Deseret Peak

Rarely will you ever see another person at the underrated Stansbury Island, the second largest island within the Great Salt Lake in Utah - even though a dirt causeway connects it to land, it is still considered an island. The lack of crowds make this a good place to hike, take photos, and enjoy the sunrise or sunset. Just about an hour drive from Downtown Salt Lake City, you will find Stansbury...

From Salt Lake City go on UT-201W, then take Bacchus Highway all the way until the intersection with Butterfield Canyon Road. This is where you can park your car and follow the dirt road for roughly 2 miles until you come to a fork. One road from the fork leads to Middle Canyon and the other to the Copper Pit Overlook. We kept to the RIGHT on the road to the copper pit overlook. The road is a b...

Head west on I-80 and get off on the Saltair exit. You will drive past the music venue and into the Great Salt Lake state park. Right before the marina you will veer left onto a dirt road and this will take you right up to the black rock. Prepare yourself for the wonderful smell of the Great Salt Lake. The sunsets are always rad. You will be able to see Antelope Island off in the distance.

Launch your kayak or SUP from the marina, which is located only 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. You can go as long and far as you want. Some popular short destinations are to Black Rock (2 miles RT(40.725294, -112.227835)) or Pyrite Point (5 miles RT (40.758405, -112.191853). Neither are suitable for camping, unfortunately. However, you can take a break and get out of your boat to enjo...

Butterfield Canyon is a little-known canyon on the west side of Utah Valley. Beautiful any time of the year, it is especially beautiful in the fall—all the leaves changing colors! When you reach the marked location, turn onto Butterfield Canyon Road. Drive until you reach the end of the road (it eventually turns into Middle Canyon Road), or stop and turn around once you've had your fill of the...

These are great little ponds located at 11267 S. River Front Pkwy in South Jordan. It is just off of a section of the Jordan River. Kidney Pond is the one located just by the parking. Midas is just above and you can see it from the parking. You can fish here for rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill, and the occasional largemouth bass. You need a current Utah fishing license to fish here. Th...