Lower Comb Wash is a place with immense history The spot is at the junction of Comb Ridge and the San Juan River, a natural spot that funnels traffic in the area through a small region Native American lived and likely grew crops on the fertile banks of the San Juan River House Ruin, tucked into an alcove on the south end of Comb Ridge, is one of the most impressive ruins in the region and fascinating to visit East of River House Ruin, the cliffs have numerous petroglyph panels, including the famous Kachina Panel Th...

The Spiral Jetty was named the official state work of art by the Utah legislature in 2017 This work of art was created in the spring of 1970 by American sculptor Robert Smithson His vision of the Spiral Jetty was likely built on the north side of the Great Salt Lake to take advantage of the blood red color that predominates in the water of the very salty north arm of the Great Salt Lake where pink-tinged salt loving bacteria and algae grow Construction spanned 6 days using heavy machinery Smithson wasn't happy with...

Just south of Kanab, The Bunting Trail, part of the Kanab tail system, is a hidden gem A lovely hike with a lot to see; a dinosaur track, rock art, and expansive views The hike has a few options for distance, with the dinosaur track being the shortest I would rate the dinosaur track and a good outing for most Continuing up to the rock art and summits is a bit more strenuous, but still very approachable by most if motivated It is a popular trail, and I saw quite a few groups on my early morning visit Some seemingly ...

High atop the Big Horn Mountains in northern Wyoming lies one of North America's most enigmatic and sacred indigenous sites: the Medicine Wheel This ancient structure, located at nearly 10,000 feet, consists of a central cairn connected to an outer ring by 28 radial stone spokes Measuring roughly 80 feet across, the Medicine Wheel has long fascinated archaeologists, historians, and spiritual seekers alike Though the exact age of the wheel is debated, carbon dating of nearby artifacts suggests it may be over 700 yea...

Looking for a casual family float trip Ruby / Horsethief provides a very mellow 25-mile float with one rapid, generally considered class II This is a good trip for beginners or families Aside from the one rapid, and short section of turbulent water, the other 24 miles is very easy and relaxing The scenery is second to none, with ample opportunity for side hikes The flow should be BELOW 30,000 CFS for rafts For those in a canoe, less than 20,000 CFS if experienced, less than 10,000 CFS if inexperienced For family tr...

Catstair Canyon has a lot going on in its very short length For hikers, you can hike down from the top and visit what is referred to as the Catstair Rip-Rap, which is numerous stacked old cars used to stabilize the canyon bank for the road Hikers can then hike from the bottom up Catstair Canyon to a rock art site Are you canyoneer Well, you can combine both by descending the short canyon with a rappel or two en route I was surprised at how much we enjoyed the canyon It is an excellent canyon for hikers and canyonee...

NOTE: Both Danger and Jukebox Caves are gated and locked You can visit the outside of them, and look in through the gate, but can't go inside without being on a tour The site is owned and managed by Utah State Parks as a monument, and tours are by arrangement with a third-party I can't speak highly enough for the guided tour! It was incredibly informative and by far the best way to visit and learn about the caves As of 2024, you can find information on future caves tours here: https://metcalfarchaeologycom/danger-c...

One of the things I love about living in Salt Lake City is all of the easy access to hiking From 10,000+ foot peaks in the canyons to the many trails in the foothills, it seems there is always something new to do to meet my motivation level for the day At about 3 miles and a bit over a 1000' of gain, the Heughs Canyon trail is, in my opinion, an excellent length for an after work or early morning hike The trail starts nondescriptly in a neighborhood and then quickly begins ascending through scrub oak 15 minutes up ...

Fremont Indian State Park is one of the often-overlooked gems in Utah It is an amazing state park that anyone with an interest in Native American culture, history, or art should put high on their list to visit I have visited Nine Mile Canyon many times over the years When I finally visited Fremont Indian State Park, I was dazzled by the amount and quality of rock art lining the canyon walls To me, it was as fascinating to visit as Nine Mile Canyon, though with easier access Even on a holiday weekend, we felt we had...

Tucked up near the northern Henry Mountains, along the transition zone between the mountain and desert environments, is the Rock Corral This natural feature creates a rock "corral" that ranchers used and closed with a log fence to contain animals Long before ranchers, however, Native Americans also used the area Signs of their time at the site are found in petroglyphs they left behind, as well as one of the largest concentration of grinding areas I have seen I assume the ancient peoples collected grasses and seeds ...