Upper Spring Canyon is one of those hikes that tests your mettle It is seldom trodden, long, and has beautiful scenery The hike is one I would recommend only to very fit and experienced desert hikers The route contains moderate route finding, sections of rough terrain, and has very limited water availability, the types of difficulties that can spell disaster for the unprepared Though challenging, it is also a very rewarding hike, ascending through layers of sandstone, up and over the Wingate layer, then meandering ...

I consider a big part of the fun and enjoyment of canyoneering to be the route finding Great Gusto Canyon is one of those rare days that I didn't lead the group to the spot where I thought we would end up, but instead to a different drainage entirely The upshot of the snafu Instead of finding and rappelling through the arch I had hoped we would be rappelling through, we found an undocumented and impressive natural bridge and rappelled through that instead! Bridge, arch, it is all good! This is an advanced canyon be...

Grimes Point has a long history of human habitation, dating back 8000 years or more An ancient lake, Lake Lahontan, likely provided an excellent hunting grounds, water, and marsh lands Currently, the area is a dry, high desert region The signs of early habitation are clear, however, in a large concentration of ancient petroglyphs at Grimes Point This is one of the larger and older rock art sites I have seen and predates many rock art sites found in Utah and surrounding areas Just around the corner from Grimes Point...

Repeater Jr is a great addition to a weekend in the Lost Spring area This short canyon is a nice way to round out a day after doing MMI Canyon, Lost and Found Canyon, and/or Winter Camp Canyon The short canyon has one 60 m rappel at the start, then an easy and obstacle-free stroll to the exit A fun 1-2 hour jaunt, suitable for most Note: The canyon is short and easy, but I would not recommend it as a place to teach someone to rappel The rappel is a bit awkward in spots if you stay in the canyon bottom Stemming abov...

Just north of US Route 50, the loneliest highway in the US, , Sand Mountain towers 660 sandy feet above the surrounding sagebrush high desert at almost 2 miles long, and 660 feet high This is a short side trip that is highly recommended if you are passing through Nevada on US-50 Be sure to also visit the nearby Pony Express station along the way It is said that on windy days, due to the shape and type of sand grains that make up Sand Mountain, the mountain makes an odd "moaning" sound Unfortunately or fortunately o...

This is a hike that, in my opinion, has it all A short, yet complex approach with a bit of scrambling, stunning views along the way, and a well preserved and impressive rock art panel The route is complex enough and requires enough easy 4th class scrambling to not be suitable for beginners Dogs and kids will likely need a hand The reward for a bit of scrambling and route finding is unparalleled views of the Colorado River and one of the most unique rock art panels I have seen in the area The panel is perched high o...

The Pipeline Trail in Mill Creek Canyon runs about 75 miles from the Salt Lake Valley Overlook near the mouth of the canyon to Elbow Fork about 1/2 way up the canyon The Pipeline Trail is one of my favorite running trails! With three trailheads, it is easy to find a section or loop that fits the mood of the day Much of the path is relatively flat, with all of it being wide, mostly rock free, and easy to run on In addition to being well suited for running, the trail makes a great hiking or biking trail as well The l...

I should preface my description of Saratoga Inlet / Lehi Hot Springs by admitting I have high standards when it comes to hot springs I want something that is the perfect temperature, odor free, with a scenic view, not crowded, and I wouldn't mind warm towel service when I am done! Saratoga Hot Springs, a short distance from both Salt Lake City and Utah Valley seems like an idyllic setting for a quick getaway with the family on a stormy Sunday morning I found the hot springs a bit disappointing The pool is good size...

Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area is an outdoor paradise minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Wasatch Front On the north end of the expansive 18,000-acre area sits the Eccles Education Center and a 16-mile introductory trail This is an excellent place to see birds and other wildlife The trail is mostly flat and an easy surface for families to stroll around and enjoy My favorite time to visit is sunrise when the lighting is incredible, and the birds seem in abundance The education center is open Tuesday–S...

Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry is known to have the largest concentration of Jurassic dinosaur fossils ever found The quarry is located miles down a dirt road in a relatively remote location I have visited several times and have never seen more than a few other visitors If you are a dinosaur enthusiast, this is a place you want to visit The quarry has a small visitor center that has numerous examples of the types of fossils found at the quarry, and a wealth of information Near the visitor center are two large meta...