Exploring Northern Utah

I love a good road trip because being in a car allows you to stop and explore along the journey. Earlier this month I got to explore some great parts of northern Utah while sharing Leave No Trace with other summer travelers. If you think of skiing when you think of Utah then you are missing out. Here are a few highlights from my recent trip:

1. Emigration Canyon. You might be more familiar with Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon, just outside of Salt Lake City. Emigration Canyon is just north of the Cottonwoods andprovides some excellent (and less crowded) hikes and road and off-road biking routes. And aside from the natural history you experience, the canyon is full of pioneering history too.

2. Wasatch Mountain State Park, the town of Midway and Jordanelle State Park. Just a short drive south east from Park City, the town of Midway is a quiet respite from busy Park City. It is perfectly situated among the Wasatch Mountains where you can easily access the trails of Wasatch Mountain State Park or the waters of Jordanelle State Park. I went hiking, mountain biking and tried paddle boarding for the first time - lots of fun! And while you're there check out Midway Adventure Company. They practice Leave No Trace on the trips they lead.

3. Uinta Mountains. A scenic drive along Mirror Lake Highway shows the majesty of the Uinta Mountains. Fun fact - the Uintas are the highest mountain range that run east - west in the lower 48 states. I look forward to a return visit where I will hike Bald Mountain Trail, after I plan ahead and prepare for the steep hike, of course.

Where have you explored this summer?