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.
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.
Mt. Pennell (11,371 ft) is the 3rd highest point in the Henry Mountains, coming in after Mount Ellen and Mt. Ellen Peak. The Henry Mountains are off the beaten path for most hikers, but the range itself is a peak baggers dream! 5 of Utah's 81 prominence peaks are found in the Henry's: Mount Ellen (#3), Mt. Pennell (#26), Mt. Hilliers (#32), Mt. Ellsworth (#42), and Mt. Holmes (#64); the last two peaks are also known as the "Little Rockies." Take a few days to spend here, and you could knock out all five peaks.
Coyote Gulch, located in Southern Utah, is one of the most iconic and scenic canyons within the Escalante River drainage. Known for its towering red rock walls, natural arches, natural bridges, petroglyphs, cascading waterfalls, and stunning desert beauty, Coyote Gulch is a must-see for any Utah hiker or backpacker.
While some adventurous hikers complete the loop in a day, I highly recommend planning at least one night of backpacking—ideally two—to fully appreciate the canyon’s breathtaking features, cool stream crossings, and dramatic rock formations.
GUEST POST by Katie Wanders Katie Wanders follows New England native, Katie, around the globe. Katie swapped her oceans for mountains and moved to Utah for two years to see what "Life Elevated" was all about. Katie Wanders follows trips around the American West, adventures along the coasts, trips abroad, and showcases her love of New England. Currently, you can find her in a 2016 Penske truck with her dog and cat, wandering around National Parks and making her way back to the Atlantic. You can follow all of her adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
While Backpacking the Bright Angel Trail and Ribbon Falls in Grand Canyon National Park, I was amazed at all the beautiful flowers appearing for Spring along the canyon. Bright pinks, purples, lavender, and yellow flowers appeared everywhere! I couldn't help but stop and take a photo of each type of flower I came across.
Hiking to Ribbon Falls from Bright Angel Campground – Grand Canyon Backpacking
On Day 2 of our Grand Canyon backpacking trip, we woke up at 5 a.m. to begin our day hike to Ribbon Falls, located about 6 miles from Bright Angel Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. Despite the steady rain all day, the conditions made Ribbon Falls even more stunning, with mist and flowing water enhancing the dramatic scenery.
Ribbon Falls stands approximately 140 feet tall and features a unique travertine spire formed by mineral-rich water over time. Water flows down into two distinct pools—one at the base and another about halfway up the formation, roughly 50 feet above ground. While swimming is allowed here, the chilly 45°F temperatures and constant rain made that a no-go for us!
You can hike beneath and around the waterfall, offering an incredible up-close view. Although reaching Ribbon Falls requires careful planning and a valid Grand Canyon backcountry permit, the 2.5-hour hike from Bright Angel Campground is absolutely worth it.
Backpacking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
Backpacking the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) had been one of my top bucket list goals for years. I first visited the Grand Canyon about six years ago, but I wasn’t able to hike below the rim because I had my dog with me (note: dogs are not allowed below the rim). While I could enjoy the scenic overlooks, I never got a true sense of just how deep, wide, and awe-inspiring the canyon really is. I knew I had to return—this time, to explore it from within.