Canyons, Craters & Caves: Hidden Natural Wonders of Wasatch County
Most visitors to Heber Valley come for the obvious beauty—Mount Timpanogos towering in the distance, Jordanelle’s sparkling blue water, or the lush, winding paths of Wasatch Mountain State Park. But tucked beyond the postcard views are natural wonders that go deeper—literally and figuratively.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to chase the overlooked, the slightly off-the-map, and the “how-is-this-not-more-famous” kind of places, Wasatch County is your playground. Beneath the surface (and sometimes above it) lie craters, canyons, and caves that offer more than just Instagrammable scenery. They offer geology, history, quiet solitude, and a little bit of mystery.
Let’s explore the lesser-known natural marvels of Wasatch County—and why they’re worth your time, whether you live here or you're just passing through.
1. The Homestead Crater – Utah’s Only Warm-Water Dome
Location: Midway, inside the Homestead Resort
Access: Paid entry; reservations recommended
What It Is: A 10,000-year-old geothermal hot spring inside a 55-foot tall limestone dome
You’ve likely heard about the Homestead Crater. But if you haven’t experienced it for yourself, let me be the first to say: it’s worth it.
Formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich waters bubbling up from deep within the earth, the crater is a one-of-a-kind attraction. It’s the only place in the continental U.S. where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or scuba dive inside a natural dome of rock, heated to 90–96°F year-round.
There’s something surreal about lowering yourself into crystal-clear water surrounded by curved rock walls and light streaming in from a hole at the top. Whether you're floating on your back or scuba diving 65 feet down, it's an experience that feels part sanctuary, part sci-fi.
Local Tip: Book a nighttime soak or a stand-up paddleboard yoga class for a truly unique vibe. If you're local, ask about punch passes for discounted access.
2. Snake Creek Canyon – A Secluded Mountain Escape
Location: West of Midway, accessible via Snake Creek Road
Access: Free; seasonal road (closed in winter)
What It Is: A winding alpine canyon with streams, wildlife, and hiking trails
If you want to disappear into the woods for a few hours—or even just 20 minutes—Snake Creek Canyon is your best bet. It’s far less trafficked than the main Wasatch Mountain State Park corridors, and the road (when open) leads to picnic areas, backcountry trailheads, and high-elevation quiet that’s hard to find anywhere else.
You’ll pass pine forests, bubbling creeks, and the occasional moose or elk if you're lucky. In fall, it transforms into a gold-and-orange tunnel that rivals any scenic drive in the state.
Popular Activities:
Hiking & trail running
Gravel biking (for the adventurous)
Fall foliage drives
Backcountry camping
Local Tip: Stop by Wasatch Mountain State Park’s visitor center to get an updated map. Cell service is spotty the deeper you go, so download offline maps before heading in.
3. Ice Cave at Big Hollow (Secret in the Snow)
Location: Upper elevations near Wasatch Mountain State Park
Access: Harder to find; limited access without local knowledge
What It Is: A small seasonal cave formation with ice crystals, icicles, and snow pockets that persist into summer
The Big Hollow Ice Cave is one of those places that locals whisper about but rarely promote. It’s not on most maps, and that’s part of the appeal. The cave itself isn’t massive—it’s more like a crevice formed by collapsed rock—but because of its north-facing orientation and high elevation, it retains snow and ice well into the warmer months.
It’s not a destination for everyone—there’s no signage, the hike in can be tricky, and conditions vary—but for those who find it, it feels like stepping into another world.
Safety Reminder: This is a fragile formation. Never enter alone, avoid climbing inside during freeze-thaw periods, and be respectful of the ecosystem.
4. Provo River Canyons – A Tale of Two Trails
Location: Through Heber Valley and into Provo Canyon
Access: Free
What It Is: Two branching canyons—Upper and Lower—offering very different experiences
Upper Provo Canyon
This section runs east toward Jordanelle and Deer Creek and is more accessible to families. It’s home to the Provo River Parkway Trail, a paved route that’s perfect for strollers, bikes, and rollerblades. It runs along the river with mountain views and frequent access points.
Great For:
Fishing with kids
Biking
Bird watching
Family picnics
Lower Provo Canyon
To the west of Heber Valley, this section becomes more dramatic, with steeper cliffs, waterfalls, and deeper forest. Bridal Veil Falls is the highlight, but the entire stretch down toward Orem is a worthy day trip with pull-offs and trailheads.
Great For:
Scenic drives
Waterfall photos
Hiking Stewart Falls or the Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Local Tip: If you’re not in a rush, take the Provo Canyon Scenic Byway during golden hour. It’s one of the prettiest drives in Utah.
5. Lime Canyon – A Hidden Gem for Hikers and Rockhounds
Location: South of Heber City, near Daniels Summit
Access: Mixed – some areas require 4WD
What It Is: A limestone canyon with interesting rock formations, fossils, and wildflower meadows
Lime Canyon doesn’t get a lot of love on travel blogs, which is precisely why you should go. It’s a quiet canyon with trails that wind through layers of light-colored rock. In spring, it’s bursting with wildflowers. In late summer, it’s one of the best places to look for geodes, fossils, and rock formations shaped by time.
It’s especially fun for kids with a curiosity streak, or adults looking for peace away from the bigger crowds.
Local Tip: Pack out what you pack in. This area is lightly managed and deserves respect from everyone who discovers it.
6. Cascade Springs Caves (Not Just the Water)
Most people come to Cascade Springs for the water features and boardwalks—but tucked near the springs are small lava tubes and rock outcroppings that hint at volcanic activity deep in Utah’s past.
They’re not massive caves by any means, but for amateur geologists or curious kids, they’re a fun find. Look carefully and you’ll spot the remnants of old rock shelters and hardened lava flows.
Bonus: Cascade Springs is great for strollers and has ADA-accessible trails.
A Local Perspective: Why These Spots Matter
There’s a different energy in places like these. They’re not flashy. They don’t have gift shops or ride lines. But they invite something slower, quieter, and—dare I say—more meaningful.
And if you’re someone who’s thinking long-term about how you spend your time, your weekends, or even your lifestyle as a whole, these are the kinds of places that support that deeper rhythm. They're not expensive, they don't require a bunch of gear, and they're often right around the corner from wherever you are in Heber or Midway.
In fact, I know plenty of people who’ve chosen to live in Wasatch County because these kinds of escapes are within reach—where weekend adventure doesn’t mean traffic and tickets, but a short drive to the edge of the map.
Final Thoughts
The natural wonders of Wasatch County aren’t just things to “check off.” They’re part of a lifestyle that values discovery, awe, and groundedness. Canyons, craters, and caves each invite a different kind of presence—one that reminds us how old the earth is, how small we are, and how beautiful it is to simply be here.
So if you’re looking to get beneath the surface—literally and metaphorically—consider this your invitation. You don’t have to go far to find magic. In Wasatch County, it’s been waiting here all along.