Sterling, Utah travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Sterling is in Central Utah. Surveyed by James Snow in 1881 after securing rights to former Indian reservation land from the government. Most of the Pettyville settlers moved to this higher bench above Six Mile Creek, six miles south of Manti, and the main road was eventually rerouted to service them.

Scandinavian style stone mileage markers once signed the old route along the San Pitch. Teacher Gus Clark won the then considerable sum of $5.00 in a contest to name the place. One sore loser was so vexed that he slugged Clark, tarnishing the town's 'sterling' reputation. A quiet village with several pioneer adobe houses, the place still maintains two small stores that, along with the new warehouse, function as community centers.

1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Sterling

The Arapeen ATV Trail System

350-mile Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Jun, Sep. Summer highs reach about 95°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Apr and May. (climate data from nearby Delta)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
PVU Provo Municipal Airport, Provo — 71 mi away. Directions
CNY Canyonlands Regional Airport, Moab — 108 mi away. Directions
SLC Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City — 111 mi away (major hub). Directions

The town of Sterling is approximately 2 hours south of Salt Lake City. To get to Sterling, Take I-15 Exit 225 at Nephi. Go East on Highway 132 until it intersects with Highway 89. Follow Highway 89 south until you reach Sterling.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder