One of the must-do sights near Jasper is Maligne Canyon A short hike visits a stunning canyon section where the Maligne River has cut deeply into the limestone layer, eroding a gorge that is, in spots, only 2 meters 6 feet wide and 50 meters 160 feet deep A trail follows along the top of the gorge, crossing at several points to give close views of the tumultuous waters ragging in the canyon floor below Maligne Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in the area, and quite busy Those wanting a short walk should star...

Sunwapta Falls, at least in my mind, is a bit less impressive than Athabasca Falls or Mistaya Falls It is still a remarkable place to visit, however, and recommend if passing by and you have a bit of time The first falls are a roadside attraction, and family-friendly Those looking for more of a hike can continue on a trail along the top of the river that visits additional falls

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 ...

If you want to really experience the Eastern Reef, this is the hike to do It begins near Uneva, follows the Eastern Reef south, visiting a perennial pool and small petroglyph panel before circling back behind the reef to the trailhead The views along the way are stunning The first half of this hike is easy, and makes a great out and back for those wanting a shorter day or with kids in tow The full loop is moderate to strenuous, with a fair amount of elevation gain over boulder strewn terrain

The eastern reef, near where I-70 enters the San Rafael Swell from the east, is one of the most dramatic parts of the Swell to visit The Navajo and Wingate uplift is dramatic from a distance, and even more so up close Buckeyes Canyon is one of those rare canyons that descends from the top of the reef In its short, but steep descent, it passes through the Wingate and Navajo layers in a series of 10 rappels En route, it also passes through several unnamed natural bridges and gives a rare view of Tip Top Arch One of t...

For a canyon so pretty, and with such easy access, Iron Wash seems to be infrequently trodden Most will want to just visit the lower end where the canyon cuts through the reef Visiting just Iron Wash is a casual romp and suitable for most The hike starts in a pretty Navajo walled canyon then turns into a very pretty, deep, and wide Wingate walled canyon before it exits the west side of the reef For the very motivated, a loop can be made up Iron Wash, along Lone Man Draw, down Ernie canyon and back to the car This m...

Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming, is a remarkable destination known for its steamy mineral waters, dramatic travertine terraces, and deeply rooted cultural history Located in the heart of Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin, this state park is home to one of the world’s largest mineral hot springs The park features a free public bathhouse where you can soak in the naturally heated waters, believed for centuries to have healing properties Beyond the hot springs, the park has trails, bison viewing, picnic areas, an...

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 into the eastern slopes of the Wind River Mountains, Sinks Canyon State Park in Wyoming is a hidden gem Just six miles southwest of Lander, this unique canyon is named for the remarkable natural phenomenon where the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River disappears underground into a limestone cavern - known as "The Sinks" - only to reemerge a quarter mile downstream at "The Rise" Sinks Canyon offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors of all skill levels and interests Hikers can explore a network of tra...

I'm consistently impressed by the state parks in Utah Everyone knows about the national parks, but the state parks often have incredible beauty without quite the crowds! Dead Horse State Park, near Canyonlands’ Island In The Sky is stunning with views similar to Island In the Sky The park offers great camping, easy roadside views, mountain bike trails, and over 6 miles of jaw-dropping hiking along the rim of the mesa This makes an excellent alternative or addition to the nearby Island In the Sky What's in a name Co...