Week 6: The Great Outdoors

One of the best things about living in Utah is the close proximity of great outdoor adventures. I love driving up one of the canyons to escape the heat in the valley (especially when I'm pregnant). It's going to be hot this week, so head up a canyon and enjoy the beauty. (As I write this, it is 61 degrees at Snowbird--compared to 89 degrees in Salt Lake.)

I don't ski, but I do enjoy the local ski resorts--in the summer. Many of the places we know for the great snow in the winter, offer a lot of fun activities in the summer.

Take the chair lift up and hike down or play a game of Frisbee golf at Solitude. Watch for moose, they are frequent visitors at this resort.

Enjoy an easy walk on the board walk around Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Or more experienced hikers can continue the 2 mile hike to Hidden Lake. Spend some quality time fishing or watching for moose, deer, ducks and beavers around the lake.

Snowbird has plenty of summer activities to enjoy. Ride the tram to the top and back or hike down the mountain. The views are incredible. Snowbird is definitely becoming a summer hot (cool) spot by offering an alpine slide, zip line, and other fun activities.

Ride the Alpine Slide or zip line at Park City.

Take a nice stroll with the kids around Cascade Springs--just off the Alpine Loop. Stop at Sundance and ride the ski lift. Hike or bike down.

A quick drive up Millcreek Canyon opens a lot of outdoor options such as hiking, biking, fishing or just have a picnic at one of the many picnic tables. My kids like to splash in the water when the river is low.

Later in the summer, the wildflowers will bloom and places like Albion Basin and Millcreek Canyon will be decorated in the colorful splendor of wildflowers. Several areas even off guided wildflower tours. Don't miss it.

Please post a comment with some of your favorite local "outdoor" spots to hike, fish and camp. We'd love to hear from you.