This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

A slice of paradise in southern Utah can be yours for as little as $1,000 an acre.

Utah officials are auctioning several parcels of state trust lands next week, including three 80-acre Garfield County lots with "spectacular views" of Bryce Canyon National Park.

The School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, or SITLA, is seeking minimum bids of $76,000 on each of three scenic lots located less than a mile south of Tropic off State Route 12.

Nearly 2,400 acres in six offerings go on the block Wednesday, including a 40-acre parcel north of the park's entrance on the Paunsaugunt Plateau and larger parcels in Grand and Millard counties.

The Tropic lots, perched at 6,500 feet above sea level, can be developed into secluded getaways surrounded by dense pinyon-juniper.

"The topography is gently sloping to steep breaks along Bryce Creek," an offering statement reads. "These parcels offer solitude and privacy, as well as numerous recreational opportunities including hunting, hiking and sight-seeing."

All the lands to be sold are covered by grazing leases, but the lots will be removed from the permits upon sale. SITLA will retain the mineral rights on all the parcels sold. Proceeds go into a permanent endowment that supports Utah schools.

The biggest parcel is 1,535 acres in sections scattered on the east side of the Green River, opposite the town of Green River. Also to be sold is a 560-acre block of ranchland west of Eskdale in the Snake Valley.

The auction starts at 11 a.m. at SITLA's Salt Lake City headquarters, 675 E. 500 South.