Stewart Falls is a two tier waterfall located near Sundance Ski Resort in Provo Canyon. The best time to hike here is in late spring, when the snow has melted from the trail and the waterfall is raging. This is a great hike for all levels of hikers since it's not too long, not too steep, and mostly shaded. Because of this, the trail gets very crowded on weekends. Arrive early to beat the crowds. This 200 ft waterfall is surrounded by a large rock face, and if you look closely, in Spring you'll see other small waterfalls near it.
Summit Park Peak is a local's hike for those living near Summit Park, Utah and Park City, Utah. Look on any map, and you will see the official name as "Point 8,618". Because Summit Park Peak looks down on Summit Park, UT, the name is fitting. From the summit you will have beautiful 360 degree views of the Wasatch; on a clear day you can see as far West as Antelope Island and Stansbury Island.
The BEST Hikes in St.George, Utah are located in Southern Utah, near the Utah/Nevada border. This area offers a mecca of outdoor activities! Hiking, biking, climbing, waterfalls, rock art, petroglyphs, cool rock features, you name it, St.George has it! Visiting this area is great year-round, but my favorite time is in Spring & Fall. After months of being in the cold, wet winter, I'm ready for some sun! Winter can also be a great time to visit when you need a weekend escape from the snow, and need a little warmth, as temperatures are typically 20-30F degrees warmer than the SLC area and is also typically free of snow.
Observation Point is one of the most iconic overlooks in all of Utah and Zion National Park. At only 6,507 ft, you can look 800 ft down to Angles Landing (5,790 ft), Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, The West Rim Trail, Signal Peak in the far west, and across to Cable Mountain. These 360 degree views can't be beat, and anyone can hike this trail. Prior to August 2019, you could hike the 8 mile RT trek from the Weeping Rock TH to Observation Point, but after a substantial rock fell from Cable Mountain, that trail is indefinitely closed. When you are on top of either Angels Landing or Observation Point, look just below Cable Mountain and you'll see the massive damage. I think it will be years until that trail is reopen (if ever).
The West Rim Trail is located in Zion National Park (ZNP) and is one of several popular trails for day hikers and backpackers in the area. It offers sweeping 360 views, mainly of Wildcat Canyon and Phantom Valley. This 16 mile long traverse is typically done in one day, but you can also take a more leisurely approach and backpack (with a permit). The first 8 miles stretch across Horse Pasture Plateau, a high alpine elevation (5600-7500 ft) dotted with Ponderosas, sage brush, yucca, as well as remnants from a fire.
12 Mile (Bishop Creek) Hot Springs is one of Nevada's hidden gems that is oh, so relaxing. Nevada has more hot springs than any other state in the U.S., with more than 300 occurring naturally; most are found in Northern Nevada. With only a 2 mile hike, the whole family can get in on this one. The trail, which follows an old dirt road, is flat and quite scenic. How did it get its name? That's easy - it's roughly 12 miles north of Wells, Nevada along Bishop Creek. Getting to these hot springs is accessible year-round, but the 102F water temperature feels amazing in Winter. Worried about crowds? Don't be - most people haven't even heard of this place which makes it even more unique! Grab your swimsuit and snowshoes, and let's get soaking!
Flat Top Mountain (10,620 ft) is the highest peak in the Oquirrh Mountains (pronounced like "oaker") in Utah, which lies to the southwest of Salt Lake City. Most of the Oquirrhs are private property and mining land for the Rio Tinto Kennecott Mine, however the two areas you are allowed to hike are in Butterfield Canyon, and the Flat Top Mountain trail (update: 2019 land access below). Flat Top Mountain has a prominence of 5,370 ft, making it Utah's 6th highest prominent peak.
We all take selfies - and usually for me, I'm on a hike, climbing, or in my pack raft wanting to take one. But I'm really scared of dropping my phone! So when I discovered the Ultimate Smart Phone Leash, named "Koala", made by Hangtime Gear - I was "attached"!