• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • ☕ Support
  • ✉ Contact
    • Contact Me
    • Request Product Review
    • Work With Me
    • Submit Guest Post
  • Blog Archives
Nutty Hiker Adventures Logo

Nutty Hiker Adventures

Hike Every Hike Like It Is Your Last

  • Hiking >>
    • Hiking Articles
    • Hiking 101 >
      • 10 Essentials of Hiking
      • Types of Hikes
      • Trail Etiquette
      • Hiking Terms & Jargon
      • Hiking First Aid Kit
      • What to Bring On Every Hike
      • Pre Thru-Hike Checklist
      • Hacks to Lighten Your Backpack Weight
      • How to Avoid Norovirus While Backpacking
      • Choosing a Sleeping Bag Liner
      • How to Poop in the Woods
      • Gift Guide for Hikers
      • Books for Hikers & Backpackers
      • Movies About Hiking
      • Subscription Boxes for Hikers
      • Thru-Hiking Trails Bucket List – USA Edition
      • Your Hiking Questions Answered
    • Long Trails >
      • Appalachian Trail
      • BamatoBaxter
      • Greenbrier River Trail
      • Lone Star Hiking Trail
      • Pinhoti Trail
    • Rails To Trails >
      • Greenbrier River Trail
    • Gear Reviews
    • Ask Nutty Hiker
  • Camping >>
    • Camping Articles
    • Camping Gear Reviews
  • Survival >>
    • Survival Articles
    • Survival Gear Reviews
  • Destinations >>
    • The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist || Adventure Safely
    • State Highpoints
    • National Parks & Forests >
      • Black Hills National Forest
      • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Idaho
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maryland
    • Nevada
    • New Mexico
    • North Dakota
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Dakota
      • Black Hills National Forest
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
      • North Texas
      • Central Texas
        • San Antonio
      • East Texas
      • South Texas
      • West Texas
      • Texas State Parks
      • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    • Utah
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
  • Road Trips >>
    • The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist || Adventure Safely
    • Road Trip Ideas
  • Motorcycle >>
    • Sturgis 2024
  • News >>
    • Outdoor News
    • Interviews
  • Video’s
  • Photography >>
    • Latest Work
    • Photography Gear Reviews
    • Portrait Portfolio
  • ✎ Logbook >>
    • My Daily Antics
    • Ask Nutty Hiker
  • Resources >>
    • Recommendations
    • The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist || Adventure Safely
    • Hiking Essentials Checklist
    • Morse Code Converter || Send a Message in Morse Code
    • Military Time Converter
    • Message Encryption & Decryption
    • Message Transformer
  • Shop
    • My Artwork
    • Merch Store (T-Shirts & More)
You are here: Home / Destinations / Utah / Why you should visit Tooele County, Utah

Why you should visit Tooele County, Utah

May 8, 2017 by Nutty Hiker Last Modified: April 16, 201829 Comments

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Tooele County, Utah.

For those that have never been to Utah, the state is absolutely gorgeous. We first visited in 2015 and fell in love, so much so that we vowed to explore every inch of that state and hope to buy a vacation home there in the future.

This summer as part of our yearly summer road trip, we plan to explore . For those that know us (and those that don’t,) we love the outdoors, country music, motorsports, camping and western history. Tooele County has it all!

I love the fact that it is conveniently located along Interstate 80 in the western part of the state between Wendover, Nevada and Salt Lake City. Thankfully we have 30 days to explore all the destinations on our road trip this year, and Tooele County will have the largest chunk of our time dedicated to it. Without further ado, here are some of the places we plan to check out while in Tooele County, Utah.

Our Planned Stops in Tooele County, Utah

Miller Motorsports Park

My husband is super excited to stop here and check out the courses and the Miller Motorsports Museum, which is one of the industry’s most impressive auto racing museums around. My husband is a racing fanatic (and even owned a race car for a good part of our marriage) so anytime we can stop at a racetrack or motorsports complex, we stop! And you better believe we will take a trip or two around the kart track while we are there!

ATV Off Road Trails

The one thing we noticed about Utah when we visited is the vast amount of ATV and off-road trails available for use by the public. Tooele County is no different and offers ATV, Mountain Bike & Dirt Bike trails. We plan to rent some ATV’s to explore Knolls OHV Recreation Area just off of Interstate 80 and Five Mile Pass at the southern end of the Oquirrh Mountains in Tooele County.

Hiking Trails

My ultimate goal is to hike the Deseret Peak trail which puts you on top of an 11,031 ft high summit that has a 360-degree view of Tooele County. In fact, Deseret Peak is on my bucket list of trails to hike. We will have our teens with us this year, so I may need to settle for some of the easier trails which I hear are just equally as beautiful!

Hiking Toole County Utah

The Wild Horses!

Did you know that Tooele County has been home to wild horses for generations? You can catch a peek of these beauties in the Onaqui and Cedar Mountain Herd Management Areas.

Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (S.P.O.C.)

They will be hosting a public star party and you know we have to check it out! SPOC consists of the Harmons Observatory, which houses two large reflecting telescopes, and the Donna Pease Wiggins Refractor House which houses a large refracting telescope. Even without the star party, we would want to stop by and check it out!

Bonneville Salt Flats

We have only been to one other salt flat (which was in a different state) and was in awe. As soon as we found out that Tooele County had salt flats, we knew we needed to add it to the list! Bonneville Salt Flats is a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville that once covered the Great Basin region. It is also home to land speed races which occur every year and have since 1914. Due to this, it is called the “Fastest Place on Earth.”

A Visit to the Pony Express

We love when we get the chance to visit history and over 100 miles of the old Pony Express trail runs through Tooele County. There are several Pony Express Station markers and a restored Pony Express Station at Simpson Springs that can be seen along the route. While we plan to do the entire 100-mile stretch, you can also choose the partial experience (for those that are short on time or just do not want to do the entire 100-mile stretch). The partial experience allows you to walk through the Stage Coach Inn and visit an original Pony Express Station. You will also be taken to an overlook on a small knoll that overlooks the Pony Express Trail, complete with interpretive display. While we plan to do the entire 100-mile stretch, you can also choose the partial experience (for those that are short on time or just do not want to do the entire 100-mile stretch). The partial experience allows you to walk through the Stage Coach Inn and visit an original Pony Express Station. You will also be taken to an overlook on a small knoll that overlooks the Pony Express Trail, complete with interpretive display.

History Museums & Sites

We love museums, especially when they are history related and Tooele County won’t let you down. We plan to visit the Benson Gristmill, Firefighters Museum, Tooele Pioneer Complex, Donner-Reed Museum, Ophir Historic District, Oquirrh Mountain Mining Museum, Tooele Valley Railroad Museum, Stockton D.U.P., and the Grantsville D.U.P. Museum.

Country Fan Fest

Yep, we are timing it just right to make sure we check out Country Fan Fest. Ned LeDoux is the main reason I want to go, but they also have some other big name artists performing such as Billy Currington and Jo Dee Messina. It will be 3 days of concerts, mud bog racing, and everything country music! Plus, they have a ton of activities for kids of all ages.

Upcoming Events

As if the countless things to do and see aren’t enough, Tooele County is jammed packed with events for all ages!

  • May 20th – Lantern Festival
  • Apr-Jun – Salt Flats Racing Association Test & Tune
  • Jun 15th-17th – Arts Festival
  • July 27th-30th – Country Fan Fest
  • July 4th Weekend – Bit N Spur Rodeo
  • Sept – Historic Wendover Airbase Fly In and Air Show

Getting There

Tooele County is located in the northwestern part of Utah, just west-southwest of Salt Lake City. For more specific directions or to find out more to do in Tooele County, visit their website

SaveSave

SaveSave

Filed Under: Utah, Destinations Tagged With: Ad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment or Suggestion Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Amanda Rodriguez says

    May 10, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    I’ve never been to Utah but would love to visit one day!

    Reply
  2. Lane Holly says

    May 10, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    I’ve only been to Salt Lake City a handful of times, but I am dying to go to Bryce Canyon!

    Reply
  3. Theresa Bailey says

    May 10, 2017 at 6:09 pm

    Seeing the wild horses would be fun!

    Reply
  4. Ayanna Hall says

    May 10, 2017 at 8:19 pm

    Looks like a great adventurous type of vacation

    Reply
  5. Nancy Mallery Powell says

    May 11, 2017 at 12:39 am

    Looks like a lot of fun things to do there. I haven’t been to Utah in many years.

    Reply
  6. Pam Avoledo says

    May 11, 2017 at 8:18 pm

    Utah has really amazing mountains. I’ve seen it on video but it’s something I want to visit and see for myself.

    Reply
    • Bridget Carlson says

      May 19, 2017 at 7:50 am

      Yes it does! It is so beautiful out there!

      Reply
  7. Nostalgia Diaries says

    May 11, 2017 at 11:23 pm

    This looks stunning! The only place in Utah I’ve ever been is Moab (but that was pretty incredible, too :))

    Reply
    • Bridget Carlson says

      May 19, 2017 at 7:51 am

      Moab is amazing! I told my husband we need to buy a vacation home there so I can go whenever I want lol.

      Reply
  8. Angela @ Angelas Jam says

    May 12, 2017 at 3:28 am

    Hiking, Wild Horses, Star Party… Sold!
    I have always wanted to go to Utah, and every other ‘wild’ part of the US really.
    Enjoy your trip, it sounds like it will be a blast!!

    Reply
  9. Natalie Rose says

    May 12, 2017 at 3:52 am

    Sounds beautiful! I would love to hike in the desert and see wild horses!

    Reply
  10. Bridget Carlson says

    May 19, 2017 at 8:02 am

    Thanks for the catch! Obviously I am human and not a robot, so I am bound to make mistakes, especially since stupid spell check keeps changing it to Toole (which was the issue). Thanks for pointing it out so I could go back and recorrect the “smart computer” that decided Tooele was spelled wrong in a couple of locations lol.

    Reply
  11. sevencontinentssasha says

    May 19, 2017 at 11:19 am

    Awesome tips, a Utah road trip is really high on my list so I’ll have to note this for future. The incredible hiking and the salt flats sound amazing! Have a great time.

    Reply
    • Bridget Carlson says

      May 20, 2017 at 10:48 am

      Utah is just absolutely breathtaking! Most of the land is public land from what I gathered which makes exploring so easy to do!

      Reply
  12. Natasha Haley says

    May 19, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    Sounds like it has a LOT to offer actually. I never knew about any of this! Would love to come to Utah sometime

    Reply
  13. Bhusha says

    May 19, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    I haven’t been to the American continent yet! So thanks for this virtual tour. I’ve read quite a few blogs on Utah and I really hope to visit the place in future! It looks like a hiker’s paradise! With Motorsports Park, Salt flats and more this is just awesome!

    Reply
    • Bridget Carlson says

      May 20, 2017 at 10:49 am

      It really is a hiker’s paradise. There are several national parks in the state with hundreds of miles of hiking trails!

      Reply
  14. Yukti says

    May 19, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    Very informative and you have given all useful details. Pony Trails and Flat Salts caught my attention. Also O will visit museums to know the history of which I am totally unaware of.

    Reply
  15. Jean says

    May 20, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Wild horses and the pony express? Count me in! I’m on my way Utah! With so many adventure options it sounds like my kinda state to visit!

    Reply
  16. Vicki Garside says

    May 20, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    I didn’t really know much about Toole before your post. I hadn’t realized there was so much to see and do there. I’d love to get out on the hiking trails with my camera – such beautiful landscape and to catch a glimpse of wild horses roaming free would be incredible.

    Reply
  17. travellingslacker says

    May 23, 2017 at 12:12 pm

    I had never heard of Tooele County TBH but I have always had an attraction for the arid landscape of Utah. So, I think this will be a great destination for me. Especially the hiking trails are what I am looking forward to try someday.

    Reply
  18. Diana williams says

    June 13, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    I really impressed about Utah, i think this will be a great hiking . The hiking is really horrible i think, but i also love it.

    Reply
  19. Lisa says

    June 14, 2017 at 7:09 am

    I never realized there was so much fun stuff to do! Adding to my places we must go see now!

    Reply
  20. ssuire says

    June 14, 2017 at 9:50 am

    I’ve been to Utah a couple of times but never with my family. I would love to bring them to see the wild horses!

    Reply
  21. Kaitlynn says

    June 14, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    I’m new to your site but I love it!! I’m such a big fan of hiking. It’s my dream to visit Utah one day. This place looks awesome! I’d love to see some wild horses!

    Reply
  22. Rachel Ritlop says

    June 14, 2017 at 10:30 pm

    Utah really does seem amazing! I’d love to visit!

    Reply
  23. Lynzy & Co says

    June 15, 2017 at 12:09 am

    Utah is totally a gorgeous place. It is sooooooooo on my bucketlist to visit. I am OBSESSED!

    Reply
  24. petiteandtoned says

    June 15, 2017 at 3:00 am

    I have never heard of Toole! But I’m definitely going to add this to my bucket list! Such gorg views!

    xoxo,

    Berniedette | PetiteAndToned.com

    Reply
  25. TheVagabondWayfarer says

    June 15, 2017 at 11:15 am

    I did the 5 National Parks this year and was blown away by Utah’s beauty. Turns out there are endless places to explore there. I will have to go back soon.
    http://www.thevagabondwayfarer.com

    Reply

Footer

FOLLOW

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed
  • Amazon
  • Patreon

SUPPORT =)

This blog is my full-time job. I rely heavily on support from my readers. If you would like to help offset the cost of running this blog and my nutty adventures so I can continue to bring you travel & outdoor adventures, please feel free to donate =)
PayPal
Cash App
Venmo

DISCLOSURE

Per the FTC, This website contains affiliate links, advertisements, and sponsored posts. For reviews, I was provided with a complimentary copy of the item unless otherwise stated. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases using the amazon links located on my website. Read my full policy here.

AWARDS/ASSOCIATIONS

OWAA Member Logo Best Outdoor Blogs Best Hiking Blogs

Copyright © 2025 — Nutty Hiker Advenures | Bridget Carlson • All rights reserved.
The links on this website are solely for the convenience of our visitors. Nutty Hiker does not endorse, operate, or control external websites.
Terms of Use • Privacy Policy• Disclosure• Contest Rules