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Limber Flag Yurt, Utah, Yurts of Utah

The Limber Flag Yurt is in the far East Uintas, roughly 33 miles north of Vernal, Utah and only 16 miles south of the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center. The Limber Flag Yurt overlooks the Uinta Basin, and Red Fleet State Park area to the South - at night you can actually see Vernal's city lights! To get to this yurt requires a 3 mile hike (no motorized travel is allowed December - March). You can snowshoe or ski, though I don't recommend skiing here unless this area has a really big snow year. Otherwise you'll have to constantly pick up your skis to cross logs and low sage brush. 

Moonshine Arch is located about 7 miles north of Vernal, UT. Not to be confused with the Moonshine Wash Slot Canyon in the San Rafael Swell, this short trail leads to an amazing arch that is 40 ft high, and 85 ft long. The trail is 90% sand and 10% slickrock, so because of this I highly avoid hiking here in Summer months if you bring your dog (the sand/rock will be too hot for their paws). The best time to hike here is in the afternoon, when the sun lights up the arch and alcove. This trail is super short, so it's great for kids or families visiting from out of state to hike to. Be aware that this trail crosses through an open cattle range, so always have a leash handy and don't disrupt the cattle or other wildlife.

Exploring Utah's Sun Tunnels, Utah Sun Tunnels, Nancy Holt Sun Tunnels

The Sun Tunnels in Utah is a sculpture for the stars and sun, created by Nancy Holt in 1976. It consists of four large concrete tubes (each 18 ft in diameter and 68 ft long), laid out in an "X" configuration. When peered through on the Winter solstice, the sun appears through two of the tunnels; and on the Summer solstice, the sun appears through the two other tunnels. In addition to viewing the sun, the holes drilled in the sides of the tunnels allow patterns of light inside allowing you to see the shape of various constellations of Draco, Perseus, Columba, and Capricorn.

Hiking the Stair Master Trail, Moab, Hiking in Moab with Dogs

The Stair Master Trail in Moab, Utah is another short yet very rewarding hike that leads to an amazing overlook of the Moab valley and LaSal Mountains. This hike is only 1 mile to the overlook, yet it gains 820 ft. The Stair Master Trail parallels the Moab Rim Safari Jeep Route, so you are likely to see many Jeeps or Razors tackling the rock obstacles. This trail can get really hot in summer, so I recommend avoiding it in Summer months if you are hiking with your dogs (the slickrock gets too hot for their paws) OR start really early in the morning to beat the heat.

Hiking the Maple Canyon Arch Loop Trail

Maple Canyon is located near Fountain Green, Utah, and the canyon offers several dog-friendly trails and routes for climbers. Maple Canyon is made of conglomerate rock with embedded, rounded clasts, ranging in size from pebbles to boulders, hence the nickname "cobble climbing". Maple Canyon also gets its name from the hundreds of Maple trees lining the trails and road. Fall is the best time to visit, as the leaves burst with orange and red. My friend and I missed the best of the leaves, but this canyon is often dry making it a good hiking area year-round. Camping is also available, but pets must stay on leash in the campsites (reserve here).

Maple Grove Hot Springs, Idaho

Maple Grove Hot Springs is located at the Northern end of the Bear River, along the scenic Oneida Narrows Reservoir in South Eastern Idaho. There are three large soaking tubs, plus a larger therapy pool. The tubs are formed from rock and mortar, and every pool offers a great view of the reservoir. This hot springs is not as well known as some of it's neighboring hot springs, so you'll see few people and tourists soaking here. There's no nearby restaurants, so its best to bring your own snacks or picnic lunch and the closest gas station is in Preston, ID. The water at Maple Grove Hot Springs is free flowing, sulphur free, and odor free, so you won't come out smelling like rotten eggs.

Lily Lake Yurt Trip, Camping in a yurt, Yurts of Utah, Yurts in the Uintas, Uinta Yurts, Yurts with Dogs, Yurts with Kids

The Lily Lake Yurt sits at 9,000 ft elevation in the High Uintas of Utah and is only accessible during winter months. The Bear River Outdoor Recreation Alliance (BRORA), a non-profit corporation, manages the Lily Lake Yurt plus four other yurts including the Bear Claw Yurt, Ridge Yurt, East Fork Yurt, and Boundary Creek Yurt. Getting to the yurt in Winter typically requires snowshoes or skis and a little route finding. BRORA has done a great job of maintaining the yurts, placing trail signs, and protecting the Bear River area.

Hiking Neff's Canyon to the Ridge

Neff's Canyon is located just south of Millcreek Canyon near Mt. Olympus, which starts in the White Hill Estates neighborhood. The trail works steeply up the ravine until it reaches a popular turnaround point, the meadow, and continues on to the ridge. Neff's Canyon gains a steady elevation of 1,000 ft per mile, so you'll definitely get a great workout in. Hike up as far as you feel like it, or make it all the way to the ridge where you'll have an amazing view looking down into Big Cottonwood Canyon.

10 Tips for Backpacking Buckskin Gulch, Backpacking Buckskin Gulch with Dogs

Here are 10 tips for backpacking Buckskin Gulch! Backpacking Buckskin Gulch is a one of a kind adventure - not only do you get to travel through the world's longest and deepest slot canyon, but you have some of the most amazing views of long hallways with rocks towering 200-300 ft above you, hiking through dark sections of molded rock, climbing over obstacles, but also get to experience camping overnight in this amazing area. While this canyon has been nicknamed the "worlds most dangerous hike" it also often appears as one of the top "must-do hikes" in the world! As long as you go prepared, it's a trip of a lifetime!

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