Sterling village and Palisade State Park are small enough that you can walk or cycle between them without difficulty. The park entrance is less than 2km from the village centre, and the flat valley roads are well suited to cycling.
A car is essential for reaching anything beyond the immediate area — Manti, Ephraim, Spring City and the broader valley are all short drives on US-89, but there is no bus service and no taxi or ride-share option.