Utah is famous for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Mountains and forest in the north give way to breathtaking red rock canyons in the south.
The state is home to 5 national parks, more than 40 state parks, and endless recreational opportunities, from skiing to hiking to rock climbing.
Fast-growing Utah has struggled to keep up with demand for new homes, but it’s not hard to find land for sale—even in desirable areas like Provo, Park City, and St. George. That’s good news if your dream is to build a log home from the ground up.
No matter where you decide to put down roots in Utah, opportunities to connect with nature are everywhere in this spectacular state. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to build a log home in Utah, whether you’re thinking about a vacation cabin or a forever home for retirement.
Snowbird
This world-class ski resort boasts the longest ski season in Utah, attracting snow lovers from all over the world. It’s no wonder people love this resort, given that it’s just 45 minutes from Salt Lake and offers 140 runs on 2,500 skiable acres.
For easy access to Snowbird and neighboring ski resorts, search for properties in the neighborhoods of South Salt Lake City or on the east side of the Wasatch Range, like Midway or Heber City.
Park City-Deer Valley
Park City is a skier’s dream. But there’s something for everyone, whether you love hitting the slopes, hiking tall peaks, or just taking in the spectacular scenery.
Living in Park City gives you effortless access to two premier resorts—Park City Mountain and Deer Valley—but also Iron Mountain. Ski-in-ski-out properties are extremely pricey. If you’re willing to live a bit further out you’ll find much more reasonably priced vacant lots on the outskirts of town.
Ogden
Just 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City, Ogden has seen rapid growth in recent years thanks to its proximity to both the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. Living in Ogden Valley gives you easy access to Snowbasin Resort, a popular ski area.
A community of diverse residents, Ogden has a historic downtown that’s quaint and charming—perfect if you love a small-town feel. But with a population of around 90,000, the city has plenty of amenities. Vacant lots start at around $200,000 per quarter acre in this highly desirable area.
Provo
Provo gets excellent marks as one of the best places to live in Utah. In addition to the renowned Brigham Young University, several major corporations also have locations in Provo, including Goldman Sachs, Overstock, and McCann.
With quality public schools, a vibrant cultural and arts scene, and spectacular scenery, Provo is an ideal place to raise a family. Quarter-acre lots start at around $250,000 in this highly desirable area.
Salt Lake City
Situated between the towering Wasatch Mountains to the east and Oquirrh Mountains to the west, the Salt Lake City Metro Area is the cultural and economic hub of Utah.
This area offers the best of both worlds if you want to live near the city but have easy access to nature. Park City, Snowbird, and Deer Valley are just a short drive away for skiers, and the entire Wasatch Range offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
St. George
Once a sleepy haven for retirees and golfers, St. George has grown into a vibrant city that includes city slickers, students, and entrepreneurs alike. St. George sits against the backdrop of the spectacular Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, just a short drive from the heart of the city.
Bryce Canyon and Zion are just a two-hour drive away, as is Vegas (when you’re in the mood for a mischievous weekend). Quarter-acre lots go for around $150,000.
Alpine
A lovely suburb of Utah, Alpine is rated one of the best places to live in Utah. This small town of around 10,000 residents is tucked into the Wasatch Mountains, giving you easy access to year-round outdoor recreation, including some of Utah’s most popular ski resorts.
Land is moderately priced in this desirable neighborhood, starting around $50,000 per half acre. But it’s a well-developed area with plenty of grocery stores, shops, and restaurants, so you won’t need to trek into Salt Lake City very often for supplies.
Brigham City
Tucked into the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, Brigham City is a picturesque place to call home. It’s also the bird-watching capital of Utah. This city of around 20,000 residents provides a small-town feel with big-city amenities.
Brigham City is the perfect basecamp for adventures in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, from skiing to river rafting. You can find valley view lots for your log cabin in Utah starting at around $125,000 per quarter acre.
Cedar City
This high-desert town in southwestern Utah is a dream for those who want to be close to Utah’s world-famous national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks.
Located 250 miles south of Salt Lake City and 170 miles north of Las Vegas, Cedar City is a university town with a vibrant entertainment scene. Nicknamed “Festival City USA,” Cedar City hosts the renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival, drawing more than 100,000 visitors each year.
Vacant lots with expansive views go for as little as $30K-$50K an acre, so you can carve out your own slice of paradise in Cedar City on a budget.
Garden City
If you love wide open spaces with mountain vistas, put Garden City on your “yes” list. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Utah on sapphire-blue Bear Lake, this quiet town gets high marks for its seclusion and natural beauty.
Spend summers on the water and winters skiing and snowshoeing 350 miles of groomed trails at Beaver Mountain Resort, just 20 minutes to the west. Garden City is a great option for those on a budget. It’s one of the few places in the region where you can find affordable lakeside parcels for your log cabin, starting at around $60K per half acre.
Heber Valley
The Heber City area offers stunning mountain views and access to a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, fishing, hiking, and golfing. Heber Valley is home to the historic Heber Valley Railroad and the annual Swiss Days Festival in Midway, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.
You can find one-acre lots for as little as $65,000 in Heber City, but land is priced to sell, so there’s no time to waste.
Kanab
Few places offer affordable red rock views right in your backyard. Kanab, located on the Utah-Arizona border, can make this claim. Land is priced to sell in this small enclave of just under 5,000 people and starts at around $10,000 an acre.
If seclusion and dark starry nights appeal to you, snap up a property in Kanab while the getting is good. Zion is just an hour’s drive northwest, and St. George is 90 minutes to the west.
Moab
The gateway to some of Utah’s most beloved national parks, including Arches and Canyonlands, the little town of Moab has inspired nature lovers for generations. The entrance to Arches National Park is just a 5-mile drive or bike ride north from the center of town.
Moab has a sparse suburban feel, surrounded by wide open expanses of desert and magnificent red rock formations. Vacant lots for your desert cabin are pricey in Moab, starting at $200,000 per quarter acre. Further south in Spanish Valley, you’ll find more affordable lots on offer.
Build Your Dream Log Cabin in Utah with eLoghomes
eLoghomes is the nation’s premier log home manufacturer and builder, offering hundreds of fully customizable log home models, from tiny cabins to large multi-story homes.
Our log home kits are expertly designed and engineered for every climate. Our 6-point WeatherLink™ system ensures weather-tight construction to extend the life of your home.
Take a virtual tour of our most popular log home models and get in touch with our expert team for pricing and to learn why eLoghomes is the leading choice for log home kits.