Hiking Mt. Peale and Mt. Tukuhnikivatz – La Sal Mountains, Utah
Mt. Peale (12,721 ft) and Mt. Tukuhnikivatz (12,482 ft) are two iconic peaks in the La Sal Mountains, located just outside Moab, Utah. Mt. Peale is the highest peak in the La Sal range and the second most prominent mountain in Utah. Pronounced tuk-oon-ik-ah-vatz—i, Mt. Tukuhnikivatz is the striking summit you see from Moab’s valley floor. It also holds a place in literary fame, featured in Edward Abbey’s classic Desert Solitaire.
If you’ve lived in Utah, passed through Moab, or want to understand the raw beauty of Arches National Park before it became a tourist hub, reading Desert Solitaire is highly recommended.
Cecret Lake (yes, that is the correct spelling) is a beautiful alpine lake that sits in the heart of Alta Ski Resort. This easy 1 mile walk is great for kids, taking photos of the amazing wildflowers in July, and possibly sighting a moose. But why stop at the lake, when you can continue just one more mile and summit Sugarloaf Peak? The elevation of Sugarloaf Peak is 11,051 ft, and can be summited in under an hour and half. Bring a light jacket though - it gets really windy and can be quite cold at the top. Keep in mind that the Albion Basin Road is only open from July 4th until the last week of September (or whenever the first snow hits).
Gorgoza Dog Park is a great place to take your dogs in the summer in Kimball Junction, UT. The reservoir is perfect for throwing your pup water toys. Dogs are allowed off leash here, and as always, dog poop must be picked up. In the Winter time, Gorgoza turns into a Winter sledding hill, and the pond is not available for swimming.
Backpacking the Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range of Wyoming should be on every backpackers "to do" list. The rugged terrain offers massive mountains with spire towers, clear glacial lakes, high alpine grassland & wildflowers, and world class hiking, backpacking, and climbing. The Cirque of the Towers is truly a pristine and special place.
Shadow Lake is located in Park City Mountain Resort (or PCMR as us locals know it), and can be access from the ski resort, or for a shorter route, via Guardsmans Pass. Shadow Lake sits in a bowl-like area, surrounding by pine trees and mountains. This is a popular area for mountain bikers. Hiking to Shadow Lake via Guardsmans Pass will offer a relief from the heat during summer months, and get you out of the valley smog/haze.