Hatch: River Landscape, Cave and Outdoor Experiences

Hatch is located where Mammoth Creek and the Sevier River meet. The town combines this river landscape with a history dating back to its settlement in 1872 and with a variety of experiences in the surrounding area. Hatch is particularly interesting for planning your trip if you would like to combine nature, regional history and outdoor activities.

The location also helps with orientation: Hatch lies on US-89 between Panguitch and Long Valley Junction. Highway 89, which runs south of Hatch, continues toward Zion National Park and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Hatch is also located near Zion National Park, Dixie National Forest, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and two state parks in the surrounding area. Which accommodation is right for you therefore depends primarily on whether you want to discover Hatch itself as a place to stay or plan excursions into the wider region.

History Along the Upper Sevier River

Hatch was settled in 1872 by Meltiar Hatch along the upper Sevier River, near the point where Mammoth and Asay Creeks meet. After settling in the area, Meltiar Hatch operated a water-powered sawmill. The town's early beginnings can also be traced through its first school: It was located in the Hatch family home, and Abram Workman was the teacher there.

A significant event was the Hatchtown Dam. It was built along the upper Sevier River in the last decade of the 19th century and failed around 1899 or 1900. The flood swept away several homes and other property located near the stream. Anyone who wants to experience Hatch not only as a base for activities but also as a place rich in history will find specific stories here about settlement, work, school and the power of water.

Cave, Plateau and Outdoor Activities

Visitors can ride ATVs in Hatch. Pass Creek Road provides access for OHVs. Those who prefer to travel on foot can plan a visit to the nearby Paunsaugunt Plateau in Dixie National Forest for hiking and impressive views. The Sevier River in the vicinity of Hatch also offers opportunities for fishing.

A special discovery is nearby Mammoth Cave. It is one of Utah's largest lava tubes. During the summer months, the cave has passageways extending more than 2,200 feet. This allows you to organize your stay in different ways: An active day outdoors can be followed by exploring the cave, while other travelers may focus on hiking, views or fishing. The experiences mentioned provide concrete criteria when deciding how much time to spend in Hatch itself and how much time in the wider region.

Accommodation and the Character of the Town

Hatch is home to the Galaxy Diner, a 1950s-style diner. This local feature complements the natural and historical experiences with a place that gives your stay its own character. Hatch has numerous hotels, motels, RV parks and campgrounds.

For families or other travel groups, it may make sense to consider the interests of everyone traveling with you when choosing a location: ATV and OHV access, hiking on the Paunsaugunt Plateau, Mammoth Cave, fishing on the Sevier River and Hatch's historical stories all lead to different kinds of vacation days.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

For further research, you can also explore Panguitch, Boulder, Ticaboo, Cannonville, Escalante, Bryce Canyon, Tropic and Henrieville. Compare which landscapes and experiences should be the focus of your trip and which type of accommodation suits them.

For the higher-level travel overview: Garfield.