Top Utah Outdoor Adventures of 2011 – Jared Hargrave’s picks:
Skiing on the 4th of July at Snowbird
Skiing at Snowbird is such a common occurance, that it takes a huge event to make it into a “best of the year” list. Something like… skiing on the 4th of July. 2011 saw a July with record breaking snow levels, allowing skiers and snowboarders a chance to shred spring snow on much of the mountain. Shotgunning PBRs, skiing nearly nude, or donning insane costumes made skiing the 4th of July at Snowbird not just another day to make turns, but a perfect reason to throw a huge mountain party. Read the full article here.
Running the Mid Mountain Marathon
Running a marathon is a memorable experience for anyone, even more so if it’s your first. For me, my first marathon also happened to be off-road, when I ran the Mid Mountain Marathon from Deer Valley to the Canyons. But competing in a trail-running marathon was only the end of the adventure. Training all summer long to make the day happen is also included in the experience. From jogging on the Pipeline Trail in Mill Creek Canyon, to killing the quads on steep runs to the top of Gobbler’s Knob, trainign for, then running the Mid Mountain Marathon proved to be the hardest outdoor experience of the year. Read the full article here.
Canyoneering Pine Creek Canyon and The Subway
By far, the most exciting, beautiful and amazing outdoor trip in Utah this year was Canyoneering Pine Creek Canyon and The Subway in Zion National Park. It’s no wonder that this trip made the list, as both canyons are world class and well known. In fact, you somketimes have to get on a waiting list or stand in line for hours just to get the permits. But by heading to Zion in the fall, we had the canyons to ourselves where rapelling, swimming, squeezing through slots and taking in the beauty of Zion’s red rock cliffs and grottoes in solitude made this trip rise to the top. Read about Pine Creek Canyon and then read about The Subway.
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Top Utah Outdoor Adventures of 2011 – Ryan Malavolta’s picks:
Hiking Neon and Ringtail Canyons
There is a lifetime of adventures awaiting you in the Grand Staircase Escalante area, but if you only have a long weekend, this one should be at the top of your list. From the remote trailhead hike to the Escalante River and enter the rugged world of the Colorado Plateau. Follow faint foot trails and wade through the water to Neon and Ringtail Canyons. Neon holds the awe-inspiring Golden Cathedral while Ringtail is one of the darkest slot canyons on the planet. Don’t try to see it all in one day, instead make camp on the river or in nearby Fence Canyon. Read the full article.
Hiking to Upper Palisades Lake
Okay, it’s not Utah, but this is still a great getaway. Just south of Swan Valley, Idaho, backpackers can find the trail to Lower and Upper Palisades Lakes. The lower portion is crowded with dayhikers and horseback riders, but once you make it past an old emergency cabin the wilderness is yours. Upper Palisades Lake is huge and gorgeous- exactly the scene you would expect to find in the rugged wilderness of grizzly country. Make camp near the lake and spend a couple of days exploring the immense system of trails (nearby Waterfall Canyon is a half day hike with a great payoff at the end). Don’t forget to pick up some regular strength beer on your way home! Read the full article.
Hiking A1 Peak in the High Uintas Wilderness
Want to beat the summer crowds and summit a 12,000’ peak? A1 is a great bet. There are two approaches, but either one will get you to Hell Hole Basin. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? From the basin there are two readily accessible 12k summits: A1 and Kletting peaks. They share a common ridgeline, so summit A1 and if you still feel frisky, make the trip over to Kletting. Decsend to your camp by the shore of Hell Hole Lake and enjoy world class High Uintas views while you trade glory stories with the local wildlife (you’ll see more of them than people up here). Don’t forget to bring extra mosquito repellant, there’s a reason they call this place “Hell Hole.” Read the full article.