Lindsay Daniels

Start your day early at the Left Fork Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin outside Zion National Park. This 6.5 mile out and back hike will take you to one of the most beautiful features in Zion National Park: The Subway. You'll start with a steep descent into the canyon. This will also be your exit, so make sure to orient yourself once you're in the canyon and remember where...

Any chance to get into the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains is worth it. Many people day hike in the area, but not very many backpack in. The trail meets up with the Great Western Trail and overlooks Lake Catherine. The best place to camp is in the woods next to the lake. Hike down to the lake using the main trail and spot a faint trail on your right that leads to a bunch of trees. You’ll f...

The Timpooneke trailhead is located in American Fork Canyon, next to the Timpooneke Campground. There is a $6 fee to enter the canyon, unless you have a National Park Pass with which you get in free. On the weekends, it may be difficult to find parking at the Timpooneke Campground, so arrive early. Once on the trail, it’s pretty straight forward. There is a waterfall called Scout Falls 1.4 mil...

This is a popular hike all year round, but less popular in the winter. If you’re backpacking you’ll most likely be alone. In winter, the lake is covered in snow, but Sundial Peak is one of the most picturesque mountains in the Wasatch. Especially when it is dusted with snow. You’ll also be far enough away from the city that the stars will keep you company. To start your backpacking trip, head ...

Launch your kayak or SUP from the marina, which is located only 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. You can go as long and far as you want. Some popular short destinations are to Black Rock (2 miles RT(40.725294, -112.227835)) or Pyrite Point (5 miles RT (40.758405, -112.191853). Neither are suitable for camping, unfortunately. However, you can take a break and get out of your boat to enjo...

This is a great beginner river for whitewater kayaking, with rapids from class II-III. It has plenty of features to keep you entertained, such as the Rock Garden, old bridges, and Taggart Falls, with several class II rapids in between. Be aware, there is a low bridge at one point in the river that may need to be portaged during high water flow. During regular flow, you can paddle underneath whe...

If you can avoid the crowds, Dogwood is an easy crag to get to with a lot of 5.fun climbs and a legendary 5.13a sport climb. From the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Dogwood picnic area is 1.1 miles up the canyon. Park on the street to avoid having to pay $8 and walk into the picnic area. Follow the trail that parallels the river and you'll end up right at the base of the crag. If you want ...

Just outside the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and 40 miles south of Moab lies one of the greatest crack climbing destinations in the world. Indian Creek is home to world famous routes such as "Supercrack of the Desert" 5.10 "Way Rambo" 5.12- and "Incredible Hand Crack" 5.10c.This place is not for the novice. Most of the climbing here is 5.10 and up. Because of the consistently ...

This quick hike to a beautiful lake in the Wasatch Mountains is perfect for the whole family. Park at the visitor center at the Silver Lake Recreation Area near Brighton Ski Resort, pick up a trail map and walk behind the building to find the trailhead. You can also pick up a wildflower guide at the visitor center - there are incredible blooms in the summer months. The trailhead leads you to a...

At Albion Basin, wildflowers you will see include lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sunflowers, fireweed, and many more! Drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Albion Grill. There is a trail just behind the Grill that takes you through a variety of wildflowers and offers great mountain views. As you hike up the trail, keep right to get a view of Devils Cas...

The trailhead to Willow Lake is about 11 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and is on the north side of the road right after the passing lane begins. It can be easy to miss, and is only marked with a plaque on a rock (40.630302, -111.604639). As you hike a little in from the road you will see the trailhead. This hike is just under 1 mile, but is pretty steep. It eventually levels out the closer you...

Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Salt Lake City, Little Dell Reservoir is the perfect quick getaway for a recreational paddler or angler.The reservoir is surrounded by mountains in Parleys Canyon, just off of Interstate 80 and along Utah State Route 65. The parking and ranger station are located on the north side of the reservoir, and there is a $5 fee for a day. When you enter the par...

Famous for being the route of the Mormon Pioneers who crossed this pass on their way into the Salt Lake Valley, Big Mountain Pass is also a beautiful area to take in the fall colors. You can access this road (Utah State Route 65) from Emmigration Canyon or Parley's Canyon, the same way you would access Little Dell Reservoir, just keep going. As you drive, take in all of the beautiful fall color...