Annelise G

Lake Sidney Lanier is pretty big, but you don't need to be overwhelmed when you visit the lake via Dogwood Park. The park has a large pavilion and a few other picnic tables, lots of shade trees, and a couple of ways to access the lake. On the left side, there's an abandoned marina (dangerous—it's falling apart), an active marina, and a cool red-rock beach with stair access. On the right side th...

If you're entering Canyonlands from the north (Island in the Sky side), don't miss this quick hike! This hike is fairly level the entire way and not too long—perfect for kids. Follow Grand View Point Road down towards the middle of the park, then turn left at the sign for the White Rim Overlook. Park at the parking lot and there's a sign marking the start of the trail. Pretty soon you'll hit a ...

Pioneer Park in St. George, Utah offers a few great rock climbing routes, as well as some bouldering problems.  Park in the dirt parking lot then walk straight ahead into the little slot canyons. The marked location will take you to the most popular rock climbing destination in the park with 6 top rope, 1 trad, and 4 sport routes. In the small canyons on either side you'll find a few more climb...

Hiking the Y is a classic hike in Provo, Utah—but don't expect it to be easy! There's no shade and not much greenery, so it's a hot, dusty trek to the top. Once you reach the Y, though, the view of the Provo and Utah Lake is amazing. There are also benches at the top. When you reach the Y, you will first come to a point about halfway up the Y. You can stop here or keep going up the fork in the...

Butterfield Canyon is a little-known canyon on the west side of Utah Valley. Beautiful any time of the year, it is especially beautiful in the fall—all the leaves changing colors! When you reach the marked location, turn onto Butterfield Canyon Road. Drive until you reach the end of the road (it eventually turns into Middle Canyon Road), or stop and turn around once you've had your fill of the...

Walker Road is one of the places where parts of Star Wars IV: A New Hope were filmed! It's a beautiful site in the Redwoods with an extra amount of huge, leafy ferns. Once you turn onto Walker Road, it's a quick drive through the redwood trees and ferns to the Smith River at the end. There are a few hiking trails that you'll pass along the way, if you want to get out and stretch your legs. 

Rock Canyon, unsurprisingly, has a ton of great, local rock climbing routes for those in the Provo area.  The marked location is for the parking lot. Once you're parked, head into the canyon. You will start to see bolts and anchors—and, depending on when you go, climbers—a few minutes in. There are 451 climbs (!!!) in Rock Canyon, including trad, top rope, and bouldering, with the majority bein...

Floating the Boise River is the perfect leisurely summer activity for families and those who just want to relax outdoors. You'll enter the river at Barber Park, then float past beautiful trees and greenery on your way down to Ann Morrison Park. The whole trip takes about 2-3 hours. To start, unless you are planning on taking the shuttle (look up the schedule for the day you are planning to go),...

Wecoma Beach is a district of Lincoln City and the beach actually stretches along all of the districts in Lincoln City. This means you can access the beach from practically anywhere, but the beach by Wecoma offers a bit more solitude.  The beach is dog-friendly, so take your four-legged-friend out for a run, go on a small hike up and down the beach, run into the (cold) waves, or do some beach c...

Don't be confused by Island Park Dam or the map location "Henry's Fork." This little spot is right on the actual fork in the river, but since most people don't know about it, you'll probably have it all to yourself! Once you park, walk down to the dam bridge. From there you can take in the scenery, rock-jump down to the river, or head west to the mountain of boulders. If you're exploring the bo...

Oceanside Beach is often passed over for Tunnel Beach just north. Both are great, but you're missing out if you don't head down to Oceanside and fly a kite.  There's a parking lot right next to the marked location. Park there, then head down to the beach—don't forget your kite! 

This hike will take your breath away—literally. You will experience stunning views of Canyonlands National Park while literally stepping down the side of a cliff. Once you get to the valley floor, continue on to the smaller cliffs of the White Rim. To get there, follow Grand View Point Road down towards the middle of the park, then turn left at the sign for the White Rim Overlook. Park in the p...

Not only is this hike absolutely gorgeous, but it also has an epic rope swing at the end! To get to the trailhead you'll need a vehicle that can handle rough roads—you have to drive up a bit on the side of the mountain to get to the trailhead. The beginning of the hike is marked with a little bulletin board, some small signs, and a fence. The trail starts out uncovered, but pretty soon you head...

One of the longest hikes at Craters (none of them are very long), the North Crater trail boasts a view of beautiful red and orange rock along the ridgeline of some massive volcanic craters. You can start the trail from either end—at the campground parking lot near the entrance to the park or at the parking lot by the spatter cones along the park loop. The trail is fairly steep to start, but onc...

The Devil's Orchard is a quick, family friendly stroll through unique volcanic scenery. If you follow the road past the entrance to Craters of the Moon National Monument, the road to Devil's Orchard will be on your left, marked by a sign. You'll drive a minute or two before reaching the parking lot. The path is a paved, one-way loop, starting on the left. It's great for families and people who ...

Independence Rock is a historic monument that you can climb on! The early western settlers who passed through the Oregon and Mormon Trails carved their names into the rock; this rock was a natural landmark for them because of the way it stands out in the middle of flat Wyoming.  Drive into the parking lot by the visitor's center, and head through the brick "turnstile" to the trailhead. You'll p...

Onanda Park is a great place for large groups and family get-togethers—there's a lake to swim in, fields open for sports, trees for hammocks, lots of parking spaces, and trash receptacles and bathrooms nearby—but don't stop there! Right across West Lake Road is the entrance to Barnes Gulley, a beautiful, green jungle that follows the path of Barnes Creek. Follow the creek as far as you want, b...

This alley is a Boise must-see. Local street artists regularly change up the gallery, so there's always something new to see!  You can park anywhere you can find a spot! If you're luck you can find a spot on the side of the street along the shops, but if not, you can park further down past the capitol building or in a nearby parking garage. It's a quick walk through downtown Boise to get to the...