Wayne County, Utah

Wayne County sits in south-central Utah and is known for its rugged landscapes and peaceful, remote atmosphere. One of its biggest attractions is Capitol Reef National Park, where the Fremont River winds through the desert beneath towering red rock formations.

This is classic frontier country, with vast stretches of wilderness and very few residents. Torrey, the county’s largest community, has fewer than 200 people, giving the area a quiet, laid-back feel. The dramatic scenery more than makes up for the small population.

Mormon pioneers established fruit orchards in the Capitol Reef area, and many of them still flourish today. The region is also renowned for its incredibly dark skies, making it an excellent destination for stargazing.

CategoryDetails
County NameWayne County
County SeatLoa
PopulationApproximately 2,700
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesLoa, Hanksville, Torrey, Bicknell, Teasdale
Interstates and HighwaysUT-24, UT-12, UT-95
FIPS Code49-055
Total Area (Land and Water)2,466 sq mi (Land: 2,461 sq mi; Water: 5 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Emery County (North), Grand County (Northeast), San Juan County (East), Garfield County (South), Piute County (West), Sevier County (Northwest)
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone (MT)
StateUtah
Coordinates38.3636° N, 111.6178° W
EtymologyNamed after Wayne County, Tennessee, the birthplace of many early settlers
Major LandmarksCapitol Reef National Park, Thousand Lake Mountain, Fishlake National Forest
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