Meridian Peak (5,978ft) is small peak in North Salt Lake along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and just north of Ensign Peak. The main trail also takes you past Matt's Arch (aka "Industrial Arch") - a tiny natural arch made of limestone.
Paul Bunyan's Woodpile is an interesting geological feature in Central Utah, that looks like a "woodpile" of logs left behind by the giant lumberjack of American & Canadian Folklore. Really the woodpile is a cluster of lava rocks formed about 30 million years ago; the logs were then formed into orderly columns.
Exploring Angel Lake Recreation Area in Wells, Nevada
The Angel Lake Recreation Area near Wells, Nevada is a hidden gem for hiking, fishing, and camping. If you've ever seen the brown highway sign for Angel Lake off I-80 and kept driving, it's time to reconsider—this scenic spot is well worth the detour.
The Portal Overlook is a great overview looking down to Moab, UT as well as the LaSal Mountains and Colorado River. It's a perfect sunrise hike or good trail when you need something short with a great reward! This isn't a trail you want to do middle of summer - zero shade and water, plus lots of bikers, along with the desert heat will make this miserable and can potentially burn dogs paws. The best time to hike this is in Spring or late Fall when the temps have cooled off. Winter would be okay too, just bring microspikes. While this trail is short, I still carried 2 liters of water for just me and Charlie and we both drank it all. You'll definitely get a workout in as this climbs 800 ft to the overlook.
Mt. Tomasaki Hike – La Sal Mountains, Utah
Hiking Mt. Tomasaki in the La Sal Mountains offers an unforgettable alpine experience. As one of Utah’s seven ‘12ers,’ Mt. Tomasaki (12,239 ft) features rugged trails, panoramic views, and high-elevation challenges.”
Shelly Baldy Peak (11, 321 ft) is one of the many prominent peaks located in the Tushar Mountains within Fishlake National Forest.
Hiking to Blue Lake in the Tushar Mountains: Scenic Views of Mt. Belknap and Mt. Baldy
Blue Lake is a stunning turquoise alpine lake nestled in the Tushar Mountains at the base of Mt. Belknap and Mt. Baldy in Utah. Known for its vibrant blue color and peaceful setting, the lake features a flood control structure at its outlet and is rimmed by picturesque downed trees.
Though many visitors have yet to see Blue Lake at full capacity, hiking down to the lake offers spectacular views of both Mt. Belknap and Mt. Baldy. The trail takes you through diverse terrain—from dense forest sections to clearly marked avalanche paths—while crossing several pristine mountain streams.
Hiking Haystack Mountain in the Uintas (10,985 ft)
Haystack Mountain (10,985 ft) is a prominent, 3-mile-long ridge located in the High Uintas Wilderness of Utah. Easily accessed from the Crystal Lake Trailhead, this hike offers a scenic and relatively easy summit adventure—perfect for those looking to bag a peak without an intense climb.
🏔 Note: Don’t confuse this Haystack Mountain with the one in the La Sal Mountains near Moab. This Uintas version is shorter, easier, and far more beginner-friendly!