Jordan Smith

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 elevation is 4,670 ft. The road steadily climbs aside the creek bed to about 6,040 ft over the cour...

The views from the top of Big Mountain are breathtaking. From the Salt Lake - Morgan County border at about 7,400 ft, you will look down East Canyon, and over the top of Parley's Canyon into the Salt Lake Valley. Big Mountain can be ridden alone or as an extension to the Emigration Canyon Ride.From the parking lot just east of the Zoo (4,940 ft) to Little Mountain Summit at the top of Emigratio...

Mueller Park is a beautiful, quaint canyon, with some sweeping up canyon views throughout the ascent. The trail is a fun, flowy, well maintained single track from the bridge all the way to the rock. You will pass a bald strip (pipeline) that runs North to South which marks about halfway to the rock. At the top, you will find a well maintained view point with benches that overlooks the Salt Lake...

Lisa Falls sits approximately 0.22 miles from Little Cottonwood Canyon Road. While the trail is not long or particularly steep, there are some large step ups that could be difficult for either the very old or very young. Nonetheless, this is a great option for a family outing. Once you arrive at the falls, you'll find yourself in a large granite boulder quarry, which provides easy entertainmen...

Rudy's Flat is a great overnight hike with plenty of tent or hammock space and multiple established fire rings. This hike offers multiple options for distance depending on your availability and skill level.From the Mueller Park Canyon trailhead (5,234 ft), hikers will experience a gradual ascent past Elephant Rock - stop and enjoy the view; scramble onto the rock if you are feeling adventurous ...

Hidden Falls is a beautiful little waterfall with minimal crowds. When I say minimal, I mean I've only seen another person there 1 of the 5 or 6 times that I have been. Take it in. Stay a while. Scramble around the small canyon for different perspectives of the falls or the creek. If you don't have a neutral density filter, the light in the evening is great for longer exposures. I've never cli...

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is breathtaking. There is lots to take in via longer trips, but with numerous viewpoints, lakes, and the Provo River just off the main highway, the drive through alone is well worth it.There is SO much to do in the Uintas, with activities ranging from lakeside picnics to fly fishing the Provo River to canoeing on one of the many lakes to multiday backpacking through the...

If you're looking for a fun climb on your road bike that won't kill you, or you are trying to find a place to train for some bigger climbing, Emigration is the perfect place to ride. The elevation gain is gradual, allowing you to grind it out for a great training ride, or spin steadily to the top of the canyon for some incredible views.From the parking lot just east of the Zoo to Little Mountai...

Big Cottonwood Canyon (BCC) is one of the longest rideable canyons in the Salt Lake City area, taking you from the base of the canyon to Brighton Ski Resort. Riders have the option to ride any length of the canyon, all of which will be visually rewarding.There are 3 relatively steep sections in BCC. First, two miles up the canyon, you will climb to the Storm Mountain Camp Area. The ascent is on...

Mueller Park is a beautiful, quaint canyon, with some sweeping up canyon views throughout the ascent. The trail is a fun, family friendly single track from the bridge all the way to the rock. You will pass a bald strip (pipeline) that runs North to South which marks about halfway to the rock. At the top, you will find a well maintained view point with benches that overlooks the Salt Lake Valley...