Imagine an open house for a backcountry ski hut where the real estate agent is showing prospective buyers around the place. “Over here we have the propane heater, the bunk beds come with these designer mattresses, and just a few steps outside is the custom built outhouse.” This is no joke, however, as there really…
Tag: Southern Utah
Top 5 Utah outdoor adventures of 2010
As we near the end of 2010, it’s a good time to look back on all the outdoor adventures we took part in over the course of a year. From skiing to mountain biking, hiking and backpacking, the trips listed below have made the Top 5 Utah outdoor adventures because they all share one thing in…
Fall is the perfect time to mountain bike Moab
It’s officially off season in Moab as the year transitions from fall to winter. This time of year, there’s always a table available at restaurants, motels have plenty of rooms, and finding that sweet camping spot is so easy it’s scary. The place is almost a ghost town as tourists head to warmer climates and…
SUWA starts campaign to “brand” Utah wilderness
When you think of wilderness, the words “product,” “media campaign,” and “branding” generally don’t come to mind. But the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) is taking their message to a whole new level in order to futher their efforts to protect Utah’s landscape. This week, SUWA unveiled a huge media campaign aimed to educate Utah’s…
Utah Outside movie review: “127 Hours”
Those of us living in Utah are well versed in the tale of Aron Ralston, the man who famously became stuck in southern Utah’s Blue John Canyon when a chockstone came loose and smashed on his hand, pinning it to the slot canyon wall. In an act of courage, determination and desperation, Ralston cut off…
Five outdoor ideas to get through Utah’s shoulder season
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…
Hiking in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
If you’re staying in the Escalante area, or just passing through, a visit to the hiking trails in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are worth a look. The Petrified Forest offers short strolls in the hills above the town of Escalante. Sweeping views of the valley and red rock cliffs in the distance are nice,…
Pedal your way to the 5th annual Moab Ho-Down Bike Fest
Moab gets spooky around Halloween, especially when the bike freaks descend upon the town for the Moab Ho-Down Bike Fest. Brought to you by the Chile Pepper Bike Shop, the Moab Ho-Down is being called, “the greatest mountain bike festival EVER!” Organizers will be able to back up that bold claim during Halloween weekend when…
Mountain biking the JEM Trail
The JEM Trail is a… ahem… gem of a trail found between the tiny town of Virgin, Utah and Gooseberry Mesa. The trail is known for its fast, twisty singletrack, a technical switchback section, and an edge-of-your-saddle ride along a cliff edge where an endo could end very badly. In all, the JEM Trail is…
Defunct Elk Meadows ski area to reopen as Eagle Point
Southern Utah skiers rejoice! The chair lifts haven’t operated for eight seasons, but the once defunct Elk Meadows ski area above Beaver is being reborn for the 2010/2011 ski season under a new name. Eagle Point. Extensive renovations have been done to the abandoned ski lodges, lifts and infrastructure to get the resort in operating…