As we plunge through the roiling waters of Big Drop 3, a class IV rapid on the Colorado River’s path through Cataract Canyon in Southern Utah, I find myself repeating the same thought over and over while whiteknuckling my anchor points: “Stay in the boat. Just stay in the boat.” It’s mid-June — peak water flow season — and the river is running at roughly 38,000 cubic feet … [Read more...]
Spelunking in Utah – Exploring the Vast World Beneath – Cavers Take Their Sightseeing Underground
Utah is an outdoor playground on all levels, from 13,528 feet atop Kings Peak in the Uintas to 1,227 feet below ground in Main Drain Cave — the deepest cave in Utah and 11th deepest in the nation. The Beehive State’s underground world, shaped by water, minerals and time, is filled with colorful formations like helictites — hollow twiglike deposits of calcite or aragonite — and … [Read more...]
New Alta Ski Patrol Documentary
There is nothing like a day on the ski slopes at one of Utah's world-class ski resorts. Whether you are plowing powder or skiing a well-groomed run the exhilaration of a day on the slopes is a day well spent. And if something happens to go wrong, well-trained ski patrol organizations are there to provide medical, and rescue services, as well as hazard prevention. Utah … [Read more...]
Rollin’ Down the River: Living in Moab on a River Guide’s Salary
What does it take to become a river guide in Moab? Most guides are Millennials in their early twenties, so a willingness to disconnect from the world of iPhones, and forfeiting social media one-upmanship and material pursuits is essential. River guides trade material comfort for a spiritual connection. Many are curious souls who quote prose and dabble in mysticism and Carl … [Read more...]
Your Summer Vacation on Ice in Escalante and Boulder Utah
Utah has so much natural splendor, it’s a shame we feel so strongly that it can only be enjoyed in the spring and summer, the same time the rest of the state—and the rest of the world, for that matter—also decides to enjoy the canyon country. Consequently, those wide-open spaces can sometimes feel a little cramped when you’re elbowing way your past German tourists in … [Read more...]
February Fun Guide: A Brief Introduction to How to Not Get Depressed in February
Welcome to February 2020! The groundhog will soon tell us if we have the worst part of winter behind us. February has a knack of being one of those months that can be truly depressing. Does your life feel like Bill Murray's Groundhog Day? Are you living the same day over and over? Stepping into deep icy puddles with a “Weeeell, that first step can be a duzie!” Not enough … [Read more...]
Five Best Hikes in Utah: Exploring the Majesty of Utah Through Hiking
The diverse landscape of Utah is unlike any other state in the nation. Unique red rock formations, towering mountain ranges, and stunning lakes and waterfalls dot the landscape of this spectacular state. All of this beauty is a boon for hikers looking to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Here are five of the best hikes in Utah to consider for your next outdoor … [Read more...]
5 Amazing Places For Hiking And Running With Dogs in Utah
Hiking, running, exploring, hunting, backcountry skiing. It’s difficult to think of any outdoor sports that are not more enjoyable with dogs. After about fourteen years of mostly hiking and running with dogs, we have collectively decided on our favorite spots: Stansbury Island The Wild West still lives in Utah, and it is found on Stansbury Island. Not for the faint of … [Read more...]