Emery County

Emery County, Utah is a beautiful area in the state's southeastern section. Carbon County borders it to the north, Wayne County to the south, Grand and San Juan Counties to the east, and Sevier County to the west. The county seat of Emery County is Castle Dale.

The terrain of Emery County is made up of deep canyons, stunning red-rock cliffs, and vast stretches of desert. The San Rafael Swell, a large geological feature within the county, presents some of the most breathtaking scenery in southern Utah. Some of Emery County's major attractions include Goblin Valley State Park and San Rafael Reef.

The population of Emery County is about 9,819 people as of 2020, making it the fourth-least populous county in Utah. The largest city in Emery County is Price, with an estimated population of 8,188. Other cities include Castle Dale (population 2,383), Ferron (population 1,019), Green River (population 902), and Orangeville (population 547).

Discover the breathtaking landscape of Emery County in southeastern Utah. This vibrant county is surrounded by stunning natural boundaries, including the Wasatch Plateau and the majestic Green River. Emery County is made up of three distinct geographical areas: the awe-inspiring mountains of the Wasatch Plateau, Castle Valley with its thriving settlements, and the rugged beauty of the San Rafael Swell and Cedar Mountain.

The heart and soul of Emery County lies in the San Rafael River, which originates in the pristine waters of the Wasatch Plateau. This vital river nourishes the agricultural and industrial needs of the county, providing essential resources for its communities. Flowing through Castle Valley, the San Rafael River unites the branches of Huntington Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Ferron Creek before meandering through stunning rock formations and desert landscapes until it joins the mighty Green River.

The settlement of Emery County began in the late 1800s when livestock growers from neighboring Sanpete County recognized the untapped potential of Castle Valley. Eager to secure unoccupied land before others, young families embarked on a journey to establish homesteads in the region. Today, the vibrant communities of Huntington, Ferron, Castle Dale, and Orangeville stand as a testament to their pioneering spirit and love for the land.

Emery County is situated in southeastern Utah and is bordered by Carbon, Grand, San Juan, Duchesne, Uintah, and Sevier Counties. The terrain of Emery County ranges from deep canyons to vast stretches of desert. It is part of the Colorado Plateau and includes the Wasatch Plateau, the San Rafael Swell, and Cedar Mountain.

The San Rafael River is the major waterway of Emery County and begins in the Wasatch Plateau before meandering through spectacular rock formations and desert landscapes until it joins the Green River. Huntington Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Ferron Creek are some of its tributaries.

Most of Emery County is included within the boundaries of two national parks: Goblin Valley State Park and San Rafael Reef. These protected areas offer recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Goblin Valley State Park is a scenic destination located in Emery County. Featuring some of the most unique rock formations on earth, this park is a great spot for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping. The landscape here includes colorful sandstone amphitheaters, bizarre hoodoos, and sweeping vistas of the desert.

The San Rafael Swell is a large geological feature in Emery County. It includes stunning rock formations, eroded canyons, and majestic mesas. The area has numerous trails for hiking, biking, and off-road vehicle use.