South Jordan, Utah

Early spring is a unique time to photograph the Milky Way due to its low angle and the distinctive perspective of its galactic core. The low angle position of the Milky Way arc during the early morning hours, prior to dawn, allows for some striking panoramas, with the still snow-covered Wasatch M...

Do you like hiking? In ski boots? Good.You start the hike from the gate to Snowbird at the EBT near the top of the Sugarloaf lift. The start of the bootpack is at 10,500 ft of elevation. From there, follow the likely well established boot pack to the top of Baldy. There is one rather steep sectio...

At Albion Basin, wildflowers you will see include lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sunflowers, fireweed, and many more! Drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Albion Grill. There is a trail just behind the Grill that takes you through a variety of wildflowe...

The out-and-back trail from Albion Basin to Cecret Lake climbs a gentle slope and along the way there are interpretive signs with information about the basin, its plants, animals and geology. From the lake you can return the same way you came, or explore the area more. If you head there during t...

This ride isn't for the faint of heart. It's seriously tough. It's one of the most scenic and rewarding rides you'll ever do, though. The climbing is steep and the descents are rocky.Try to ride it early in the morning. Hikers frequent these trails. An early morning rip is the best way to keep fr...

To get to the Grizzly Gulch trailhead, drive up Little Cottonwood until you reach Alta Ski Resort. Keep left along the road and park in the upper Alta parking lot. Head up the cat track with all the cats and snowmobiles parked to the side. About 100 yards up, you'll take a left and head up the st...

City Creek Canyon is a hidden gem, just minutes away from downtown Salt Lake City. Secluded winding roads will take you deep into the canyon, away from the bustling city. The sounds of the creek, canyon views, and the thick forest that lines the road provide for the perfect, quick escape.Starting...

Drive 9 miles into Big Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Mill D North Trailhead (on the left). On the right side of the road, there is a restroom. The trial head begins on the left, there is a visible sign you cannot miss before beginning. The trail is about 7.4 miles round trip, about half way...

The hike is considered moderate, but the 1500ft. elevation gain (2100ft. to Reynolds Peak) will definitely get your heart rate up. Snowshoes/skins are recommended but the trail is often packed enough to do without them.After crossing the street from the Spruces parking lot, follow the trail past...

Largely runnable trail up through pines and aspens with a few steep climbs. Incredible wildflowers. You can stop at Desolation Lake then continue up towards the ridge and up to Desolation Peak. You have to listen and watch for descending bikers coming fast around corners.  

Still have the skiing itch but it's late in the spring and the resorts have closed and the other backcountry skiing areas have melted? No problem, just head up to Alta Ski Area and get some amazing backcountry corn skiing laps in.  Drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon all the way to the top and park...

This hike is a piece of cake with a sizable reward. It starts just up the hill behind the Capitol Building and ascends 350 feet over about 0.5 miles to the top on a very well marked trail. It's great for a family with young ones or maybe a quick post-dinner evening date. Parking is all along a re...

To get to the trailhead drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Spruces Campground. Once in the parking lot, walk to the southwest corner of the parking lot and go up the road past the bathrooms. The trailhead will be next to the overgrown baseball field.  The trail is awesome single track the whole wa...

Days Fork is on the south side of Big Cottonwood Canyon behind the Spruces parking lot. The trail head begins on the south west corner of the parking lot. The approach to Days Fork is long, but gradual. Continue south along the skin track until you reach the end of the Days Fork Basin. Here you c...

Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon until you reach the Spruces Campground on the right. You will park here and prep your gear for the day. Walk back out to the canyon road and cross the street to the trail head. As you hike up the trial, you'll pass some cabins, once you've passed all the cabins, you...

Catherine Pass is a must do if you are in the Salt Lake vicinity in July. The wildflowers are mind-blowing. But it’s a great hike to do in the Spring, after Alta Ski Resort has closed, and the Fall as well.  It costs $6 per vehicle to drive to the trailhead, or $10 per person to ride the lift (if...