Utah is one of those states that has what’s known as “shoulder season.” It’s that time between summer and fall, when it’s too cold and snowy to mountain bike, climb or hike, but there’s not enough snow to ski. So what can the outdoor junkie do during this dead zone of time? Plenty if you head south. Here’s five outdoor ideas to get you through Utah’s shoulder season.
1. Mountain bike the Jem Trail in Virgin, Utah.
Utah’s far southwestern corner is the best place to go when temperatures drop to freezing in the north. The fall and winters are mild around St. George and both hiking and mountain biking can be done year-round. The Jem Trail is a good example of a classic ride that’s worth the drive south to escape winter’s chill.
2. Hike Chesler Park in Canyonlands National Park
Chesler Park is one of the most scenic hikes in Canyonlands National Park, which means you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a red-rock paradise. The Joint Trail, a meandering path that snakes through candy-striped rock pillars and even a slot canyon is a “hike before you die” kind of trail that’s best in the fall when temperatures are cool in this desert environment.
3. Rock climb Moab’s desert towers.
Moab is a rock climbing mecca and also an outdoor recreation playground all year long. If there’s no snow, you can climb most times of the year (especially in the fall) and knock out some sandstone towers just begging to be climbed. From The Pickle, to Bullwinkle Tower, to Carson’s, there’s a pillar of rock that even novice climbers can ascend.
4. Go Canyoneering in the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument
Late fall and winter can be a good time to go canyoneering in certain canyons. Mild temps, along with lower water levels in potholes, can make for good times in Utah’s desert slots. The Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument is littered with quality canyons to be explored.
5. Hike a resort and ski anyway!
Shoulder season = ski season for diehard skiers and snowboarders… so long as there are autumn storms to blanket Utah’s ski resorts. Ski runs are often the best places to ski when the early snowpack is low as there are generally less rocks to worry about. Simply hike or skin to the top and make powder turn weeks before the lifts start running.