Articles

Sleeping soundly, I'm suddenly startled awake by the early morning coffee call … After taking a few moments to orientate myself with my surroundings ... sleeping bag, tent, chill in the air…my thoughts race to the events of the previous day and a smile slowly lights up …

Something incredible happened in Utah some 300 million years ago that can only be described as mighty. In the region of southern Utah's magnificent canyon country, immense geological forces were in motion.

This year, thanks to Outdoor Utah and REI, my summer vacation was a blast! The Jensen family, mom, dad, my brother Zach and I spent a three-day vacation in Moab at the end of May. We stayed at Red Cliffs Lodge while we were there, and it was amazing!!

One of the most enticing things about a visit to Salt Lake City is the myriad of recreation opportunities right out the back door. Just 35 minutes from all that downtown has to offer are seven canyons cut into the Wasatch Mountains. Two of these, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, are some of the most popular areas for the perfect summer playground.

For many, summer vacation means heading to the beach, exploring southern Utah, going on a long road trip or checking out your local water park. What many summer vacationers don't think about are the endless options offered at Utah's 14 ski resorts during the summer season.

On a crisp October morning I perched on the side of Canaan Mountain, south of Zion, in the midst of a small grove of maples. The little trees clung to the shallow dirt on a ledge of Moenave Formation, which comprises the aptly named Vermilion Cliffs.