3 hidden gems in the American West that are worth a visit

September 19, 2026 Comment this post

4-minute read

As Authentik's USA specialist since 2005, I've certainly seen my fair share of American West itineraries come and go! Yosemite, Zion, Grand Canyon… the big classics absolutely live up to their reputation. However, I also love unearthing those lesser-known spots that fit perfectly into a road trip.

Fancy venturing a little off the beaten track? Here are 3 hidden gems in the American West that I recommend keeping on your radar.

1. Goblin Valley State Park: an otherworldly landscape

Less famous than Utah's major national parks, Goblin Valley State Park is still well worth a visit. Here, you won't find vast canyons. Instead, the landscape is dotted with thousands of bizarrely shaped orange rock formations, affectionately known as "goblins".

Sculpted by erosion over time, some resemble mushrooms, while others look like quirky little characters. With a bit of imagination, you could easily believe you've landed on another planet.

Location: Utah, around 1 hour 30 minutes from Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef
Suggested visit time: half a day is plenty for a good first look
Why add it to your road trip: for a unique break between Utah's big hitters

Things to do at Goblin Valley State Park

The best way to explore the park is simply to head down into the Valley of the Goblins and wander freely among the rock formations. Unlike many American parks, there are no set trails in this part, allowing you to explore at your own pace and choose your own path.

For those wanting to venture a little further, several marked trails offer different perspectives of Goblin Valley:

The Three Sisters, a short stroll to one of the park's iconic formations
Goblin's Lair, a more challenging hike leading to an impressive rock cavity

Authentik's tip: What I find particularly appealing about Goblin Valley is how easily it fits into a road trip through Utah's major parks. If your itinerary already includes Capitol Reef, it's a fantastic opportunity to add a completely different landscape without overhauling your entire route.

2. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: a touch of the Sahara in Utah

What a change of scenery! At Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah's typical cliffs and canyons give way to vast dunes of orange and pink sand.

The park is relatively small, which actually makes it an easy stop to slot into a road trip. People primarily come here to walk in the dunes, soak up the views and, for the more adventurous, sandboard down the slopes.

Location: Southern Utah, about 1 hour from Zion National Park and 1 hour 30 minutes from Lake Powell
Suggested visit time: a few hours
Why add it to your road trip: to discover a landscape that's a complete contrast to the region's canyons and rock formations

Things to do at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

If there's one experience I'd recommend here, it's sandboarding! The idea is simple: climb the dunes, then slide down them on a board. For those with children, sand sledging is another accessible way to enjoy the slopes.

It's a fun activity that breaks up the hiking and park visits often packed into an American West road trip. And in such a stunning setting, the experience is even more memorable.

Authentik's tip: If your itinerary takes you through Kanab, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a great addition to the route. A few hours are all it takes to enjoy the dunes and have a truly different experience.

3. Great Basin National Park: head in the stars

Some Bristlecone pines are over 4,000 years old

For this final destination, we're heading to Eastern Nevada and a national park that still goes unnoticed by many travellers: Great Basin National Park.

Mountain peaks, forests and wide-open spaces replace the desert landscapes often associated with Nevada. Personally, I think it even has a touch of Yosemite about it, but with far fewer visitors.

Location: Nevada, near the Utah border, about 4 hours from Salt Lake City and 4 hours 30 minutes from Las Vegas
Suggested visit time: one day, ideally with an overnight stay
Why add it to your road trip: to discover a wilder, more mountainous side of Nevada

Things to do at Great Basin National Park

By day, Great Basin is explored through its mountain landscapes and hiking trails. But to truly understand what makes this park special, you need to wait until the sun goes down.

Thanks to its isolation and very low light pollution, Great Basin offers exceptional conditions for stargazing. On a clear night, the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye above the mountains. If you're an astronomy enthusiast, this stop should truly amaze you!

Authentik's tip: Great Basin requires a proper detour from classic routes. If you decide to include it in your road trip, plan an overnight stay in the area – it would be a shame to come all this way and not enjoy its incredible starry sky.

The American West has no shortage of spectacular landscapes, and thankfully, there are still a few gems beyond the well-trodden paths! If you have a bit of time in your itinerary, I really recommend making room for one of these three destinations. A detour among the goblins, a sandboarding session or a night under the stars… the choice is yours! Virginie USA Specialist

Which one tempts you the most? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!