Hiking Smart
Before you begin your new adventure, it is wise to know what elements you may encounter. Being prepared for weather, access to water, and the type of terrain is something you need to know.
Learn More..Packing Lite
Make a list of the most needed gear you will need to help eliminate unnecessary items and keep your backpack lite as possible for a more comfortable hike. Check out the best gear for your trip.
Read more...Safety First
Being prepared for the unexpected can save your life. That is why it is so important to know all the facts about your next hiking adventure. Check out the Safety page for more info.
More Helpful tips..Recommended Gear 2016
Fall Colors Are Coming!
The cold nights are near and that can only mean one thing in northern Utah, fall is near! Fall is one of the best times to go hiking in the mountains of Utah. You will find some amazing aspen trees gleaming a bright yellow and orange hue that spreads across the canyons of the wastach front. I highly recommend hiking up to Lake Blanche for some of the most scenic images of colorful aspen trees, beautiful lakes surrounded by towering mountains. Plus, the views are fantastic! You can see the Great Salt Lake from this destination.
"One of the best hikes for taking beautiful images would have to be the trail to Lake Blanche up Big Cottonwood canyon!"
So grab your hiking gear, pack a lunch, and get ready to explore all the beauty that awaits you up in the Cottonwood canyons. For the best experience, start early in the morning as parking fills up quickly. These trailheads are really popular this time of year!
Here is a basic list of suggested items to pack for hiking this season:
- Backpack
- Water(1 gallon)
- Hiking poles
- Food(Plenty of carbs)
- Rain jacket
- Camera
Be Prepared
You would be surprised how many times people have been caught in a bad situation up in the mountains. Most of the time, it could have been prevented. It is easy to lose track of time when you are hiking all day long. If you don't know how long it takes to hike the full trail, you could get stuck up on the mountain in the dark and the nights get quite cold, which is difficult to navigate down the mountain without the proper gear and clothing. Cliffs are another factor that many hikers have fallen victim too. Many have been seriously injured or worst, killed. A prepared hiker is a safe hiker.
Here are some factors to consider before hiking that next trail:
- Tell a family member what trailhead you are hiking.
- Know how many miles and time it will take to hike.
- Have a first aid kit wherever you go.
- Always bring a protective rain jacket.
- Bring plenty of water/food
- Warm clothes.
These are the necessities to help you survive any tough condition. It is easier than you think to get in a bad situation. Imagine if you were hiking alone and you sprain your ankle. You are 4 miles away from your vehicle. That could become a serious problem. It is smart to be careful and be prepared for any situation. Stay cautious but remember to have fun!
Trails in Northern Utah
Mt Olympus
Exploring the trailhead of Mt Olympus is a steep climb to say the least. You will have an amazing view of Salt Lake City the entire hike, as it stands high above the city. It is often a tough hike on hot days, so you may want to start as early as possible to prevent heat exhaustion. You will be climbing about 4074 feet high to the top of this peak. This is well worth the hike. Be sure to bring plenty of water to drink as the end of the summer rarely has any water in the stream and it gets hot. The sun exposure is really high all day long, so it is important to stay well hydrated. You can find this trailhead right off of Wasatch boulevard around 5300 South.
Explore Mt Olympus
Hiking Difficulty
★★☆☆☆
Red Castle
This beautiful mountain is located in the High Uintas. This trailhead is 25 miles round trip. Therefore it is important to train and get in shape for this hike. My favorite part of this trip is the beautiful camp sites it has to offer. The scenery up this canyon is incredible and perfect for photographers of all skills. The trail is easy to navigate and plenty of wildlife exists up this way. Red Castle is named for the bright red stone structures that make up this beautiful jagged mountain. There is an amazing large lake that sits right below this tall 12,000 ft + peak. The upper lake sits at an elevation of 11,000 ft!
Explore Red Castle
Hiking Difficulty
★★★★☆
Lake Blanche
Lake Blanche is the perfect hike that sits high above the city of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a short drive up Big Cottonwood canyon.This lake sits in the center of Twin Peaks Wilderness Area. The trail is well maintained, and the hike is approximately 6 miles round trip. You gain 2668 feet of elevation, so it doesn't seem like a tough climb but the elevations gets to some people. I find myself taking this hike in all seasons, because the views are absolutely worth it everytime. Beautiful lakes, majestic mountains, and lush trees, sits high above this trailhead.
Explore Lake Blanche
Hiking Difficulty
★★★☆☆
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