Torrey, Utah sits between Boulder Mountain and Capitol Reef National Park. Indigenous peoples inhabited the area for millennia before Mormon pioneers settled in the 1880s. Named after Colonel Jay L. Torrey, these settlers created a resilient agricultural community despite harsh desert conditions.

During the 20th century, Torrey transformed from farming settlement to gateway for Capitol Reef National Park (established 1971, originally a Monument in 1937). While preserving its agricultural heritage, the town embraced tourism. In 2018, Torrey became Utah's first International Dark Sky Community. Today, with about 300 residents, the town blends pioneer heritage with conservation and sustainable tourism.