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MIRIAM EXPLORES AND HIKES
EXPLORING THE WEST THROUGH ACTIVE ADVENTURES.
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BEST FALL HIKES AND DRIVES IN UTAH
Featured / explorehiketeach / 3 Comments
Lake Mary Big Cottonwood Canyon
It’s fall, and we all want to get out to enjoy the vibrant colors of the season.
No matter which area of the state you are in, you can find beautiful autumn
colors to enjoy. Whether you prefer the comfort of your car or an afternoon out
on the trail, this is the post for you!
If you live along the Wasatch Front, you can’t go wrong visiting any canyons
that bisect the mountain range. Check out this interactive Fall Foliage
Predictor Map to ensure the best color. This post will list all areas starting
at the north end of the state and then move progressively south.
LOGAN CANYON (US-89)
Canyon aspens
Drive the 41 miles from Logan to Bear Lake to enjoy orange and red Maples and
bright yellows of Aspen clinging to the near vertical limestone cliffs. You can
enjoy a picnic amid falling leaves at one of five picnic sites, Dewitt being one
of my favorites. You can also stroll or bike on the river trail for a more
leisurely pace. If hiking is more your speed, there are dozens to choose from.
The most popular are Wind Caves (4 miles RT) and Crimson Trail (4.7 miles loop),
with views of the canyon that will take your breath away if the climb hasn’t
already. Tony Grove has picnic sites nestled next to a lake ($10 day use fee)
with a short one-mile hike that circumnavigates the water.
MONTE CRISTO HIGHWAY (HIGHWAY 39)
Definitely one of the lesser-known scenic highways. A drive through this 67-mile
stretch, you see the brilliant colors of Aspens, Oaks, and Maple. You’ll pass by
Pineview reservoir nestled under the peaks of Powder Mountain and Snowbasin ski
resorts, then continue the trek following the South Fork of the Ogden River. If
you travel the road from mid to late September, take the short side trip to
Causey Reservoir, probably the most scenic reservoir in the state. Hike the
Skull Crack to see the Kanokee salmon run.
Gambel Oak and Aspens on the Skull Crack Trail
BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON OVER GUARDSMAN PASS TO MIDWAY (HIGHWAY 190)
Views from the ridge over Big Cottonwood Canyon
Ever since Guardsman Pass was paved in the fall of 2018, this drive has become
an increasingly popular trek to experience fall colors. The drive up the canyon
is bursting with color. As you crest the pass, you are treated to views reaching
as far as the Uinta mountain range and Wyoming on a clear day. The spectacular
drive doesn’t end there because you can continue your drive down towards Midway
and Wasatch Mountain State Park. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a mecca for hiking
with its many trailheads. Some of the most popular trails are great choices for
leaf peeping, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. The Silver Lake
trail (1-mile loop) is accessible for all abilities and has picnic sites and
bathrooms. Other popular trails include Lake Blanche ( 7 miles RT – hard), Donut
Falls (1.5 miles RT – easy), and Willow Lake (2.8-mile loop – moderate).
Views from Wasatch Crest Trail Big Cottonwood Canyon
Pro tip: No dogs are allowed (even in your cars) in either Big or Little
Cottonwood Canyon because of the watershed. Nearby Millcreek canyon is a great
choice to bring along your pup.
ALPINE LOOP AND CASCADE SPRINGS (STATE ROAD 92)
Sundance in Fall
This glacial carved canyon covering 27 miles from American Fork Canyon to Provo
Canyon offers vibrant fall colors contrasting with evergreen trees nestled below
the iconic Timpanogos Mountain. This is arguably the most popular scenic drive
in Utah for fall colors and is definitely worth the hype. If you plan on driving
through, there is no fee, but if you plan to stop to picnic or hike, there is a
$6 fee or free with the America the Beautiful Pass. Also, the road is very
narrow with some tight turns, so vehicles over 30 feet are not recommended.
Alpine Loop during Fall Storm
Some great stops along the way are Timpanogos Cave National Monument
(reservations recommended), Cascade springs (7.5-mile detour) rated for all
abilities, Sundance Ski Resort for lift rides and other activities, and Bridal
Veil Falls, which has an all-accessible paved path (in Provo Canyon). The Alpine
loop is a popular hiking destination with many trails. I recommend Stewart Falls
(3.4 miles RT – moderate) and Primrose Overlook (3.6 miles RT – moderate).
MIRROR LAKE HIGHWAY (HIGHWAY 150)
Aspens near Beaver Creek trail
This road bisects the Uinta mountain range from Kamas, UT to Evanston, WY, and
is known for its many alpine lakes, many of which are accessible right off the
main road. It may be chilly, but you can take a canoe or kayak out on the water
to enjoy the aspens clinging to the sides of the surrounding peaks. Provo River
Falls is a great scenic stop located about 23.5 miles from Kamas. Great easy
walks include the signature Mirror Lake trail (1.5 miles around the lake) and
the Crystal Lake trail (.3 miles). Looking for a little more challenge. Hike the
short but steep trail to the summit of Bald Mountain (3 miles RT) for a
birds-eye view of the area.
MOUNT NEBO LOOP (FOREST ROAD 015)
Scrub Oak and Aspens on the trail
This scenic byway runs 38 miles around the Wasatch Front’s tallest peak. Witness
the contrasting colors of Oak with Junipers and Aspens, along with Spruce and
Fir. Take the time to enjoy the scenic pullouts, and definitely don’t miss the
Devil’s Kitchen scenic overlook, which is like a mini-Bryce Canyon. Also of note
are the Gotto Falls hiking trail (.6 miles RT) and Payson Lakes.
STATE HIGHWAY 25 TO FISH LAKE
Home to the world’s largest organism, the aspen tree Pando. This colony of aspen
trees originated from one seed and has over 40,000 trees with a shared root
system. It makes for some amazing yellow and gold quaking leaves in autumn.
Continue the drive to the lake and the overlooks to enjoy the vistas of Thousand
Lakes, Boulder, and the Henry Mountains.
HUNTINGTON CANYON (STATE HIGHWAY 31)
Beaver Pond in late Autumn
This canyon is mainly known for its fishing, camping, and ATV trails. Its real
gem is the access to Skyline Drive, a dirt, high clearance 4WD or ATV road that
sits at 10,000 ft and affords 360 views for 80 miles! That’s a lot of fall
colors. The best hike recommendation is the Gordon Falls trail (2.5 miles RT).
Maples on the canyon trail
LA SAL MOUNTAINS
Eight miles south of Moab, take a left at the La Sal mountains scenic byway loop
sign. You’ll travel a narrow, winding road for 60 miles (no RVs or trailers).
Enjoy the yellow quaking aspens and the orange and reds of Gambel Oak. Take in
the views on trails such as Squaw Springs trail (8.6 miles RT), Hazard County (6
miles RT), or the Warner to Oowah Lake (4 miles RT). As you descend the
mountain, stop at the desert overlook to take in the views of Canyonlands NP and
Moab.
Highway 12 on Boulder Mountain
ALL AMERICAN ROAD: HIGHWAY 12
Known as an all-American road and touted by many as the most scenic drive, fall
colors are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about this
drive. You can take in stellar shows of aspens driving over Boulder mountain and
the showy cottonwoods down in some of the lower elevations of the drive. Calf
Creek Falls (6 miles RT) has brilliant golds, and Pine Creek Box Canyon near
Escalante is a riparian oasis with reds, oranges, and yellows (9 miles through
hike).
Pine Creek Box Canyon
HIGHWAY 14 FROM CEDAR CITY TO LONG VALLEY
Drive this 41 miles of gold and yellow aspens contrasting with verdant green
spruces and pines. Make sure to stop and have a picnic with views at Navajo
lake, Strawberry Point (which actually overlooks a red rocks amphitheater), or
take a detour to Cedar Breaks National Monument. All afford incredible views and
the changing colors of the high alpine forest.
Yellow and Gold aspens off the highway
So which scenic drives have you done, and which ones would you like to try? Let
me know in the comments.
Yellow Cottonwoods in Capitol Reef National Park
Looking for more fall adventures? Check out my post about Capitol Reef National
Park.
26 BEST UTAH HIKES FOR KIDS
August 21, 2022September 16, 2022 / explorehiketeach / 5 Comments
Following the cairns in Elephant Canyon (Canyonlands National Park – Needles
District)
******This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, I may
receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you!
Hiking as a family was one of the most looked forward to and rewarding
activities as our kids were growing up. Utah is one the best places to find
hikes to do with kids, especially when you are just beginning to have them hike
on their own. Whether your kids are 2 or 12 (or older), It’s never too late to
get out on the trails as a family. In this post, you’ll find 26 Family-Friendly
Utah hikes and all you need to get out on the trails that will have your kids
asking when is the next time you’ll go for a hike.
Zebra Canyon Grand-Staircase-Escalante National Monument
TIPS FOR YOUR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURE
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
Remember that the first few times out on the trail will set the precedent for
how enjoyable your little ones will think hiking is. You need to be ok with not
hiking at your usual pace and let your child(ren) be excited about being in
nature. The hike will become just as much about the journey as it will be about
the destination. Let them take the time to investigate that hidey-hole on the
side of the trail, check out the stream, or examine the bugs or other wildlife.
Take breaks as needed. Bringing along friends is always a good idea. It helps
the miles sail by.
Sheets Gulch-Capitol Reef National Park
PLAN
You want your first experiences to be a success, so plan on a trail well inside
your child’s capabilities. They will leave feeling proud of themselves for
reaching the goal and see the joy of reaching a cool destination. When selecting
a hike for novice hikers, what they experience on the journey should excite them
to see more. I always look for trails with water features (streams, ponds,
waterfalls, and best of all, swimming holes), cool places to explore like
arches, caves, old car wrecks or ruins, or anything that provides that sense of
discovery for your kids.
Pleasant Creek – Capitol Reef National Park
PREPARE
Really this goes for any hike, but when you are hiking with kids, even a slight
discomfort can turn into a big deal. Especially if they are already out of their
comfort zone.
When hiking, always be sure to pack the Ten Essentials. Not only are these
important for emergencies, but they make great tools or motivators on the trail.
1. Navigation (map and compass) We have these features on our phones. Using an
app like Alltrails can even enable us to follow our progress on the trail.
Kids enjoy tracking their progress, and if you bring a paper map and
compass, they might even enjoy playing the explorer and following the
trail. Maybe even put them in charge of being the navigator.
2. First Aid Kit Nothing will derail a family-friendly hike than a scrape or
cut that doesn’t receive the proper care of a bandaid.
3. Sun Protection Don’t forget the sunscreen, lip balm, hats, and sunglasses.
4. Headlamp or Flashlight Not only is one of these good to have in case of
emergency, but they can be great motivators to have your child flash the
light on cool things they find out on the trail or to explore tiny nooks.
5. Nutrition Not only will this keep their energy up, but fun snacks are
always a great motivator!
6. Hydration. Always bring more than you need. Find what worked best for you.
Some people prefer water bottles, others hydration reservoirs with tubes so
you can sip along the way. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to have your
child help carry their own snacks and water so they can access them easily.
the added benefit for littles is this makes them feel so grown up carrying
their own backpack.
7. Matches or firestarter
8. Multitool or knife
9. Extra Clothing Make sure you have a jacket in case the weather makes a
sudden turn, and it starts to rain, or the wind picks up.
10. Emergency Shelter A bivy is a space blanket shaped like a sleeping bag. You
can get these for about $5 on amazon.
Jenny’s Slot Canyon in Snow Canyon State park is a perfect first time adventure
at .3 miles.
TEACH RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
As we enjoy all these beautiful places we want to teach the next generation to
recreate responsibly so we can care for the land and they remain pristine. Teach
your children to stay on the trail, pack out all trash and waste, respect
wildlife, don’t mark up trees or rocks or pick the wildflowers. You can learn
more about the seven principles of Leave no Trace at lnt.org
26 FAMILY-FRIENDLY UTAH HIKES
Looking for salamanders in Cecret Lake.
NORTHERN UTAH
LOWER BELL CANYON RESERVOIR
Fall Evening at Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir
Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir via Larry’s Trail
A beautiful tree-lined reservoir comes into view after less than a mile of
hiking with valley views. The loop around the reservoir will take you through
aspen forest, with a bridge crossing over.
Trailhead: Granite Trailhead
Distance: 2.4-mile loop with 495 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. No dogs because of the
watershed.
Best Seasons: Year-round, Spikes suggested for winter hiking.
BEAR CANYON SUSPENSION BRIDGE
Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge in Draper, Utah
Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge via the Bonneville Shoreline Trail
The joy of this hike is it starts at a park. Nothing like some playground time
at the end of a hike to motivate the littles on the return. Other highlights
along the way include a wooden bridge over Little Willow Creek, a Rock Tunnel,
and sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley, Antelope Island, and the Oqquirh
Mountains. Alternatively, a shorter route starts the Orsen Smith Trailhead but
is steeper and doesn’t have the fun features of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail
route.
Trailhead: Hidden Valley Park in Draper, Utah
Distance: 3.3 miles RT with 508 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. No dogs because of the
watershed.
Best Seasons: Fall and Spring. It can be really hot in summer unless you go
early when the mountain shades the trail.
DONUT FALLS
Donut Falls from within the cave
This is arguably one of the most popular trails in the area for a good reason.
This family-friendly gem pays off with a scenic river and beautiful cascades
after a relatively easy hike. Caution and experience are advised if you choose
to navigate up the slippery rocks to enter and view the falls coming through the
“donut hole” hole in the small cave-like dome.
Trailhead: Mill D North off Hwy 190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip with 498 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs are not permitted.
UPPER FARMINGTON CANYON
Caution is advised if you use the rope to go to the Upper Farmington Canyon
Falls base. The 2nd Car Wreck is my favorite.
Hiking Upper Farmington Canyon is a whole adventure! It is also locally known as
the Car Graveyard hike because of the 6+ car wrecks that can be found hidden in
the trees along the trail. They toppled from the road high above. Some of the
wrecks are probably from the early 1900s. Also on this trail is a small cave and
two creek crossings with smaller cascades! Make sure you follow the social paths
after the creek crossing so you don’t miss any wrecks. All that in the 1 1/2
miles before you even reach the falls! You’ll hear the falls near the trail’s
end before you see them. Going to the base of the falls requires negotiating a
steep hillside with the aid of a rope. Proceed at your own risk.
Trailhead: First hairpin turn on Farmington Canyon Road, Farmington, Utah
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip with 948 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No bathrooms. Dogs Permitted.
Best Season: Year-round. Add 2 miles in winter because the gate is closed.
LISA FALLS
Lisa Falls in June
Lisa falls is accessible to just about anyone. At a mere .3 miles for the road,
you can bring a picnic and make an afternoon out of it. What makes these falls
so fascinating is the sharp turn the water takes part way down and then how the
water divides and cascades down the rock. One side of the fall gushes, while the
other side just slides down the rock. It’s just mesmerizing to watch.
Trailhead: Opposite the Little Cottonwood Creek Trailhead up between mileposts 6
and 7 in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Park on the left side of the road.
Distance: .3 miles round trip with 121 ft elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No swimming or wading or dogs (watershed). No bathrooms
at the trailhead.
Best Season: Best viewed in spring while runoff is flowing but open until Mid
November. Never hike this in winter because of avalanche danger.
PAPER AIRPLANE TRAIL
Paper Airplane Trail
What could be cooler than Top of the world views and a larger-than-life paper
airplane sculpture?
Trailhead: Just off Horizon Run Road at the Powder Mountain Ski Resort in Eden,
Utah
Distance: 1-mile loop with 246 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No bathrooms at the trailhead.
Best Season: Late June to End of September
GLORIA FALLS
Multi-tiered Gloria Falls
Gloria Falls is also located in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Another local
favorite, you won’t have the trail to yourself, but it’s a favorite for a good
reason, and you don’t want to miss it. You’ll first descend a short walk down to
the river and cross a bridge over the roaring Little Cottonwood Creek. Then
you’ll climb for about a mile, where you’ll see signs right before the trail
appears to dead end at the creek. Just past the sign for White Pine Lake, you’ll
see a sign for Red Pine Lake. Follow that trail over the bridge and immediately
take a left following the social trail to the falls.
Trailhead: Park in the White Pine Trailhead 5.3 miles up Little Cottonwood
Canyon
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip with 584 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No swimming or wading or dogs (watershed). Bathrooms at
the trailhead.
Best Season: Spring through Fall. The Falls become buried by snow in the winter.
RUTH LAKE
Reflections on Ruth Lake
Ruth Lake is the perfect hike for families. At only two miles roundtrip,
everyone can enjoy the satisfaction of reaching a destination after only one
mile of hiking. Once you reach the lake, you can enjoy the day on the water,
fishing, floating, hanging in your hammock, and even a picnic before heading
back to your car blissed out by your afternoon spent by this alpine lake.
Trailhead: Ruth Lake Trailhead off Highway 150 35 miles east of Kamas.
Distance: 2 miles RT with 285 ft. elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms, Dogs are permitted on leash. $6 Fee or free
with your National Parks Pass.
Best Season: Highway 150 typically opens in mid-June until the snow falls (Check
with UDOT for up top date conditions)
TONY GROVE LAKE NATURE TRAIL
Tony Grove Lake
Tony Grove Lake Nature Trail is just bursting with wildflowers at peak season.
The trail is a little rocky and trickier to negotiate for a short section on the
far side of the lake. Come for the day and bring a picnic. There are six picnic
sites in the area. You can also float or fish on the water after your hike!
Trailhead: Tony Grove Lake Day Use Area in Logan Canyon
Distance: 1.3 miles loop with 59 ft elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms, Dogs are permitted on leash. $10 Fee or free
with your National Parks Pass.
Best Season: Opens in July until the snow falls.
MOONSHINE ARCH
Moonshine Arch
Moonshine Arch really has it all for kids some small caves, a grotto, a fun
echo, and they can walk on top of the arch! (Watch your littles on this one it’s
narrow up there) make sure to plan plenty of time for this one because once the
kids get there, they’ll want lots of time to explore.
Trailhead: 6.5 miles outside Vernal pullout off Highway 191. Use directions from
Alltrails or this brochure.
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip with 252 ft. gain
Other Trail Information: No bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs are permitted. I
suggest bringing a downloaded map or the brochure because the trail is not
marked.
Best Season: Spring or Fall Can hike in summer or winter just be prepared for
the weather and trail conditions.
BATTLE CREEK FALLS
Be sure to stand under the spray at Battle Creek Falls.
This hike is moderate difficulty but short. You’ll know you’re almost there
after the wide path crosses the footbridge. After you enjoy the falls from the
base, make sure you take the trail to the top of the falls for the incredible
view of the valley and Utah lake below.
Trailhead: Dead End of Battle Creek Drive in Alpine, Utah.
Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip with 606 ft. gain (for both top and bottom of
falls)
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms are available in the nearby park; dogs are
permitted.
Best Season: Year-round. Early spring is best for wildflowers and big flows.
Bring spikes in winter.
STEWART FALLS
Do you see me standing at the base of the first tier of Stewart Falls?
Another crowd-pleaser of a hike, this trail rolls through aspen groves and pines
with views of majestic Mount Timpanogos and the Sundance Ski Resort before you
round the bend to view the 200-foot, two-tiered cascade. After you enjoy the
overlook, proceed down the switchbacks for an up-close view of these spectacular
falls. The kids love to play in the spray of the falls.
Trailhead: Aspen Grove Trailhead or Ride the lift at Sundance Ski resort and
take their trail.
Distance: 3.4 miles roundtrip with 930 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: $6 forest service fee (or free with your national parks
pass),
Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.
Best Season: Spring is best for wildflowers and big flows. Hiking in winter is
not advised due to avalanche danger.
WALL LAKE
Wall Lake is popular with families for paddling and cliff jumping.
Wall lake is named after the tall Granite Wall lining one side of the lake.
There is a shelf on this wall that is popular with cliff jumpers (at your own
risk). It is also a popular spot for fishing, kayaking and stand up paddle
boards because of its large size and mountain views and clear water.
Trailhead: Park at the Crystal lake trailhead off Hwy 150. (Make sure to follow
the sign to Wall lake since this parking area has multiple trailheads.)
Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip with 147 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: $6 forest service fee (or free with your national parks
pass),
Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.
Best Season: Whenever Hwy 150 opens (typically mid to late June) until the snow
flies. Usually October.
SILVER LAKE LOOP
Autumn at Silver Lake
Probably the best thing about hiking the Silver Lake Loop (Besides the gorgeous
views, water, and wildlife sightings) is the accessibility. Besides the
boardwalk, wide packed gravel makes this trail appropriate for those with
mobility issues. Enjoy your walk around the water and stay to fish, extend your
hike to other nearby lakes, enjoy the naturalist displays in the visitors
center, anus use one of the picnic sites for lunch. The tiny Brighton store just
across the street sells food and ice cream if you are looking for a post-hike
treat!
Fishing at Silver Lake
Trailhead: Silver Lake Visitors Center at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Distance: .9 miles roundtrip with 55 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. Picnic tables. No dogs
because of the watershed.
Best Season: June-October. Winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
CECRET LAKE
Fireweed blooms and mountain reflections at Cecret Lake
Cecret lake (Yes, it’s spelled that way) is not a secret, but this popular hike
is worth the effort for the beautiful lake that sits hidden in a bowl surrounded
by breathtaking mountain peaks. Keep your eye out for moose on the trail and
salamanders in the water.
Trailhead: Cecret Lake Campground Trailhead at the top of Little Cottonwood
Canyon.
Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip with 465 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: $10 amenity fee (goes towards road and trailhead
maintenance)
Bathrooms at the trailhead. No dogs because of the watershed.
Best Season: July through September (when the road to the trailhead is open.)
SOUTHERN UTAH HIKES
CORONA ARCH
Corona Arch is every bit as impressive as Delicate Arch but 1/3 of the miles.
Not only is Corona arch a kid-friendly hike but you don’t need to obtain a
timed-entry permit to see is because it is outside Arches National Park. You’ll
climb ladders and moki steps (steps carves into rock) and across a wide
sandstone shelf and two “smaller” arches to reach this impressive arch.
Trailhead: Corona Arch Trailhead 10 miles down Hwy 279.
Distance: 2.5 miles RT with 482 ft elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No fees, Toilets across the street at the gold bar
campground. Dogs on leash permitted.
Best Season: Year-round but hot in summer.
KANAB SAND CAVES
Kanab Sand Caves is a Child’s playground.
These manmade caves have 6 arch openings to views of the surrounding area. Kids
love the scramble up the sandstone to access the caves.
Trailhead: Pullout off of Hwy 89 five miles north of Kanab.
Distance: .5 miles RT with 124 ft elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No fees, Dogs on leash permitted.
Best Season: Year-round but hot in summer. Can be icy in winter.
RED REEF TRAIL
Negotiating the Moki Steps with the aid of a rope on the Red Reef Trail.
This short hike has slot sections, moki steps, alcoves to explore, and feels
like a playground amid the red rock of Southern Utah. After storms there may be
waterfalls and water in the waterpockets like the one pictured above. It’s hot
here in the summer, so if you choose to visit then go early.
Trailhead: Day Use Parking area in the Red Cliffs Campground. The campground is
found in the Red Cliffs Conservation area 15 minutes north of St. George, Utah
Distance: 2.2 miles RT with 223 ft elevation gain
Other Trail Information: $5 fee payable by cash or check or free with a national
parks pass, Toilets across at the campground. Dogs on leash permitted.
Best Season: Year-round but hot in summer.
MAPLE BOX CANYON AND ARCH
Towering walls and rock climbers await in Mable Box Canyon.
This is really two different hikes but their both short and close together so it
worth tackling them both on the same day. Fall is a gorgeous time to visit with
red and orange leaves against the rock walls. These hikes are fascinating
because unlike the usual sand stone walls in a slot or an arch these features or
made of multicolor conglomerate rock!
Trailhead: Day use parking area up Maple Canyon near Fountain Green, Utah for
the Arch. Make sure to take the Middle Fork trail. For the Maple Box Canyon
there is an unmarked pullout about 1 mile up Maple Canyon.
Distance: Maple Canyon Arch: 1.6 miles RT with 580 ft elevation gain, Maple Box
Canyon 1 miles RT with minimal gain.
Other Trail Information: $5 fee payable by cash or check or free with a national
parks pass, Toilets at the Middle Fork Trailhead. Dogs on leash permitted.
Best Season: Year-round but hot in summer.
KANARRA FALLS
Upper Falls in the Kanarra Slot Canyon.
The first time I hiked this canyon was during a family reunion before the hike
was permitted. There were 20 of us and the youngest was 4. Once we got past the
initial section of the trail and to the water, the kids practically ran up the
trail. They loved walking through the water and “discovering” what was around
the the next bend between the towering red rock walls. Make sure you have sturdy
hiking or water shoes. And never enter a slot if there is a chance of flood.
Check local weather here.
Trailhead: End of 100 North in Kannaraville, Utah
Distance: 3.7 miles RT with 753 ft elevation gain
Other Trail Information: $12 permit per person (part of the fees benefit Utah
schools!) You can obtain the permits here. Plan ahead. They go fast. Please make
sure to read all the notices on the website carefully. No dogs
Best Season: Year-round but hot in summer. Not advisable in winter.
SHEETS GULCH/SLOT
This hike is an adventure for kids. They love finding the petrified would strewn
throughout the canyon and there are fun obstacles to climb as you proceed up the
canyon. Located off the Notom Road in Capitol Reef National, Sheets Gulch is a
long one, but you can just hike as long as you think your group would enjoy and
then return the way you came.
Trailhead: Signed pull out 21.5 miles down Notom Road
Distance: 13.8 miles RT with 757 feet elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No fees, no toilets, no dogs (but loads of adventure!)
Best Season: Year-round but hot in summer. Best times are Spring and Fall.
STRIKE VALLEY OVERLOOK
On a clear day you can see all the way to Lake Powell from the Strike Valley
Overlook
Even the drive to get to this trailhead is a beautiful adventure. There are
three arches along the spur road so have the kids see who can spot them first.
Once you arrive at the trailhead follow the signs to the Strike Valley Overlook.
Look for the cairns (stacked rocks) that mark the trail. Please, please, please
stay on the trail so not to destroy the cryptobiotic soil its an important
organism for the desert ecosystem. Also don’t build cairns. It can cause other
hikers to lose the trail and get lost.
Trailhead: End of Upper Muley Twist Spur Road (4WD with high clearance advised)
off the Burr Trail Road.
Distance: .6 miles RT with 100 ft elevation gain. If you need to walk the spur
road its 6.2 miles.
Other Trail Information: No fees, No toilets or water. No dogs.
Best Season: Year-round but hot in summer.
COHAB CANYON
Cohab Canyon is nature’s playground for kids.
Cohab Canyon has some stellar overlooks over Capitol Reef National Park,
hoodoos, and short-side slot canyons. It’s a playground for kids to climb and
explore. Don’t forget to stop at the historic Gifford Farmhouse afterward for
homemade pies and ice cream.
Trailhead: Cohab Canyon has two trailheads. If you have two vehicles, I would
park one at each end, then start at the trailhead across from the Park
Campground, do the short climb, then all downhill to the Highway 24 trailhead
(1.5 miles). If you only have one car park in the Hickman Bridge parking lot off
Highway 24, hike uphill while the kids’ legs are fresh. When you reach the top
of the trail, take in the views but don’t go down to the campground trailhead.
Return the way you came.
Distance: As a through hike (with 2 cars), 1.5 miles with 574 ft gain or 3 miles
RT with 794 ft elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the Hickman Bridge trailhead. No dogs.
Best Season: Year round
MILL CREEK WATERFALL AND SWIMMING HOLE
Swimming in Millcreek Canyon (Moab)
Head up the canyon. Cross the stream a few times and be prepared to get wet
swo=imming at this oasis in the desert below the falls. (Keep an eye out for
poison ivy.)
Trailhead: Dirt pull out at the end of Powerhouse Lane in Moab, Utah Directions
here.
Distance: 1.8 miles RT with 65 ft elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No fees, No vehicles longer than 22 ft down the road to
the trailhead. Dogs on leash permitted.
Best Season: Year-round but hot in summer.
LOWER CALF CREEK FALLS
Make sure to wear your swimsuits so you can take a dip in the swimming hole at
the base of Lower Calf Creek Falls.
Six miles round trip is long but doable for most kids. Just make sure it is not
their first hike! To reach this swimming hole oasis under the 126 ft falls, you
hike 3 miles (one way) following the creek under the towering sandstone walls.
Interpretive signs along the route draw your attention to the area’s flora,
fauna, and history. It’s always fun for the kids to hunt for the signs to see
who can find the next one first. Keep an eye out for the Pictographs! You know
you’re getting close when the trail begins to surround you with greenery. The
trail is sandy much of the way, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. You’ll
want to enjoy a cool dip after this warm hike.
Trailhead: Park in the lot near the Calf Creek Campground off UT-12, 11 miles
south of Boulder and 15 miles east of Escalante ($5 fee). Go early. The lot
fills up quickly.
Distance: 6.7 miles with 866 ft elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Dogs on leash permitted. Bathrooms at the trailhead.
Best Season: Year-round. But it can be cold in winter.
So which hike would you like to try first. I’d love to hear why in the comments.
Looking for more Utah Gems check out my Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Capitol Reef
National Park. It’s our favorite Utah National Park and has so many kid friendly
hikes!
Want more Uintas hikes? Check out Day Hiking the Uinta Mountains.
UTAH’S BEST WATERFALL HIKES
July 18, 2022September 16, 2022 / explorehiketeach / 5 Comments
Upper Kanarra Falls
Did you know that Utah has more than 100 waterfalls? It may not be the first
thing you think of in a place world-renowned for its rock formation-filled
national parks, but there are myriads of great cascade-filled hikes just waiting
for you to chase those falls. So scroll down to read about more than 16 of the
best waterfall hikes in Utah. You don’t want to miss a single one.
WHAT TO WEAR ON A WATERFALL HIKE
Lower Calf Creek Falls
I just love the feeling of the cooling mist on my face after hiking to a
waterfall. Still, while you may be warm or even hot while on your hike, the area
around a waterfall may be significantly cooler because of the water and Utah’s
low humidity. It’s a good idea to bring layers such as a lightweight,
long-sleeved shirt or a waterproof jacket when hiking to Utah’s waterfalls.
No one likes to get a blister out on the trail, so waterproof hiking shoes can
make or break your experience. If you are hiking trails like Kanarra Falls, when
walking through is unavoidable, a good neoprene hiking sock with either a sandal
in warmer weather or shoes in cooler weather will keep your feet from getting
too cold. As always, when out on the trail, you always want to pack your ten
essentials.
Kanarra Falls
THE BEST WATERFALL HIKES IN UTAH
Now on to the good stuff! Please remember as you are exploring the outdoors to
Leave No Trace so these places can remain pristine and enjoyable for you and
everyone. Not familiar with the seven principles of Leave No Trace, you can
learn more about Leave No Trace here.
BELL CANYON LOWER FALLS
Craggy cliffs glow during golden hour above Lower Bell Canyon Falls.
This trail has more than just the falls: a beautiful tree-lined reservoir comes
into view after less than a mile of hiking with valley views. After you pass the
reservoir and go through a meadow, you cross the creek and enter the pine-filled
craggy granite canyon. The final quarter-mile climbs steeply before you are
rewarded with a cool respite under the falls opposite another beautiful view of
the Oqquirh Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley.
Trailhead: Granite Trailhead
Distance: 5.1 miles roundtrip with 1,492 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. No dogs because of the
watershed.
Best Seasons: Year-round, but spring has the largest flows.
DONUT FALLS
Donut Falls
This is arguably one of the most popular trails in the area for a good reason.
This family-friendly gem pays off with a scenic river and beautiful cascades
after a relatively easy hike. Caution and experience are advised if you choose
to navigate up the slippery rocks to enter and view the falls coming through the
“donut hole” hole in the small cave-like dome.
Trailhead: Mill D North off Hwy 190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip with 498 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs are not permitted.
UPPER FARMINGTON CANYON FALLS
Upper Farmington Canyon Falls in Spring.
Hiking Upper Farmington Canyon is a whole adventure! It is also locally known as
the Car Graveyard hike because of the 6+ car wrecks that can be found hidden in
the trees along the trail. They toppled from the road high above. Some of the
wrecks are probably from the early 1900s. Also on this trail is a small cave and
two creek crossings with smaller cascades! Make sure you follow the social paths
after the creek crossing so you don’t miss any wrecks. All that in the 1 1/2
miles before you even reach the falls! You’ll hear the falls near the trail’s
end before you see them. Going to the base of the falls requires negotiating a
steep hillside with the aid of a rope. Proceed at your own risk.
Trailhead: First hairpin turn on Farmington Canyon Road
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip (winter distance) with 948 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No bathrooms. Dogs Permitted
Best Season: Year-round. Add 2 miles in winter because the gate is closed.
LISA FALLS
These unique falls cascade part way and then take a sharp turn on the Cliff.
Lisa falls is accessible to just about anyone. At a mere .3 miles for the road,
you can bring a picnic and make an afternoon out of it. What makes these falls
so fascinating is the sharp turn the water takes part way down and then how the
water divides and cascades down the rock. One side of the fall gushes, while the
other side just slides down the rock. It’s just mesmerizing to watch.
Trailhead: Opposite the Little Cottonwood Creek Trailhead up between mileposts 6
and 7 in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Park on the left side of the road.
Distance: .3 miles round trip with 121 ft elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No swimming or wading or dogs (watershed). No bathrooms
at the trailhead.
Best Season: Best viewed in spring while runoff is flowing but open until Mid
November. Never hike this in winter because of avalanche danger.
GLORIA FALLS
The many tiers of Gloria Falls really gush in spring.
Gloria Falls is a family-friendly hike also located in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Another local favorite, you won’t have the trail to yourself, but it’s a
favorite for a good reason, and you don’t want to miss it. You’ll first descend
a short walk down to the river and cross a bridge over the roaring Little
Cottonwood Creek. Then you’ll climb for about a mile, where you’ll see signs
right before the trail appears to dead end at the creek. Just past the sign for
White Pine Lake, you’ll see a sign for Red Pine Lake. Follow that trail over the
bridge and immediately take a left following the social trail to the falls.
Trailhead: Park in the White Pine Trailhead 5.3 miles up Little Cottonwood
Canyon
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip with 584 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No swimming or wading or dogs (watershed). Bathrooms at
the trailhead.
Best Season: Spring through Fall. The Falls become buried by snow in the winter.
LOWER CALF CREEK FALLS
Would you take a dip in the swimming hole below Lower Calf Creek Falls?
Many consider Lower Calf Creek Falls the Jewel of Grand Staircase-Escalante
National Monument. To reach this swimming hole oasis under the 126 ft falls, you
hike 3 miles (one way) following the creek under the towering sandstone walls.
There are interpretive signs along the route drawing your attention to the
area’s flora, fauna, and history. Keep an eye out for the Pictographs! You know
you’re getting close when the trail begins to surround you with greenery. The
trail is sandy much of the way, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. You’ll
want to enjoy a cool dip after this warm hike.
Trailhead: Park in the lot near the Calf Creek Campground off UT-12, 11 miles
south of Boulder and 15 miles east of Escalante ($5 fee). Go early. The lot
fills up quickly.
Distance: 6.7 miles with 866 ft elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Dogs on leash permitted. Bathrooms at the trailhead.
Best Season: Year-round. But it can be cold in winter.
UPPER CALF CREEK FALLS
The green oasis at Upper Calf Creek Falls.
If solitude is more your jam and you’re an experienced hiker, you might prefer
Upper Calf Creek Falls. Although the hike is shorter, the trail descends quickly
down for a mile before reaching the falls. Follow the cairns. After enjoying the
86 ft tall falls (watch out for poison ivy), ascend the side trail up to the
smaller cascade and deeper pools above the main falls.
Trailhead: Head north from pull off the side road on your left just after
milepost 81. Follow the road to the parking area.
Distance: 2.1 miles with 695 ft elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Dogs on leash permitted.
Best Season: Year-round. But it can be cold and icy in winter.
HIDDEN FALLS
Hidden Falls in Winter.
This trail is accessible to most because of the distance. This hidden grotto
really is a treat, so don’t miss it.
Trailhead: Mill B (right by the Lake Blanche Trailhead)
Distance: .3 miles roundtrip with 49 ft elevation gain (I highly recommend
continuing another mile to the overlook of Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Salt
Lake Valley below.)
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at Lake Blanche Trailhead nearby. No Dogs.
Best Seasons: Year-round.
ADAM’S CANYON WATERFALL
Enjoying the cooling mist of Adam’s Canyon Falls.
Located in Kaysville, just off Highway 89, you start this hike in full sun
before you enter the canyon and follow the stream all the way to the falls.
Despite climbing steeply at times, this trail is a local favorite. If you prefer
solitude on the trail, make sure to hike this one early. These 40-foot falls are
reliably beautiful year-round. If you want to know more about hiking this one in
the winter, check out my post about the 8 Best Frozen Waterfalls in Northern
Utah post. This is a great one for those who like to hike with their dogs.
Trailhead: Adams Canyon Trailhead (Looks like a big park and ride lot)
Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip with 1,358 ft. elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: No bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.
Best Seasons: Year-round.
LITTLE DEER CREEK FALLS
Climbing up the side of Little Deer Creek Falls.
Located adjacent to Cataract Gorge, Little Deer Creek Falls stands over 100 feet
tall! The Cataract Gorge is full of swimming holes (bring your swimsuit) that
make for a perfect summer retreat in the high Uintas mountains. This really is
one of the most beautiful places in the Uintas. While not unknown, it is much
quieter than many other places off Highway 150. If you have high clearance 4×4,
you can drive right up to this area. Otherwise, it requires a 7-mile roundtrip
hike adjacent to the Jeep road. It is well worth the effort for this gorgeous
spot. Bonus: If you love camping, there are many great dispersed camping spots
in this area. To access the falls, take FR 137 and then FR 027 until you arrive.
You can’t miss it.
Trailhead: Park at the Junction of FR137 and FR 027 (there are pullouts)
Distance: 7.5 miles RT with 1,200 ft elevation gain (you climb up on the way
out)
Other Trail Information: $6 or free with your America the Beautiful parks pass.
Dogs Permitted. There are no Bathrooms at the trailhead but some at the turn-off
to FR137.
Best Season: Starting July through September. Before that, the water is too
high, and it’s dangerous.
ARCHANGEL FALLS
Archangel Falls
The cascading crimson steps of North Creek are located below the legendary
Subway in Zion National Park. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones if you’re
able to secure a permit to hike this gorgeous canyon under the 500-foot tall
walls. Read more about the Subway Hike here.
Trailhead: You’ll obtain directions to the trailhead from the permit office.
Distance: 9.1 miles with 1,305 ft. elevation gain for the entire Subway trail.
This is a Hard hike.
Other Trail Information: $5 per person permit fee. No dogs. Bathrooms at the
trailhead.
Best Season: Spring and Fall. You will get wet, so plan accordingly for the
conditions.
HEUGH’S CANYON FALLS
Heugh’s Canyon Waterfall sits in a Grotto hidden from the main trail.
If you live in the Salt Lake City area, this makes an excellent after-work hike.
At only 3 miles, you’ll still find this trail to be a fun adventure as you hike
through trees (wildflowers in the spring!), over a few bridges, and then
scramble across a boulder field to reach the falls.
Trailhead: Park just off Wasatch Boulevard at the signed parking (you’ll need to
walk through the neighborhood for a short bit to access the actual trailhead.)
Distance: 3.1 miles RT with 1,236 ft elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Dogs Permitted. No Bathrooms at the trailhead.
Best Season: Year-round. Spring is best for wildflowers and big flows. Bring
spikes in winter.
MOSS LEDGE WATERFALL
The upper two tiers of Moss Ledge Falls.
More of a scramble than a hike, you’ll be negotiating around loose rocks and
boulders for much of the “trail.” Despite the short distance from the road,
these falls have three separate tiers and feel very remote. You are more likely
to find solitude on this hike compared to others in the canyon.
Trailhead: Pullout by mile marker 7 in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Distance: .8 miles RT with 559 ft elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Dogs Permitted. No Bathrooms at the trailhead.
Best Season: Summer and Fall. Do not hike in winter because of avalanche danger
or in spring because high water flows make the trail dangerous.
HORSETAIL FALLS
Horsetail Falls in late summer.
The trail to Horsetail Falls is consistently steep but manageable the whole way.
You’ll have a few stream crossings along with forest, mountain, and valley
views. Just like the falls in upper Farmington Canyon, you’ll have a rope to
finish the final descent on the trails to the falls, but this one is a lot less
sketchy, in my opinion.
Trailhead: Dry Canyon Trailhead in Alpine, Utah
Distance: 4.4 miles RT with 1,695 ft elevation gain.
Other Trail Information: Dogs Permitted. No Bathrooms at the trailhead.
Best Season: Year-round. Best Flows in Spring.
BATTLE CREEK FALLS
Lacy Battle Creek Falls
This moderate but short trail is popular with both families. You’ll know you’re
almost there after the wide path crosses the footbridge. After you enjoy the
falls from the base, make sure you take the trail to the top of the falls for
the incredible view of the valley and Utah lake below.
Trailhead: Dead End of Battle Creek Drive in Alpine, Utah.
Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip with 606 ft. gain (for both top and bottom of
falls)
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms are available in the nearby park; dogs are
permitted.
Best Season: Year-round. Early spring is best for wildflowers and big flows.
Bring spikes in winter.
Hiker near the base of the upper tier of Stewart Falls.
Another crowd-pleaser of a hike, this trail rolls through aspen groves and pines
with views of majestic Mount Timpanogos and the Sundance Ski Resort before you
round the bend to view the 200-foot, two-tiered cascade. After you enjoy the
overlook, proceed down the switchbacks for an up-close view of these spectacular
falls.
Trailhead: Aspen Grove Trailhead or Ride the lift at Sundance Ski resort and
take their trail.
Distance: 3.4 miles roundtrip with 930 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: $6 forest service fee (or free with your national parks
pass),
Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.
Which hike is your favorite? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Looking for more hike ideas in Northern Utah? Check out Day Hikes in the Uintas
Mountains
UTAH’S BEST WILDFLOWER WALKS AND HIKES
July 1, 2022August 12, 2022 / explorehiketeach / Leave a comment
July brings peak wildflower season to the high alpine meadows of Utah. What more
can make your heart want to sing than strolling through fields bursting with the
colors and scents of these wild blooms? Whether you prefer an easy stroll or
miles of hiking in solitude, you’ll find just the right place to take in all the
wildflowers your heart desires. This post will cover Utah’s 7 best wildflower
hikes and walks starting from the north to the south.
TIPS FOR YOUR BEST VISIT
VISIT AT PEAK BLOOM TIMES
To ensure the best peak blooms, I use two tools as a guide to help me to
determine the best time to visit. First are the dates of the Wasatch Wildflower
Festival. This free event offers guided hikes in both Big and Little Cottonwood
Canyons near Salt Lake City. The festival dates vary by year, determined by the
weather patterns of that year. Second, consult the comment section of your
favorite hiking app to see what people are saying about local conditions.
Generally, you’ll want to plan for about mid-July for peak blooms.
OBSERVE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
Alpine meadows and trails are fragile environments. Wildflower fields and
meadows take many years to establish and thrive. Observing all seven principles
of leave no trace will ensure that everyone can enjoy these blooms for years to
come, and the ecosystems that thrive off them can stay healthy. Most
importantly, don’t pick the wildflowers. In some places, it is even illegal to
do so. Stay on the trails, so we don’t trample the flowers. Learn more about
leave no trace.
BE PREPARED
The weather in high alpine environments can change quickly. Always check the
forecast before you go and be prepared for rain as thunderstorms can move in
quickly, especially in the afternoons. As with any hiking adventure, always
carry your 10 essentials. As to what to wear, I typically like to wear a tank
top, bike shorts, and hiking shoes. I always carry a rain jacket and long
sleeves in my pack in case the weather changes.
In some places, cell service can be spotty to nonexistent; if you are planning
more than a roadside stop, do your research so you are familiar with the trail,
or better yet, bring a map, either paper or downloaded from an app such as OnX
(my personal favorite), Alltrails, or Gaia GPS.
7 BEST WILDFLOWER HIKES AND WALKS
Wildflowers nestled by the cliff surrounding Tony Grove Lake
TONY GROVE LAKE
Opening July 1st with wildflower peak season, usually around mid to late July,
the Tony Grove Lake day-use area hosts 6 picnic sites and multiple trailheads.
Come up and spend an afternoon enjoying your picnic (no campfires in the day-use
area), floating on the water, fishing, and hiking the trails. Dogs are permitted
on leash. $10 Fee or free with your National Parks Pass.
Wildflowers abound by Utah’s Alpine lakes
Recommended Trails:
Tony Grove Lake Nature Trail (easy) 1.3 miles loop with 59 ft elevation gain.
This family-friendly adventure is just bursting with wildflowers at peak season.
The trail is a little rocky and trickier to negotiate for a short section on the
far side of the lake.
White Pine Lake (moderate) 7.9 miles RT with 1,391 ft elevation gain.
This hike is the one that made me fall in love with Logan Canyon. You cross
stunning fields of wildflowers before you descend down to the lake nestled below
Mt. Gog and Magog is the perfect place to spend an afternoon in a hammock in the
shade of some trees.
POWDER MOUNTAIN
Powder Mountain Ski Resort bursts with blooms at peak season
This ski resort offers some great wildflower meadows with top-of-the-world views
with a fraction of the crowds you may see at the other locations. All the hiking
trails at the resort are free.
Recommended trails:
Paper Airplane Trail (easy) 1-mile loop with 246 ft. elevation gain
Enjoy views of the valley below, and take in the wildflowers and fun
installation larger than life paper airplane sculpture.
Brim Trail (moderate) 6.5 miles with loop with 511 ft elevation gain
A perfect mix of flower-filled alpine meadows, aspen and fir groves, and of
course, views!
BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON
Wildflower meadow at sunset
The Solitude and Brighton Ski resorts host one of the weekends of the Wasatch
Wildflower Festival each year, and for a good reason! There are many trails here
of many ability levels that have spectacular bloom displays of many varieties.
You can register for free for a guided hike and learn about all the blooms you
see here. However, I prefer to always hike one of the local trails here so I can
go at my own pace. My favorite trail here is Lake Catherine (4.5 miles) will
take you by 4 lakes (if you take the quick pop over to dog lake, too) with a
large chance of seeing some moose. Please keep in mind that this canyon is a
watershed which means no dogs are allowed (not even in your car) and no swimming
or wading in the lakes and streams.
Hillside blooms by Lake Catherine
Recommended trails:
Lake Solitude trail (easy) 3 miles RT with 495 ft elevation gain
Contrary to the name, this hike is popular for a good reason. It’s a beautiful,
family-friendly hike.
Brighton Lakes Loop (moderate) 7 miles RT with 1,830 feet elevation gain
Seven lakes in just as many miles. Yes, please. Enjoy the wildflowers among the
lake and peak views. You’ll hike through forests, climb rocky paths, and cross
boulder fields.
Broads Fork Trail (hard) 5.6 miles RT with 2,041 ft elevation gain
Shares the same trailhead as the iconic Lake Blanche hike but sees a fraction of
the visitors. Make sure to get to the trailhead early, and you’ll be rewarded
for your climbing with the rushing creek, aspen groves, and fields of blooms
nestled under O’Sullivan Peak.
LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON
If you could only choose one place to enjoy wildflowers in Utah, make this your
destination. Year after year, the Albion Meadows in Alta, Utah, is just bursting
with blooms, not just in quantity but in variety. It’s a rare opportunity to
experience these types of blooms with so little effort.
A hike in the Albion Basin of Little Cottonwood Canyon provides the best
Wildflowers hiking.
Recommended Trails:
Albion Meadows Trail (easy) 3.6 miles RT with 744 ft gain.
Sound of Music worthy fields with a kaleidoscope of color encircled by the peaks
of Big and Little Cottonwood canyons. Extend this adventure by another 1.5 miles
to enjoy Cecret Lake (no, that is not a typo).
Mountain reflections and fireweed blooms at Cecret Lake
Mount Wolverine via Twin Lake Pass (moderate) 5.2 miles RT with 2,047 ft
elevation gain
This more challenging trail sees a fraction of the visitors of the Albion
meadows because of the steep, sometimes loose rock terrain but the rewards of
not just the wildflowers but bagging to mountain peaks with views of the Wasatch
range and beyond are so sweet.
MOUNT TIMPANOGOS
Red and Blue blooms thrive in the shadows of Mount Timpanogos
This iconic peak along the Wasatch Front can be accessed by the Alpine Loop Road
(Highway 92) which is 20 miles of eye-popping views via some hairpin turns, but
you wouldn’t want to rush this drive anyway because of the views. Recreation
opportunities abound with Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Tibble Fork
reservoir for paddling away from the summer heat, picnicking, camping,
off-roading, and of course hiking. There is a $6 fee to use this recreation
area. Dogs on leash are permitted.
Recommended trails:
Mount Timpanogos can be accessed by two trailheads. Both offer spectacular
displays of wildflowers, waterfalls, and if you are lucky enough mountain goats.
If you choose to hike past the falls on either of the below hikes you can hike
all the way to the summit or here for 15 miles with 4,425 ft elevation gain or
16.8 miles RT with 5,613 ft elevation gain. Even if you don’t want to hike all
the way to the summit, I suggest going a mile or two past the falls for the best
displays.
Scout Falls via Mount Timpanogos Trail (moderate) 3 miles with 833 ft gain.
Timpanogos Lower Falls (moderate) 2.4 miles with 774 ft elevation gain.
BIG JOHN FLAT
Trailside blooms
Most Utah natives haven’t even heard of the Tushar Mountains outside of Beaver,
Utah. This is mostly a local’s playground. High above the valley floor up Utah
Highway 153 and then 4 miles down forest road 123 you’ll find the meadows of Big
John Flat with all their beautiful flowers. The area has dispersed camping, UTV
trails, horseback riding, and of course hiking.
Recommended trails:
Mud Lake to Blue Lake (hard) 8.8 miles RT with 2,073 ft gain.
This hike has incredible views, then you descend through fir forest to this
incredibly blue water. The climb back out is hard but so worth it. You need bear
spray for this one.
Delano Peak (hard) 3 miles RT with 1,650 ft elevation gain.
Enjoy the wildflower meadows at Big John Flat, then get top-of-the-world views
from this county’s high point peak.
CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Cedar Breaks is like a mini Bryce Canyon at 10,000 ft. They hold their own
wildflower festival for two weeks, typically around the last week in June and
the first week in July. So after you enjoy the beautiful hoodoos and rare
ancient bristle cone pine trees in the amphitheater at the Point Supreme
overlook head over to the Alpine Lakes Trail for fireweed and other beautiful
blooms. $10 per person or free with your America the Beautiful national parks
pass. (Credit cards only)
Wildflower blooms abound around the Alpine Pond trail
Recommended trails:
Alpine Pond Trail (easy) 2.2 miles figure-eight loop with 196 ft gain.
Amphitheater views, wildflowers, and of course the pond views.
Bartizan Arch Trail (moderate) 5 miles RT with 1.148ft.
Ok, you will see a few wildflowers on this one, but the real star of this trail
is the amphitheater and bristlecone pine views, Shooting Star waterfall (it
thought this was an overstatement), and of course the arch itself. You don’t
want to miss this one if you’re already here. Just keep in mind this is a
backcountry trail so make sure you have downloaded an offline map.
Do you have plans to see some wildflowers this season let us know where you’d
like to go or if you have any questions in the comments.
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY
Top Fall Hikes and Drives in Utah
Day Hiking in the Uinta Mountains
The 8 Best Frozen Waterfall Hikes in Utah
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THE 8 BEST FROZEN WATERFALL HIKES IN NORTHERN UTAH
February 16, 2022June 10, 2022 / explorehiketeach / 5 Comments
Battle Creek Falls
There’s something so magical about a good waterfall hike but when the
temperatures drop there’s no need to wait to enjoy these spectacles of nature.
Experiencing the majestic marvels with their frosty domes and chandelier-like
icicles are just a short hike away.
If you’re new to winter hiking, please check out this Winter Hiking Tips for
Beginners by Utah State Parks. It has all you need to know so you will be
prepared for a fun and safe day on the trail
A note to all hikers, I wore spikes on all of these hikes. You’ll need more than
standard hiking shoes to negotiate the ice. You also need to check the avalanche
danger before proceeding into any of these canyons. Current conditions can be
found here: https://utahavalanchecenter.org/
ADAM’S CANYON FALLS
Adams Canyon Frozen Waterfall
Located in Kaysville, just off Highway 89, you start this hike in full sun
before you enter the canyon and follow the stream all the way to the falls.
These falls are more reliably frozen during the winter months because of shade
in the canyon. These 40 foot falls always have interesting ice formations
instead of the typical ice canopy. This is a great one for those who like to
hike with their dogs.
Trailhead: Adams Canyon Trailhead
Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip with 1,358 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: no bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.
BELL’S CANYON FALLS
Bells Canyon Waterfall
This trail has more than just the falls: a beautiful tree-lined reservoir comes
into view after less than a mile of valley views. After you pass the reservoir
and go through a meadow, you cross the creek and enter the pine-filled craggy
granite canyon. The final quarter-mile climbs steeply before you are rewarded
with the frozen falls opposite another beautiful view of the Oqquirh Mountains
and the Salt Lake Valley. This popular trail is has a new, larger trailhead lot
under construction to make accessing these falls even easier.
Trailhead: Granite Trailhead
Distance: 5.1 miles roundtrip with 1,492 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead.
No dogs because of the watershed.
DONUT FALLS
Donut Falls
This is arguably one of the most popular trails in the area for a reason. This
family-friendly gem pays off with a scenic river and beautiful cascades after a
relatively easy hike. Caution and experience are advised if you choose to
navigate up the slippery rocks to enter and view the falls coming through the
“donut hole.”
Trailhead: Mill D North
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip with 498 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs are not permitted.
WATERFALL CANYON
Waterfall Canyon Falls
Don’t let the short distance fool you as the last half of this trail climbs
steeply to the falls. It’s worth every step, however. I hiked these 200+ feet
falls for the first time this year, and they might be my new favorite.
Trailhead: 29th Street Trailhead in Ogden
Distance: 2.4 miles RT with 1,100 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.
STEWART FALLS
Climbers at the base of the 2nd Tier of Stewart Falls
Another crowd-pleaser of a hike, this trail rolls through aspen groves and pines
with views of majestic Mount Timpanogos and the Sundance Ski Resort before you
round the bend to view the 200-foot, two-tiered cascade. Don’t make the same
mistake I did and stop at the overlook. Proceed down the switchbacks for an
up-close view of these spectacular falls. *These falls lie in avalanche terrain.
Do NOT hike this trail unless the avalanche danger is green. Check current
conditions here:https://utahavalanchecenter.org/
Trailhead: Aspen Grove Trailhead (only trailhead available in winter.)
Distance: 3.4 miles roundtrip with 930 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: $6 forset service fee (or National Parks pass),
Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.
FARMINGTON CANYON FALLS
Standing on the ice dome at the base of Farmington Canyon Falls
This hike is also locally known as the Car Graveyard hike because of the 6+ car
wrecks that can be found hidden in the trees along the trail. They toppled from
the road high above. Some of the wrecks are probably from the early 1900s. Just
past the summer trailhead, you’ll encounter a small cave. About a mile after the
cave, you’ll come to the first creek crossing. Most of the wrecks are found
after the first creek crossing (there are two crossings both with small
cascades). Make sure you follow the social trails so you don’t miss any wrecks.
Near the end of the trail, you’ll hear the falls before you see them. Going to
the base of the falls requires negotiating a steep hillside with the aid of a
rope. Proceed at your own risk.
Trailhead: Farmington Canyon Road Gate (in winter)
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip (winter distance) with 1,355 ft. elevation gain
Other Trail Information: No bathrooms. Dogs Permitted
HIDDEN FALLS
Hidden Falls
This trail is accessible to most because of the distance. This hidden grotto
really is a treat so don’t miss it.
Trailhead: Mill B (right by the Lake Blanche Trailhead)
Distance: .3 miles roundtrip with 49 ft elevation gain ( I highly recommend
continuing another mile to the overlook of Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Salt
Lake Valley below.
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at Lake Blanche Trailhead nearby. No Dogs
BATTLE CREEK FALLS
Battle Creek Falls
This moderate but short trail is popular with both families and ice climbers.
You’ll know you’re almost there after the wide path crosses the footbridge.
After you enjoy the falls from the base, make sure you take the trail to the top
of the falls for the incredible view of the valley and Utah lake below.
Trailhead: Dead End of Battle Creek Drive
Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip with 606 ft. gain (for both top and bottom of
falls)
Other Trail Information: Bathrooms available in the nearby park, dogs permitted
Which hike is your favorite? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Looking for more hike ideas in Northern Utah? Check out Day Hikes in the Uintas
Mountains
ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
September 7, 2021September 17, 2022 / explorehiketeach / 3 Comments
Views from the Frying Pan trail
This is your go-to guide for visiting Capitol Reef National Park. As a Utah
local, I have been visiting Capitol Reef multiple times a year for over 15
years. It is my favorite Utah park. You can find slot canyons, arches,
petroglyphs, towering sandstone spires and monoliths, epic views, and so much
more. To this day, I am still discovering new places in the park and revisiting
favorites without the insane crowds of the more renowned parks like Zion and
Arches.
This park deserves so much more than the quick drive-through some tourists give
it. In this post, you will find all you need to know to have an incredible
first-time visit or discover new places if you are returning because you fell in
love just like I did.
POST HIGHLIGHTS
1. Park overview
2. Sample 3-day itinerary for a first-time visit
3. Where to eat and stay
4. Useful links and Practical Information
The Golden Throne viewed from Capitol Gorge Trail
OVERVIEW
Located in south-central Utah just outside the town of Torrey, Capitol Reef
National Park enjoys relative peace and quiet in comparison to the other Utah
National Parks. Capitol Reef has something to do for every type of visitor.
Whether you enjoy scenic drives, photography, canyoneering, and everything from
short walks to multi-day backpacking trips, you will conclude your visit with
happy, tired smiles and pondering when you can return.
Tip: There is no fee to visit Capitol Reef except for the Scenic Drive. The fee
is $20 or your America the Beautiful Pass. Use the self-pay tube at the entrance
of the scenic drive.
The park is divided into three regions:
The Historic Fruita district is the main area of the park. It has heirloom fruit
and nut tree orchards, which have u-pick fruit and nuts summer through fall and
beautiful blossoms in spring. The Gifford House, located near the Fruita
Campground (reservations required), sells homemade ice cream and pies in
addition to local artisan goods with pioneer roots. Enjoy hiking among the white
and red sandstone canyon walls, domes, and arches along the many trails. After
enjoying the orchards and hiking trails, drive down the scenic drive for more
hiking and adventures through the narrows of Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
A visit to Cathedral Valley will treat you to towering spires and castle-like
monoliths rising starkly out of the desert. This sixty-mile loop is a
photographer’s paradise. Enjoy the scenic backway route through the rock
formations such as the Temples of the Sun and Moon, Factory Butte, and the
Bentonite Hills with their rainbow colors. High clearance is required to visit
this remote region of the park, and 4 x 4 is highly advised (No ATVs permitted).
Visiting this area of the park requires a river-ford and, in some places driving
through deep sand. It is very remote, and there is little to no cell service, so
always check with a ranger for current conditions.
Directions: Ford the Fremont river at Highway 24 and Hartnet Road, then follow
it until the Caineville Wash Road, where you will circle back to Highway 24.
Plan on 4 hours of drive time (more if you want to hike, take in the overlooks,
and time for photography). There is backcountry camping at the Cathedral Valley
Campground with 6 first-come, first-served sites.
The Waterpocket district is home to slot canyons, arches, and the stunning
Strike Valley Overlook. In addition to hiking, one can drive the breathtaking
“Loop the Fold” tour to take in the geology, scenic vistas, and history of the
area. To Loop the Fold, pick up the information brochure at the Visitor’s Center
listing mile markers so you don’t miss any of the sights. The tour is 124 miles
and takes 4-6 hours, but I suggest taking a day so you can hike and enjoy the
area. Part of the route is gravel or dirt roads; any passenger car can drive it
if dry. Begin the loop clockwise so you can enjoy cooler hiking temperatures in
the morning and enjoy the sunset from the overlooks on Boulder Mountain. Always
check with the ranger for current conditions before venturing out. There are
five slot canyons along this route, including the short and kid-friendly
Surprise and Headquarters canyons.
There is primitive camping available at the Cedar Mesa Campground with 5 first
come-first served spots that include a fire grate and picnic tables but no
water, so make sure to bring your own.
SAMPLE 3-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 – FRUITA DISTRICT
9:00 ARRIVE AT CAPITOL REEF VISITORS CENTER
9:30 HIKE HICKMAN BRIDGE OR COHAB CANYON
11:00 PETROGLYPHS, PICNIC, AND PIE (OH MY!)
12:30 SCENIC DRIVE AND HIKE CASSIDY ARCH OR GRAND WASH
3:00 COMPLETE THE SCENIC DRIVE AND STROLL CAPITOL GORGE
5:00 SUNSET POINT AND GOOSENECKS OVERLOOK
7:00 DINNER IN TORREY
Details:
9:00 Arrive at Visitor’s center. Enjoy the exhibits and get more information and
brochures at the Visitor’s center. Make sure to pick up a Cathedral Wash and a
Loop the Fold Brochure for Days 2 and 3.
Hickman Bridge
9:30 Hike Hickman Bridge (1.7 miles RT- roundtrip, with 416 ft gain). More avid
hikers can continue on the Rim Overlook for 4.7 miles or Cohab Canyon (3.2 miles
RT with 794 ft. gain). If you are visiting Capitol Reef as part of a Utah
National Parks tour, I recommend Cohab Canyon over Hickman Bridge because you’ll
be seeing lots of Arches at Arches National Park and Cohab Canyon has some
stellar overlooks over the park, hoodoos, and short side slot canyons.
Cohab Canyon
11:00 Head back towards the visitor’s center and stop to check out the
Petroglyphs. They are excellent examples of Fremont culture rock art. You can
easily see them but bring binoculars if you have them for a closer encounter.
Fremont Petroglyphs
11:30 Picnic Lunch at the Gifford Homestead. You can enjoy your lunch surrounded
by picturesque orchards, barn, and other historic buildings. Keep your eye out
for the deer and wild turkeys that frequent the orchards. After lunch, pop into
the Gifford house for some handmade ice cream or pies. If time allows and in
season, the park allows a u-pick harvest of the fruits and nuts (Bring your own
food as there are no eateries in the park, and no one wants to waste time
heading back into town for lunch).
View of Orchards from Cohab Canyon
12:30 Head down the scenic drive (self-pay $20 or America the Beautiful Pass) to
Grand Wash. This drive is stunning as you go through the narrow canyon with the
sheer sandstone cliffs rising high above you on both sides (Never drive the road
in a storm because of the risk of flash flooding). Hike to Cassidy Arch (3.3
miles RT with 666 ft gain). This hike is worth it, even with the steep climb up
the switchbacks. The view from the top of the canyon walls is stunning, and
nothing beats standing on top of the arch for a photo. If you have reluctant
hikers in your group, hike the mellow Grand wash to the narrows. I also
recommend hiking into the narrows after Cassidy Arch if you have the time and
inclination.
Cassidy Arch
3:00 If you have time, you can continue down the scenic drive to Capitol Gorge.
If you opted to skip the afternoon hike, make time to finish the drive. Once at
the Gorge, you have the option for more hiking to some pioneer names carved in
the sandstone and minor petroglyphs. This is a flat trail between tall canyon
walls (1.5 miles RT minimal elevation change).
Views of the Golden Throne from Capitol Gorge Road
5:00 Sunset Point and Goosenecks Overlook. As the names indicate, you want to
catch this area with the golden hour glow and sunset. Make sure to arrive about
an hour before sunset, as much of the area falls into shadow right before the
sun actually sets, and you’ll miss the glowing red rock. So, if you’re visiting
in the summer, have dinner in Torrey first, then head back to enjoy the sunset.
Sunset Point
Goosenecks Overlook
7:00 Dinner in Torrey. My personal favorite in town is Hunt and Gather, with a
seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Capitol Burger has amazing and
inventive burgers. Rim Rock has stunning views of the park, with lots of large
picture windows.
DAY 2 – CATHEDRAL VALLEY
8:00 Breakfast at Wild Rabbit Cafe. Serving amazing breakfast with incredible
options toasts, scrambles, and breakfast burritos. They have a fully stocked
pastry case if you have a sweet tooth. Make sure to grab a sandwich for your day
on the road.
9:00 LEAVE TORREY FOR A DAY TOURING CATHEDRAL VALLEY
Touring Cathedral Valley CAN be done in 4+ hours, but I recommend planning for a
whole day in the area to ensure you have plenty of time to hike, take pictures
and explore the area. The cell service is almost non-existent in this area, so
make sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and emergency supplies. Also
noteworthy, part of this route goes through BLM land, where ATVs are permitted.
HOWEVER, no ATVs are permitted in any part of the National Park itself.
9:30 BEGIN YOUR TOUR OF CATHEDRAL VALLEY
I won’t provide time stamps beyond this point, so you can spend time at the
different points of interest at your own pace.
Ford the Fremont River at Hartnet Road, located at mile marker 91 off Highway
24. Always check with the park ranger for current water levels and road
conditions. You can do this in person at the visitors center or by calling
435-425-3791. This is for your safety and to protect your pocketbook. No one
wants to pay hundreds of dollars for a tow if you get stuck, or worse, be forced
to spend a night or two in the wilderness if you weren’t planning on it.
Bentonite Hills
Bentonite Hills– These colorful banded hills are something out of an alien
landscape. If wet, they are impassable in any vehicle.
Lower South Desert Overlook – Enjoy views of Thousand Lake Mountain, Jailhouse,
and Temple Rocks after a 1/4-mile walk.
Upper South Desert Overlook – Another short hike/walk to the cliff edge for
unobstructed valley views.
Cathedral Valley Campground. this is the halfway point of your tour. This is the
only toilet (pit) available on the tour. The is no water at the campground.
Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook
Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook – Enjoy the monoliths and sandstone cliffs
contrasting with the verdant P and J (piñon and juniper).
Gypsum Sinkhole – This massive wonder is 50 feet wide and 200 feet deep! Stay
away from the edges.
Temple of the Sun
Temples of the Sun and Moon – These monoliths are the quintessential monoliths
of the tour. Many chose to camp in this area (this part is BLM land), so they
can catch the sunset and sunrise on these beauties.
Glass Mountain – This landmark is made of selenite gypsum crystals
At this point, continue for 17 more miles to return to Highway 24.
Pro Tip: Make sure to stop and collect, or at least checkout, the Devil’s
Toenails are your way back into town before dinner. What are the Devil’s
Toenails? These are fossilized oysters from the Triassic and Jurassic period. To
find these, turn left on the OLD Notom Road (Not to be confused with the
Notom-Bullfrog Road) and go .2 miles. Pull over, and they are everywhere on the
right side of the road. You may collect these as they are outside the park’s
boundaries.
DAY 3 – LOOP THE FOLD
8:00 Before you start your tour hit the drive-thru at Dark Sky Coffee for your
favorite morning beverage and eats. Enjoy in your car or at the picnic tables.
Start your tour from the Visitor Center. The center opens at 8:00 am, so you can
pick up a brochure if you haven’t already. The tour takes 4-6 hours but you want
to plan extra time for hiking or side trips. Start the tour clockwise so you can
enjoy hiking in the cooler hours of the day and enjoy the golden hour/sunset
light from the overlooks on Boulder Mountain. As with Cathedral Valley, I will
not include drive times so you can select to spend more time in the areas that
most interest you. The brochure will include additional sites that I don’t
include here. It is a great resource for the history, flora, and fauna and
excludes the hikes which I will include. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch to
enjoy out on the trail or at the overlook at the top of the Burr Trail
switchbacks about halfway.
From the visitors center on Hwy 24, at 9 miles, turn right (south) onto the
Notom-Bullfrog road.
Navajo and Page Sandstone of the Golden Throne and other formations
As you come up over the rise you will see one of my favorite views of the park.
These rounded formations just fascinate me. You’re actually looking at the back
of part of the scenic drive from day one.
At approximately 16.5 miles, you’ll approach the first of three of the park’s
more accessible but challenging slot canyons, Burrow Wash. If you are an avid
hiker, definitely choose one of these to be on today’s itinerary! It will be a
highlight of the trip. If you’re new to slot canyons or not interested in a
longer hike, there are other slot canyons to explore further down the road that
will be fun to explore without taking hours to visit.
Pro Tip: All three of these slot canyons have around a mile of hiking in a wash
before reaching the canyons, but well worth the effort. As with all slot
canyons, never enter if there is a chance of storms, even in the distance as
there is a chance of flash floods. Always consult the weather report and the
rangers for current conditions. I also advise checking on AllTrails in the
comments for current trail conditions. Conditions in a slot canyon can change
after each storm creating new obstacles to maneuver around and even deep pools
that may require swimming in cold water.
At 16.7 miles is Burrow Wash (7.7 miles RT with 565 ft elevation gain).
Burro Wash
At 18.1 miles is Cottonwood Wash (6.5 miles RT with 529 ft gain).
Cottonwood Wash in February
At 21.5 miles you arrive at the Sheets Gulch trailhead. This is the longest of
the three slots, but I feel the most family-friendly of the strenuous slots. Go
as far as you desire (13.8 miles RT with 757 feet elevation gain).
Sheets Gulch
At 25 miles the road turns to dirt.
At 31 miles you arrive at the turn-off for the Cedar Mesa Campground and Red
Canyon hike. This primitive campground has 5 first-come, first-served campsites.
The Red Canyon trail is an easy trail that is 4.5 miles long with 440 feet of
elevation gain that ends in a beautiful box canyon. Although this hike is
beautiful, I would choose one of the 5 slot canyons in this region of the park
if you only have time for one hike.
From here, enjoy the scenic drive with excellent vistas of Entrada Sandstone,
another Oyster shell reef like yesterday (no collecting this time because you’re
in the National Park), and the Striped Morrison Formation of pink and gray
banded clay hillsides until your reach the Burr Trail road junction at 41.5
miles. If you have already hiked a slot for today, turn right to head up Burr
Trail Road. If not, continue straight for some kid-friendly slots.
1 mile (from road junction) is the trailhead for Surprise Canyon (2.2 miles RT
with 400 feet gain).
Headquarters Canyon is 2.4 miles from the junction (2.5 miles RT with 410 feet
gain. This is the better of the two canyons, so if you have to choose, do this
one).
You can continue further down this road all the way to Lake Powell, but it
requires high clearance 4WD and is not included in today’s tour. Return to the
road junction, turn left to head up the Burr Trail road switchbacks where you
climb over 800 feet in 1/2 miles! It’s a fun ride. Make sure to stop at the top
of the road. There is a picnic area to get that epic picture! Enjoy lunch if you
haven’t already.
View of Peekaboo Arch from the Upper Muley Twist Spur Road
At 45 miles, you can turn right on the spur road towards Upper Muley Twist
Canyon and the Strike Valley Overlook. If you have a 4WD drive vehicle, you can
drive the three miles through the canyon to the Strike Valley Overlook and Upper
Muley Twist Canyon Trailhead. I would also advise high clearance as we almost
took the bumper off our Hyundai Sante Fe on our last excursion down this road.
Views of the Waterpocket Fold, Henry Mountains, Tarantula, and Swap Mesas from
the Strike Valley Overlook
If you haven’t done a hike yet, do the Upper Muley Twist (10 miles with 1,355
feet gain) and Strike Valley Overlook (1 mile RT with 400 ft from the trailhead
or 6.2 miles RT if you need to hike in from the Burr Trail road). The Strike
Valley is just incredible, and you don’t want to miss it. As you come up the
canyon, either by foot or car, watch out for the three arches. There are a few
more arches along the Upper Muley Twist trail, and it eventually comes to a
short slot section. Plan on about an hour plus RT for this side trip.
Saddle Arch in Upper Muley Twist Canyon
Back on the main, paved road, at 61 miles, you will come to a viewpoint of Long
Canyon. At this point, you are actually in Grand-Staircase Escalante National
Monument. Take in the views of the Circle Cliff and the Henry Mountains in the
distance. Just when you think the tour couldn’t deliver any more wow factor, you
enter the towering, red cliff walls of Long Canyon with huge arch alcoves and of
course the iconic Singing Canyon at 66 miles. Make sure to pull over and do the
short walk into this baby slot. Make sure to sing your favorite tune. You won’t
be disappointed! As the road climbs out of the canyon, be sure to pull over once
again to take in the views looking back into the canyon. Stunning!
Taking in the towering Walls of Singing Canyon
Shortly after the road turns back to pavement, you reach Boulder Town at mile
78. This remote hamlet was one of the last places to have its mail delivered by
horse. Enjoy the views of the bird sanctuary by the Boulder Mountain Lodge and
Boulder’s bucolic fields and barns.
At the intersection of Highway 12 and the Burr Trail road, you will turn right
to head back to Torrey. This intersection has a lovely little coffee/gift shop,
the Burr Trail Outpost. This is not your typical tourist trap. You’ll find
treasures and artwork from local artisans and artists. The Burr Trail Grill has
excellent burgers, trout, and pies. This is NOT your typical greasy spoon. If
time allows, so you won’t miss golden hour on Boulder Mountain, stop for dinner
at Hell’s Backbone Grill (named for the local dirt road Hell’s Backbone) for
AMAZING food. This restaurant has won numerous awards, including the James Beard
award for Excellence. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in its beautiful and laid-back
setting. We have been known to drive 45 minutes multiple times on the same trip
to eat there. It is that good!
At 75 miles, you’ll see the Anasazi State Park Museum. It has excellent indoor
and outdoor exhibits and bathrooms ($10 day-use fee or Utah State Parks Pass).
Continue east on Highway 12 over Boulder Mountain. Take in the overlooks at
Homestead Overlook at 91 miles and Larb Hollow at 100 miles. Larb Hollow is our
favorite. The views stretch forever over Capitol Reef National Park, Brown’s
Reservoir, the Henry Mountains, and the San Rafael Swell. Golden hour has the
best light for photography as the desert topography of multicolor sandstone
glows in the evening light.
Views from Larb Hollow Overlook
After you’ve had your fill, continue down the mountain, heading east towards
Torrey. If you haven’t had dinner, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants listed
for day one, or try our Chak Balam for some excellent Mexican food in a dining
room filled with handmade artisan masks from different regions of Mexico.
WHERE TO EAT AND STAY
I only recommend places that I have personally dined or stayed at more than once
to ensure the quality of the establishment:
Pioneer Kitchen Country Southwestern cuisine in a laid-back environment located
at the Capitol Reef Resort. Great vegetarian options. Open year-round.
Capitol Burger Fast food truck with outdoor seating. All the food is fresh and
handmade with lots of gourmet burger options.
Rim Rock This restaurant serves western fare with incredible views of Capitol
Reef. They also have the Rim Rock Patio for more casual fare, like pizza. Both
open from March through October. Dinner only.
Hunt and Gather, Our personal favorite in town, it has a seasonal menu with
locally sourced ingredients. Dinner only. Open March through mid-October.
Wild Rabbit Coffee and Cafe Breakfast and Sandwiches from 8-2 Thursday through
Sunday. Don’t miss this gem for breakfast.
Chak Balam has excellent Mexican food in a dining room filled with handmade
artisan masks from different regions of Mexico.
Many bed and breakfasts, Airbnb/Vrbos, lodges, and budget motels are found in
the area. I listed my favorites below:
The Lodge at Red River Ranch has luxury accommodations with 15 unique rooms
decorated with antiques and art. We’ve been staying here for over 15 years. It’s
one of the best lodges in the West. If you’re fortunate to book a room, make
sure to say hello to Dave and Charlene from me.
Capitol Reef Resort Many lodging options – rooms, suites, and cabins or choose
the “glamp” in a teepee or Conestoga wagon.
Airbnb We’ve stayed in three different Airbnbs in the area and were happy with
all of them. Many different budget options are available.
USEFUL LINKS AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Capitol Reef is open 365 days a year/24 hours a day.
Visitor Center hours vary seasonally but is open daily except for some major
holidays. Call 435-425-3791 for the most up-to-date information.
The Park is free to visitors, with the exception of the scenic drive, which is
$20 (self-pay) or the America the Beautiful pass.
The Gifford House Store and Museum is open from March 14 (Pi Day) to October 31
daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours in the summer.
The best seasons to visit the park are spring and fall for ideal temperatures
and dryer conditions. Winter is cold and sometimes snowy. A great time to visit
for solitude, but some amenities in town are closed for the season. Summer is
hot and is prone to flash flooding.
Are you inspired to travel to Capitol Reef National Park? You have everything
you need to know for an incredible visit. What are you the most excited to see
or do? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. As always, please reach out
with any questions. I would love to help you plan your adventure.
Looking for water adventures? Try the Ultimate Orcas Island Adventure Itinerary.
LOST CREEK STATE PARK
August 15, 2021August 15, 2021 / explorehiketeach / Leave a comment
I’ve been visiting Lost Creek Reservoir for years but it’s blue-green waters has
recently received an upgrade in status to a state park! Currently, Lost Creek
boasts a tranquil place to enjoy the water and as it is still a hidden gem and
there are still no costs to use it or its facilities. When you visit you will
find a boat ramp for easy portage and several vault toilets. This reservoir
remains a great place to come and paddle, enjoy fishing, swimming, or playing in
the water with any wakeless watercraft. Lost Creek has two fingers with an
island, peninsula, coves, and inlets to explore as you enjoy the tan and red
rocks, deer, birds of prey, and waterfowl that call this area home.
View of Lost Creek Reservoir from the Dam
There are plans for many excellent upgrades in the next year or two including a
campground and other facilities similar to other state parks like East Canyon
and Rockport.
View of shoreline and boat ramp
Directions: To get there just take I-84 to the Croyden Exit (Don’t forget to
pull out for the scenic view of Devil’s Slide!) and then follow Lost Creek Road
for 10 miles past the farmlands and creek. This is a pretty drive. It may seem
like you are not getting anywhere as you won’t see the reservoir until you crest
the Dam. After you cross the Dam, follow the gravel road around to the ramp for
the best access the water. You will find many great places along the shore the
set up your chairs and gear for a day of peaceful paddling.
THE ULTIMATE ORCAS ISLAND ADVENTURE ITINERARY
August 13, 2021October 7, 2021 / explorehiketeach / 1 Comment
Overlook from the Mount Constitution trail.
In this Itinerary, you will find all you need for the ultimate travel adventure
in the San Juan Islands. I will cover our 5-day Itinerary, but you can easily
customize it to fit your time constraints and adventure level.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Day 1: AM: Ferry to Orcas Island, Eastsound village shops, and farmer’s market
PM: Hike to Twin lakes and kayak on Mountain Lake
Day 2: AM: Whale Watching Tour
PM: Hike Turtleback Mountain and visit Orcas Island Pottery.
Day 3: AM: Kayak tour of Sucia Island State Park
PM: Hike Cascade Falls trail and Obstruction Pass State Park
Day 4: Ferry to San Juan Island and explore beaches, farms, and lighthouses by
Ebike
Day 5: AM: Explore Cascade Lake and lagoon by kayak
PM: Summit Mount Constitution, Sunset and Full Moon Kayak tour of Salish Sea
Now for the details:
DAY 1: FERRY TO ORCAS, EASTSOUND, AND MORAN STATE PARK
Enjoying the ferry ride from Anacortes to Orcas Island is an adventure in and of
itself. We chose to take one of the first ferry rides of the day so we could
maximize our time on the Island. This had the added benefit of the beautiful
early morning light over the Puget Sound. Get your camera out and head out to
the decks for optimal picture-taking opportunities. You may even see harbor
seals, eagles, or Mount Baker!
Make sure to check the ferry schedule and make a reservation well in advance so
you can guarantee your spot if you are bringing a car. We opted to rent a car
and bring it with us. You can also walk on the ferry and then rent a car on the
island.
Early morning light over the Puget Sound and Cascades.
Once our Ferry arrived at Orcas Island, we headed over to Eastsound to explore
the village with its quaint shops and restaurants and enjoyed the Saturday
Framer’s Market. This little market is flush with farm-fresh produce, the most
amazing flowers, and local goods.
Next, we headed over to what I consider the crown jewel of Orcas Island, Moran
State Park. With almost 40 miles of hiking trails, 5 freshwater lakes, and 4
waterfalls, you could easily spend the entirety of your visit just at this state
park. If you plan to spend more than one day visiting the park like we did, make
sure to get Washington’s state parks pass called the Discovery Pass. It’s well
worth every penny and is good for an entire year at any park in Washington
state.
On this day, we hike around Mountain Lake to Twin Lakes. We traipsed through
old-growth forest with moss, ferns, and foxglove wildflowers, then hiked up the
easy grade to Twin Lakes to enjoy our lunch with a view of Mount Constitution
and lily pads over the still waters.
Lunch Spot at Twin Lakes in Moran State Park
After we enjoyed our lunch, we headed back down to Mountain Lake and set up our
pack rafts. These are lightweight inflatable kayaks that you can travel and
backpack with. However, Orcas Adventures at the Mountain Lake campground and
Cascade lake rents canoes and kayaks. We spent the rest of the afternoon
exploring the coves and islands on the lake.
Cove on Mountain Lake
DAY 2: WHALE WATCHING TOUR, HIKE TURTLEBACK MOUNTAIN AND VISIT ORCAS ISLAND
POTTERY
Day two was probably my favorite day of the whole trip. Observing Orcas in the
wild has been a bucket list item for as long as I could remember, and the Orcas
sightings around the San Jauns are practically guaranteed. As a matter of fact,
many companies do guarantee sightings, or you can book another trip for free. As
luck would have it, we observed these magnificent creatures for an hour on our
tour. You can watch a short video of our adventure here. There are many
companies you can book for this adventure. We used Deer Harbor Charters.
Orca swimming by Obstruction Pass State Park
After we grabbed a late lunch back at our cabin, we headed out to hike
Turtleback Mountain. Some argue that the views from Turtleback Mountain are the
best in all the San Juan Island as you have the best views of the island
archipelago. There are two options for Turtleback Mountain. The North trailhead
to Orcas Knob is a 6 mile out and back with a 1,322 ft gain. The hike from the
south trailhead is a 6.6-mile loop (1,640 ft. gain)or 2.7-mile loop (859 ft.
gain) if you just want to hike to Ship’s Peak. I recommend Ship’s Peak or Orcas
Knob for the best views.
View from Ship’s Peak on Turtleback Mountain
After we enjoyed our hike to stretch our sea legs, we head over to Orcas Island
Pottery. This pottery studio is located on West Beach, just outside the village
of Eastsound. To get to the studio, just follow the signs. Even the drive there
is like entering a fairyland as you drive through old-growth cedars and Douglas
firs. They sell pottery from 7 local artists in their beautiful gardens
surrounded by the forest and overlooking the Salish Sea. It was enchanting.
Learn more here.
DAY 3: KAYAK TOUR OF SUCIA ISLAND STATE PARK, CASCADE FALLS AND OBSTRUCTION PASS
STATE PARK
Today we took a Sea kayaking tour with Outer Islands Excursions to explore the
waters and shores around Sucia Island. We met our guide on the dock and took a
boat ride over to the island where we hopped into our sea kayaks to paddle
around this beautiful place. We saw harbor seals (and their pups!), sea otters,
eagles and explored remote beaches. I was pleasantly surprised that the paddling
felt just like being on a lake. The water was that calm. While I know that they
aren’t always as glassy as they were on this day, the waters of the Salish Sea
are typically calm and easy to paddle. Although the outfitters we used did a
great job, I feel like if I were to do this again, I would just rent the kayaks
and do the self-guided tour. This would give us the freedom to take the time at
the places we wanted to and even go a little faster than the group did so we
could see explore more places around the island.
* Views of Mount Baker
* Secluded beach
* Signature red bark madrone trees
* Glassy water
We returned to Orcas Island at three which left us enough time to boogie back
over to Moran State Park to hike the Cascade Falls trail. Cascade Falls is the
largest waterfall in all the San Juan Islands at 40 feet tall. This short hike
is only 1.5 miles with minimal elevation change where you can see four
waterfalls (Cascade, Hidden, Rustic, and Cavern falls) in the ravine surrounded
by ferns, moss, and old-growth forest.
* Cascade Falls
* Rustic Falls
* Hidden Falls
* Cavern Falls
Finally, we headed over to Obstruction Pass State Park to hike the Obstruction
Pass trail. This 1.4-mile loop takes you through the highland forest with
intermittent balds (meadow-type areas covered with moss) to a rock-strewn beach.
Here is where you can observe more wildlife and enjoy a picnic by the lapping
water. Ironically, this is where we saw the Orcas just offshore during our whale
watching tour just the day before.
* Moss covered Bald
* Obstruction Pass Beach
DAY 4: SAN JUAN ISLAND BY EBIKE
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands and we feel has the most to
offer in terms of outdoor adventures but on this day we planned to walk on the
inter-island ferry (free!) to explore the most populous of the archipelago, San
Juan, with its popular town of Friday Harbor. The ferry between Orcas and San
Juan Island runs about every four hours. Make sure you consult the schedule to
ensure you have as much time as you want to maximize your visit to San Juan.
After we arrived at Friday Harbor, we explored the town and shops by foot before
grabbing a picnic from Spring street Deli and popping in next door at Gilligan’s
Island Style Ebikes. This was definitely the way to go considering the size of
the island, the hills, and the wind. We still got a great workout but were able
to cover more of the island and have the energy to do some short hikes as well.
There are many different routes you can take to explore the island and
Gilligan’s has maps with directions that come with your bikes so you can be
confident in your exploration. I recommend either an island loop out to Lime
Kiln State Park with its beautiful lighthouse and whale watching from the cliffs
or the route to South Beach and Cattle Point with the beach, lighthouse, and
wildlife. On both routes, you can plan on passing scenic farms (many with farm
stands selling local produce and flowers), coastal views, and potential wildlife
sightings.
We opted for Cattle Point which has a better shoulder and less traffic for
riding. We loved enjoying the coastal views of the Olympic mountains and the
waves crashing on the shore at South Beach as we enjoyed our picnic. After our
picnic, we continued on to Cattle Point where we took the short hike out to the
lighthouse. We saw foxes in the meadow and coastal birds soaring above the
shore. On our return trip, we added on the short loop to Pear Point with its
forested country roads and Jackson’s Beach.
After a full day riding, we hopped on the five o’clock ferry and got back to
Eastsound in time for a lovely dinner at Kingfish overlooking West Sound
watching the sunset. A positively dreamy end to our day.
* South Beach
* Cattle Point Lighthouse
* Coatsal Views from the bike
DAY 5: SUMMIT MOUNT CONSTITUTION, EXPLORE CASCADE LAKE AND LAGOON BY KAYAK,
SUNSET AND FULL MOON KAYAK TOUR OF SALISH SEA
We had a final action packed day on the island. We began the morning by heading
back to Moran State Park to kayak on Cascade Lake over to its freshwater lagoon.
Cascade Lake has a small beach area, playground, picnic area, snack shop, and
Orcas Adventures which has all you need to get out on the water for the day if
you don’t have your own boat to paddle. Not only was Cascade lake a great place
to paddle but there is a trail around the lake that many use to access the
bridge between the lake and lagoon for bridge jumping. The lagoon’s still water
made the perfect location for lily pads and all sorts of waterfowl to observe on
the water.
* Lagoon Lily Pads
* Old Growth Near Lake Cascade
* Lagoon Bridge
After we had our fill of the lake we drove part way up Mount Constitution and
began our hike at the Little Summit trailhead. This hike allows for views both
at Little Summit and at the top of Mount Constitution. This hike is 5.9 miles
round trip with almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s a gorgeous hike
through an old-growth forest with occasional breaks in the trees for views.
Mount Constitution has a tower on the summit. Don’t miss the views from this
point with the interpretive signs to tell you everything on the horizon.
* Tower views of Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula
* Little Summit Views
* Moss and Old Growth
*
*
We ended the day with a sunset and full moon kayak tour out of Deer Harbor with
Shearwater Kayak Tours. I can’t think of a more perfect way to end our time on
the island watching the golden sunset over the glassy waters and the full moon
rise. We got to see a ton of harbor seals and their pups on the shores of some
of the tiny islands we paddled around, in addition to the sunset. Watch a short
video here. This was the dreamiest, so if you are fortunate enough to time your
visit with the full moon run, don’t walk, to make a reservation. I promise you
won’t regret it.
Sunset over the Salish Sea
Are you ready to book your trip to Orcas Island? Hopefully, you have all you
need to plan your perfect adventure. Feel free to reach out in the comments or
by sending me a message. I’m always happy to help craft your perfect itinerary!
DAY HIKING THE UINTA MOUNTAINS
August 4, 2021July 29, 2022 / explorehiketeach / 3 Comments
Northern Utah has so many amazing trails to hike and explore, but when the
summer temperatures soar, that’s when I like to escape to the Uinta Mountain
Range. With only a short 90-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City, you can
enjoy temperatures 20 degrees (or more) cooler than in the valley. The Uintas
are the tallest mountain range in Utah and boast high elevation hiking, over
1000 alpine lakes, wildlife including Utah’s largest population of mountain
goats, and the tallest peaks in the state. It’s the perfect place for those
looking to bag a few peaks, catch some fish, or paddle to your heart’s content
after enjoying some time on the trails.
The Uintas have trails for just about every ability and interest level. Here are
8 trails located off the Mirror Lake Highway (150) for a great day of
exploration out of the heat.
RUTH LAKE
2 MILES RT, 285 FT. GAIN
Kayaks on Ruth Lake
Ruth Lake is the perfect hike for families. At only two miles roundtrip,
everyone can enjoy the satisfaction of reaching a destination after only one
mile of hiking. Once you reach the lake, you can enjoy the day on the water,
fishing, floating, hanging in your hammock, and even a picnic before heading
back to your car blissed out by your afternoon spent by this alpine lake.
BALD MOUNTAIN
2.9 MILES RT, 1,198 FT. GAIN
Views from the top of Bald Mountain
I can’t think of a more perfect first-timer peak to bag. It’s challenging enough
that you feel like you really accomplished a hike but approachable enough that
you can hike it in a few hours. And the VIEWs. This peak has major wow factor,
and you’ll have bragging rights with your friends and family. After all, the
peak of this mountain is just under 12,000 feet.
HAYSTACK LAKE
5.3 MILES RT, 387 FT. GAIN
Haystack Lake in front of it’s namesake mountain.
This hike is really one of the easiest hikes you can do for the distance because
there is so little elevation change. For the first mile or so, you hike along
the shore of lake Washington enjoying its beauty and the scenic view of Haystack
mountain. Next, the trail begins to climb slightly to Shadow lake. For the last
mile, you descend down to Haystack lake. Whenever we visited, we had the
picturesque lake practically to ourselves. Aah.
LOFTY LAKE LOOP
4.7 MILE LOOP, 981 FT GAIN
Views From Lofty Pass
Arguably one of the most popular day hikes in the area. The lofty Lakes loop is
well worth the hype and not to be missed. You’ll have more elevation gain than
on some others, but the views you gain as you crest Lofty Pass to peer down at
Cutthroat Lake are well worth the effort. If you have the desire, your can even
summit Lofty Peak from the pass. Just follow the “trail” up the boulders to the
peak. (I only recommend this part to experienced hikers.)
FEHR LAKE
3.9 MILES RT, 617 FT. GAIN
Lily pads on Maba Lake. My favorite on the Fehr Lake Loop
This is another great short hike, but unlike Ruth Lake, you descend down to Fehr
Lake on the way in. This means you’ll need to climb back out. The cliffs on the
side of Fehr lake are just stunning. If time and energy allow, you can continue
on to Shepard (yes, that is the spelling), Hoover, and Maba lakes which are
quieter and scenic.
20 LAKE LOOP
7.3 MILE LOOP, 780 FT GAIN
Front to back: Twin Lakes, Wall Lake, and Trial Lake
This is one of my favorite hikes in all the Uintas! Not only do you have the
mentioned twenty lakes, views of many of the surrounding peaks, but the
elevation gain is a mere 780 feet over seven miles. The hike is long enough to
give you a great workout or push the little ones, but the relatively little
elevation gain helps the miles sail by. It can make for a great backpacking
trip, and if you’re really feeling like it, you can bring something to float on
the enjoy the serenity at one of the many lakes. Wall or Crystal lakes are
popular choices with their proximity to the trailhead, but my personal favorites
are Cliff and Three Divide lakes.
CLEGG, NOTCH, AND BENCH LAKES
6.5 MILES RT, 653 FT. GAIN
Bench Lake
This hike shares the same trailhead as Bald Mountain, and like the Fehr Lake
trail, you descend down to the lakes, but with the incredible scenery and gentle
grades, as you climb back out, you will hardly notice. I also really enjoy this
hike because it is quieter than Lofty Lakes or the 20 Lakes Loop. Most people
stop at Notch Lake, but if you continue on to Bench, you’ll have greater chances
of having this beauty all to yourself.
LAKE COUNTRY TRAIL
4.4 MILES-8.4 MILES RT, UP TO 1,107 FT GAIN.
Weir Lake
This one is on the long side, but you can choose how many lakes you want to
visit and how many miles you’d like to tackle. If you head all the way to Island
lake, you’ll be in for 9 miles roundtrip, but you can choose to go only 4-6
miles by visiting either Long or Weir lakes. Weir Lake even has a few hidden
waterfalls nearby you can enjoy.
Before you go:
Unlike much of the Wasatch Front, the Uintas are dog friendly, so feel free to
bring Fido along.
There is a $6 per day use fee. Bring cash or a check. If you have an America the
Beautiful pass, you can use this instead. They do ticket at the trailheads, so
make sure to pay the fee and display your receipt to avoid a hefty fine.
As always, when out on the trail, you always want to pack your ten essentials.
Mosquitos can be prevalent in June and July, so wear bug spray.
July through September is Utah’s monsoon season, and storms can approach quickly
at higher elevations. Stay off the peaks in the afternoons to avoid lightning
and hail. It’s a good idea to bring layers such as a lightweight, long-sleeved
shirt or a waterproof jacket
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY
Top Fall Hikes and Drives in Utah
Utah’s Best Waterfall Hikes
The 8 Best Frozen Waterfall Hikes in Utah
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CATEGORIES
* Arches
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Welcome and thanks for joining me. I'm a Utah-based hiker and outdoors
enthusiast who's here to help you discover your next favorite adventure.
Whenever I'm not on the trail you can find me teaching elementary kids how to
read, spending time with my family planning travel, finding the new dining
hotspot, or indulging in disaster movies.
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