panguitch also serves as a key stopping point for travelers visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, which is about 20 miles east. Additionally, the nearby Fish Lake provides recreational opportunities for boating and fishing, while Kodachrome Basin State Park is known for its colorful rock spires and scenic hiking trails. The town’s historical landmarks include several original pioneer-era buildings and the Panguitch Pioneer Museum, which showcases artifacts from the area’s early days.

2. Bryce Canyon City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 2.3 square miles
• Population: Approx. 200
• Zip Codes: 84764
• Latitude: 37.6245° N
• Longitude: 112.1457° W

Location and History:

Bryce Canyon City is located at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park, one of Utah’s most famous natural landmarks. The town’s history is closely tied to the development of the park, which was established in 1928. Bryce Canyon itself, renowned for its unique rock formations called hoodoos, has attracted visitors for centuries, but the town of Bryce Canyon City only began to grow after the park’s creation. The town originally developed as a base for park employees and visitors, and it has grown into a popular destination for tourists exploring the park and surrounding areas. Over time, tourism became the primary industry in Bryce Canyon City, with a focus on accommodations, dining, and recreational services for visitors.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Bryce Canyon City is a small, seasonal community with minimal educational facilities. Students typically attend school in nearby Panguitch. As a gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park, the town’s main landmark is, of course, the park itself. Bryce Canyon is famous for its dramatic, colorful geological formations and its hiking trails, including the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail. The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the canyon, while the Bryce Canyon Lodge provides a historic base for those exploring the park. The town also offers easy access to outdoor activities such as stargazing (Bryce Canyon is an official Dark Sky Park), hiking, and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to Kodachrome Basin State Park adds to its appeal as a hub for outdoor recreation.

3. Tropic

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.1 square miles
• Population: Approx. 500
• Zip Codes: 84776
• Latitude: 37.6247° N
• Longitude: 112.1952° W

Location and History:

Tropic is a small town located just south of Bryce Canyon National Park and is known for its charming rural atmosphere. The town was founded by Mormon settlers in the mid-1800s and named for its location near the Tropic Reservoir, which provided water to local farms. Like many other towns in Garfield County, Tropic’s early economy was driven by agriculture, including the farming of grains, vegetables, and fruit. Over time, the town grew due to its proximity to the popular Bryce Canyon area. Today, Tropic remains a quiet, agricultural community, though it is increasingly influenced by the tourism industry due to its location near Bryce Canyon.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Tropic is part of the Garfield County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Panguitch or Bryce Canyon City. Tropic’s main landmark is its proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park, just a short drive away, where visitors can explore the stunning rock formations and participate in outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing. Tropic is also near Tropic Reservoir, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The town’s rural setting and historic charm make it an appealing destination for visitors seeking a quieter experience near Bryce Canyon. Tropic is known for its local fruit orchards and agricultural products, which are featured in local farmers’ markets and stores.

4. Escalante

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.6 square miles
• Population: Approx. 800
• Zip Codes: 84726
• Latitude: 37.7734° N
• Longitude: 111.6114° W

Location and History:

Escalante is a small town located in southern Utah, positioned between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The town was founded in the 1870s by Mormon settlers and named after the Spanish missionary Francisco Atanasio Dominguez who visited the area in the 1770s. Escalante’s history is heavily influenced by its location along the Escalante River and its role as a crossroads for travelers and pioneers. The town also has a history of mining and ranching, though agriculture remains a central part of the local economy. Escalante is known for its scenic beauty, with its proximity to canyons, mesas, and the rugged terrain of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Escalante is served by the Garfield School District, and Escalante High School provides education for local students. The town is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and remote wilderness areas in the United States. Notable landmarks include the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which offers hiking, camping, and off-roading opportunities. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is another major attraction, where visitors can view ancient petrified wood and take in the stunning desert landscape. The town is also known for its proximity to the Escalante River and Devil’s Garden, an area of unique rock formations. Escalante’s charm lies in its small-town atmosphere and its access to outdoor recreation in one of Utah’s most rugged and beautiful regions.

5. Boulder

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.6 square miles
• Population: Approx. 200
• Zip Codes: 84716
• Latitude: 38.3915° N
• Longitude: 111.5076° W

Location and History:

Boulder is a small town located in the southern part of Garfield County, nestled along the base of the Boulder Mountains. It was originally settled in the 1880s by Mormon pioneers who were drawn to the area’s natural resources and its scenic, remote location. Boulder’s early economy was based on farming, ranching, and logging. Over time, the town became known for its isolation, as it remained largely cut off from the rest of the state until the 1930s when the road connecting it to the rest of Utah was completed. Today, Boulder remains a small rural town with a population that continues to focus on agriculture and tourism.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Boulder is part of the Garfield School District, with nearby schools serving the community’s educational needs. Notable landmarks near Boulder include Capitol Reef National Park, a short drive away, where visitors can explore its famous cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. Boulder is also close to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a vast protected area with hiking trails, wildlife, and archaeological sites. The town itself is known for its traditional stone houses and historic buildings, which reflect the early Mormon pioneer architecture. Boulder is a popular stop for those exploring the remote and rugged beauty of southern Utah.