Mount Ogden (9,579 ft) is home to Snowbasin Ski Resort, where the 2002 Winter Olympic downhill ski races were held. This is a popular summit during the summer when hikers are able to either hike from the base of the mountain, or take the gondola up to the Needles Lodge then traverse to the peak. There are multiple ways you can summit Mt. Ogden - Snowbasin, Taylor's Canyon, Beus Canyon, or Waterfall Canyon. Rock climbing is available on the East facing slabs of Mt. Ogden.
Tony Grove Lake is a popular summer hang out and camping area in Logan Canyon, Utah, about and hour and half drive from SLC. Not only is it dog friendly (off leash) and kid friendly, you can take your kayak or SUP on the lake, there's camping on the southern end of the lake or at the official campground, there's picnicking, hiking, fishing, and will definitely offer something for everyone in the family. Many people head for for just the day to explore Naomi Peak and White Pine Lake as well, or bring a camp chair and enjoy nature along the lake.
Naomi Peak (9,983 ft) is the highest point in the Bear River Mountains, in Northern Utah. Most people make the summit from the trail starting at Tony Grove Lake, but you can also access the peak from Dry Canyon, which is on the West side of the mountain range. Starting from Tony Grove is on the East side of the mountains, and travels through many wildflowers in early summer, a rock amphitheater, several meadows, and offers breathtaking views of Cache Valley and the surrounding peaks.
Lambs Canyon is located off I-80 after passing through Parley's Canyon, but before you reach Jeremy Ranch. Lambs Canyon is part of the county Watershed, and therefore, dogs are not allowed. There are multiple signs saying no dogs, and there was even a county sheriff patrolling the area as well, so don't even attempt to bring them up here. This is probably why even though I've lived in Utah for 3 years, but never hiked here, was because I can't bring my dog. But sometimes, you have to leave them at home, and since it was a very hot day, I felt ok to leave Charlie at home.
Santaquin Peak & Loafer Mountain are the peaks above, well, Santaquin, Utah and are in between the famous Mt. Nebo (tallest peak in the Wasatch) and Spanish Fork Peak. Though the trail leads to Santaquin Peak, Loafer mountain is 2 ft taller, yet not many people go off trail to summit it. Santaquin Peak offers better views compared to Loafer Mountain, as you have 360 degree views of Utah lake, Timpanogos and Provo Peak to the North, Mt. Nebo to the southwest, and on a clear day you can even see Deseret Peak to the West. The first half of the trail is mostly forested, and the second half if fully exposed to sun and wind. Santaquin Peak has just under 3,000 ft of prominence.
I'm always on the lookout for the next best camp shoe, and when I came across the OOFOS OOlala Women's flip flops, I thought I might have found my next favorite camp shoe.
The Sherwood Hills Maze (or Labyrinth) in the foothills of Orem, Utah offers more of a spiritual destination, rather than say, an overlook. This area is not well know, and my friends who live in the area would like to keep it that way. Plus, I really wouldn't recommend this trail to anyone - there is a lot of overgrowth, bushwhacking is required, you have to be very careful about skirting around the private property in the area.
Most peaks require hours of effort and are typically suited for hikers with a lot of back-country experience, yet Buffalo Peak near Orem, Utah is a peak for the whole family to enjoy (even the dogs!). With the low elevation gain, and short distance, even children will be excited to summit this "peak". You can reach the summit in under 15 minutes at a moderate hiking pace, or closer to 30 minutes with children. Buffalo Peak offers a fantastic view of Utah Valley to the West, and the Cascade ridgeline to the East. Late Spring and Early summer is the best time to hike here while the wildflowers are blooming.
