Overview Via Ferrata routes are quite common in Europe They began in World War I as a means to move troops and equipment over difficult mountainous terrain Via Ferrata is Italian for Iron Way, and refers to installing iron steps and other aids up difficult rock sections of peaks in the mountains There are a few Via's in the US, but they are not nearly as common as in Europe In modern times, Via's has become a popular recreational outing in Europe, with different routes offering different difficulties from easy and ...

Tucked in the Stansbury Mountains, not an hour away from Salt Lake, Deseret Peak is the Tooele County highpoint Unlike most areas directly along the Wasatch Front, the Stansbury Mountains are much less crowded and have a more open and remote feel If I'm hiking near Salt Lake for a quick day trip, the Stansbury Mountains are at the top of my list You're likely to see people, but not the hordes you'll find in Big Cottonwood or Little Cottonwood Canyons There are a couple of small springs/stream en route, but bring al...

Trail is one of those canyons I have done quite a few times and would still be eager to do it again Relatively short, easy access, and a touch physical, it has many redeeming qualities This is, however, not a good choice for beginners, or those new to narrow slots A short tight slot section near the end will required either diminutive stature, or the willingness to climb over the spot at an intermediate level The climb over is not particularly hard, but is exposed and not suitable for beginners For reference, at 6'...

Hyde Draw has captivated my interest for awhile, but doubly so after the Emperor proclaimed it PDH Pretty Darn Hard, bolt kit and pothole skills required! Unfortunately, a couple of my early attempts to check it out had been thwarted by weather, but finally in the spring of 2014 we got down to take a look at it Loaded for bear 250' of rope, 300' pull-cord, bolt kit, potshots, etc my partner new to canyoneering wondered what she was getting herself into Would we find a lion or pussy cat in this one Seems pretty shor...

Tucked high above Hickman Bridge, Stegosaur Slot offers a short narrow section of canyon with an amazing approach The views along the approach are stunning, and the route up offers just enough route finding challenge to be fun The canyon is named after a distinctive ridgeline that defines the skyline above the canyon I had poked around this area years ago, and when I recently heard of a new canyon being done called Stegosaur Slot, I immediately knew the general area It is a very distinctive landmark The route descr...

For ease of access and absolute beauty, it is tough to beat the Lower Muddy Creek hike, where the creek cuts through the eastern San Rafael Reef The hike is one I've done probably a dozen or more times, and still enjoy I am convinced I see something new on every trip The route starts at Hidden Splendor uranium mining area, an old mining area first mined in 1952, and long since abandoned From the mining area, the route meanders down the deep Wingate-walled Muddy Creek Gorge, cutting through Kayenta and finally Navaj...

Taylor Creek, or Middle Taylor Creek as it is also called, is a very scenic hike in the Kolob Section of Zion National Park The hike visits two historic cabins, as well as an exquisite deep walled canyon Though the hike ends at Double Arch Alcove, don't be fooled like I was In this case, arch means closed arch, not a true open arch Even with the deceptive naming, this is a good hike, and highly recommended The hike is very exposed to the full sun to the first cabin, then gets a bit more shaded In full summer, the f...

Grafton was first settled in 1859 by Mormon settlers The townsite offered amazing views of what would become Zion National Park and easy access to water from the Virgin River Unfortunately, in 1862, the Virgin River flooded and destroyed the town The town was rebuilt at its current location, about a mile upriver from its initial location The new location grew and flourished briefly, though the challenges seem daunting including floods, the risk of attacks by Native Americans, and water so full of silt that irrigati...

Few canyons pack as much fun in as short of a section of a canyon as this one! The approach, a leisurely hour, is scenic with a dramatic background The canyon It starts mellow and open, possibly even a bit hum-drum Soon though, a natural bridge appears, then a few pools, and next thing you know, you deep in a slot canyon with a smile ear-to-ear The canyon is straightforward, but one of the rappel anchors is a deadman without much material to build a new one with if the old one washes away That, coupled with a hard ...

When I hear the term Dinosaur Quarry, I have visions of a Flinstonian world with large dinosaurs wandering around and bones the size of houses littering the ground It turns out unless you have a bit of paleontology knowledge, you may not actually be able to find any dinosaur fossils Seeing them requires a bit of knowledge and a keen eye for details If you don't have an paleontology background, I still highly recommend visiting the quarry The area around the quarry is a spectacularly vibrant landscape of colors and ...