Utah

Water Canyon is a narrow canyon on the southern side of Canaan Mountain in the Canaan Mountain Wilderness south of Zion. It makes for a great hike away from the crowds, though do not expect to have the trail to yourself as it is a great starting point for backpacking and canyoneering trips into t...

Though only a few miles from civilization as a bird flies, this trailhead is only accessible via a dirt road (that can be quite bumpy - high clearance vehicles recommended though I did it in a car).  Given the condition of the road, drive time can be 45 minutes from St George, Utah.  The road is ...

The incredible views at Bryce Canyon National Park can be described with little else than a “Wow.” During a snowy winter, especially, these sights are not to be missed.There is only one campground open during the winter, Sunset Campground, and it is first come, first serve. Most visitors shy away...

Zion National Park. Truly one of the beauties of the American Southwest. With red walls and orange sunsets, Zion is a must-see. However, during the busy season of the parks, finding a campsite that hasn't been snagged can be difficult. That's why I'd suggest looking for a quieter, equally as beau...

The bouldering in Joe's Valley has been a hot spot for climbers from all around the world. Discovered by Utah climbers decades ago it has turned into a mecca for anyone who loves sandstone bouldering. The texture of the rock is very grippy and after a long day can leave you with little skin lef...

Ryder Lake is accessed via the Stillwater Trail, beginning at the Christmas Meadows Trailhead off of Mirror Lake Highway. The trail heads due south from Christmas Meadows along the Stillwater River. It winds through lodgepole pine forests and skirts alpine meadows, gradually gaining elevation. A...

There isn't a trail to Cutthroat Lake so for a portion of the hike will be cross-country.  I highly recommend bringing a GPS but with intermediate route-finding skills you should be able to find your way.  We used the Gaia GPS app and this made the hike much easier.  The distance depends on the r...

Near the border of Utah and Nevada stands Spring Mountain which harbors a warm spring, underwater cave system, and crystal ball cave. The warm springs has two separate pools both around 80 degrees. The main pool has water cascading down the hillside into the pool as well as a underwater cave syst...

Just off of Highway 80, head up Emigration Canyon Road to the trailhead. There is a large parking area on the opposite side of the road from the trailhead. The parking area comes equipped with a bathroom if you need one.  To get started, cross the road and start heading uphill. Keep in mind that...

The Broads Fork trailhead starts in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the same parking lot as the Lake Blanche trailhead. This trailhead is on the west side of the parking lot. The trail is marked and easy to follow for a good chunk of the way. You will come to a big basin and alpine meadow where you wil...

To get to Wilson Arch, drive south of Moab on US-191 S for about 25 miles. The arch is right off US-191S and there is parking on either side of the highway. Keep an eye out after you pass the LaSal Junction - the arch is visible from the road.From the parking lot there is a a very short (~0.5 mil...

I've visited Zion National Park twice this year and the experience between the two visitations were like night and day. Zion National Park is by no means a secret, and for good reason. Hikes such as Angels Landing, and the Narrows are locations which are sought after by every outdoorsman and novi...

From the Rattlesnake Trailhead (about a mile northeast of the Sherwood Hills Resort on U.S. 89) to the peak is just under 4.5 miles. The hike is great exercise, as it's relatively steep. The steep angle provides for stunning views along the entire trail, making this one of the most picturesque hi...

One of the many wonderful hidden gems in Utah (so just tell you close friends about it).Kane Gulch is located four miles south of the Highway 95/Highway 261 junction. At the Kane Gulch ranger station you will be able to use restrooms, overnight park your vehicle, pick up permits, and purchase are...

We all know the crowds well at our favorite National Parks, and Bryce Canyon is no exception. When you're looking to get a little further away from the noise, lights, and experience of a National Park campground, you often don't have to go very far off the main road. This adventure is for those w...

The trail begins at the parking lot at the very top of Millcreek, called Upper Big Water. The trail begins on the east side of the lot, where bathrooms are available. Walk to trail sign and head left to Old Pine Road Trail.From there, the trail remains relatively flat with some steep gains. The t...