“Would you like Half Dome permits?” asked the ranger a second time. Apparently, my girlfriend and I had not recognized his initial offer as legitimate. It was our first day in Yosemite National Park, and we had already accepted the fact that we would not be standing on top of one of the nation’s most…
Category: Hiking
“Best Backpacking Trips in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico” book review
As I write this review, autumn is fast approaching us here in Utah. Fall is among the best times to go backpacking in the southwestern states, with cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and less crowds. So while looking for some new ideas about backpacking trips I’ve never done before, I received a copy of the new…
Standout new shoes and boots at 2016 Outdoor Retailer
Wandering for miles through the halls of the Salt Palace during the 2016 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, the mind inevitably turns toward one’s sore feet. Good shoes are imperative, so I was interested to see what new shoes and boots are coming out for spring ’17. Here are some highlights from Garmont, Vasque, Oboz, and…
Hike to Lake Mary at Brighton Resort
The hike to Lake Mary in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains is one of the more popular hikes around, as it’s super friendly for kids, short, and easy to navigate. The hike begins at the base of Brighton Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon, (which makes the trailhead easy to find) and reaches Lake Mary in just 2.1…
Hike to Carolyn Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness
Utah’s High Uinta Wilderness area is a smorgasbord of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. During the height of summer, even the most remote of these water oasis can get pretty crowded. It’s an especially good bet that any of the basins and lake areas located just off of the Highline Trail will certainly have a…
Book review: Hiking Utah’s High Uintas
Utah’s Uinta Mountains are one of the most popular ranges in the state for hiking. But the Uintas are a very large, and sometimes remote, place. Countless trails, lakes, and summits are scattered through a vast area in northeastern Utah, which makes choosing just one hike a daunting and intimidating task. But a new book…
Favorite Utah hikes to escape the valley heat
Summer is sweltering in Utah, especially in the valleys. Unless you have a pool, relief from the heat can be hard to find. Thankfully, we have plenty of mountains around us to get up high and cool off. Here are some of the best hikes in Utah for you to do just that. ALEXANDER BASIN…
Backpacking 101: What to put in your pack
You just purchased a sweet new pack from your local outdoor shop; you have a four day weekend ahead of you, and you know exactly where you want to spend it. But what do you fill your backpack with? Which items are must-haves, and which ones are pure luxury carries? In this edition of Backpacking…
Video: Backpacking the Zion Narrows
The Narrows in Zion National Park is perhaps the most scenic and dramatic canyon in all of Utah, and backpacking is the best way to see it. I featured this segment on KSL Outdoors, and it shows off the beauty of the canyon, as well as tips on how to make the hike, and the…
Thule Versant 70L backpacking pack review
Backpacking season is here in the desert, and the mountains will be without snow in a few short months. Time to shop for a new backpacking pack! I’ve been using an old pack since the early 2000’s and it has worked well for me. But it has always felt heavy. Clearly materials have come a…