The Meeks Mesa trail was one of the first hikes I did in Capitol Reef At the time, it had one very important characteristic; it was outside of the National Park boundary! Being outside the National Park, dogs are allowed on this trail, and the reason I first did it In addition to being dog-friendly, it is a stunning hike The hike ascends from the trailhead up to Cooks Mesa, where it heads west and then north offering excellent up-close views of the Wingate cliffs that are visible from the highway The trail then asc...

Tucked just south of the Utah State line, Little Black Mountain is a treasure of hundreds of petroglyphs nestled against the base of the basalt and sandstone peak The peak sits on a boundary To the north, butting up against the Utah/Arizona border is the bustling and expanding city of St George To the south is the vast mostly undeveloped desert of the Arizona Strip It is a bit striking to have a large concentration of rock art so close to a thriving and growing city BLM has created a trailhead with pit toilets, a p...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

Old School is one of those canyons you do when you have an hour or two at the end of the day and aren't ready to settle down in camp or head back to civilization Though a 1 rappel wonder, it makes a pleasant outing and a nice way to round out a day It would also be beginner friendly with competent leadership, and a gentle introduction to canyoneering There is a pool mid-way down the rappel that requires a bit of creative stemming to avoid Beginners will get wet, intermediate canyoneers will enjoy the challenge No w...