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8. Tibble Fork, Payson Lakes

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7. All the National Parks are awesome!

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6. Four Corners

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5. Sand Hollow triathlon

I think there are 3 Triathlons at Sand Hollow Reservoir every year.  My first was at Sand Hollow and the event was at that time called the St. George Triathlon.  

Triathlon generally consists of swimming, biking and running.  I am not what you would call athletic.  When I do Triathlon I compete, or rather my entry is in the Clydesdale division.  And yes, just like it sounds it is for big dudes.  

One day at work a good friend was talking about trying it out.  He was much younger and in much better condition.  "Ha" I said.  "I sink like lead, get saddle sore in an instant and running just hurts.  Why would I do all 3?!"  That night around the dinner table I mentioned this funny conversation.  My 12 year old son said "you'd be my hero."  Uh, yes, I was soon training.  

I trained gradually and with that good friend and in May of 2007 competed in my first Sprint distance Triathlon.   Nice clear water, beautiful scenery, and excellent people and great support all around.   We camped at Sand Hollow and the family got into watching the event and had a fun time at the venue.  

There are several great venues for Triathlon in Utah.  Sand Hollow is special. Pineview Reservoir and Bear Lake are also among my favorite.  

It took me a while but 7 years later I celebrated my 50th birthday at Sand Hollow doing the Olympic distance in the Kokopelli Triathlon.  Getting that "O" body mark was important to me.  There is something really satisfying about taking 3 things that are hard and conquering them in a beautiful place.  I highly recommend it to any one.  

Oh, and that 12 year old.  He won't like me saying this but today he is my hero and we got to do the 2014 Sand Hollow Triathlon together.

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4. Shakespeare Festival

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3. Primitive Camping/Dispersed Camping/Boondocking

Primitive Camping/ Dispersed Camping/ Boondocking These are all the same thing.  I've always called it primitive camping.  BLM calls it dispersed camping.  I've heard others refer to it as boondocking.  What it means is that there are zero services.  You bring in your own water, toilet facilities, water, fuel, power if you need it, and most importantly water.  Did I mention you have to bring your own water?  You can get by or make do with everything else, but you MUST bring water and lots of it.  This is a mountain desert.  The air is dry.  You will need more water than you think and there is no place to get it (except at the State Park campground).    Also, you need to pack out all your waste.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints.  

Little Wild Horse Canyon & Bell Canyon is one of my favorite hikes.  You get a taste for the challenges and beauty of slot canyons.  It is somewhat physically demanding, and yet people of all ages in reasonable condition, can make it.  If you're not sure, try it.  You can always stop or turn back or explore in more detail while the rest of your party continues.  

Pictographs.  There are some on the way out to Temple Mountain.  Search for the Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel.  We camped there one time without even knowing they were there.  People kept coming to our campsite.  They would get out, look around, point at the rocks, oh and awe, and then get back in their cars and drive off.  After this happened a few times we finally figured out what they were seeing.  

One of my favorite trips to this area was over Easter break.  We had just purchased a new trailer and were trying it out for the first time.  It snowed and then warmed up again.  It rained and then cleared up.  We were having lots of fun but it started to rain again and rather than hang out in the trailer we decided to run into Hanksville to the Hole in the Rock store and get some Sobe drinks.  But filled with a spirit of adventure and armed with the simple map from the park we decided to take the long way there heading west past Wild Horse canyon to the ford of the Muddy Creek and then south to the highway.  We were equipped with a high clearance 4x4 vehicle with good aggressive tread.  It was a blast but it was scary.  I would never make that trip again under similar conditions.  We were happy to have survived it with nothing but frayed nerves and a vehicle covered 100% in 8 or 9 different colors of clay.   Warning: a little bit of rain, turns those clay roads in to a slippery mess and the dry depressions into running streams and rivers.  

There are many places around the state where you can primitive camp.   5-mile pass or anywhere in the west desert, Temple Mountain, Kodachrome, Skyline Drive, etc.  I suggest a tent trailer if you have kids because they can get anywhere.  I loved our old trailer and the 5th wheel that we upgraded to recently.  You can rent tent trailers or RVs from several sources.

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2. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the first of Utah's national parks that I have been to and it holds a special place in my heart.  

There is an abundance of short day hikes and some great longer hikes as well.   "The Narrows" is something that everyone should experience.  There is something wondrous about being in a narrow slot canyon. 

Most people will do this hike from the bottom up.  You start at the last shuttle drop off and then just keep walking up.  Be prepared you will be walking in water.  I've done it this way with kids as young as 1.  The nice thing about this is you go up as far as you can or feel comfortable with and then turn around and walk back.  

For the best experience drive the dirt roads to the Zion Narrows Upper Trailhead, start early and plan on a very long and full day.  Be sure to check in at the visitor center.  Any rain in that drainage system can make the journey life threatening.   This hike is about 17 miles and the first half of it is interesting. The last half of it is spectacular.  If you have enough time take the side trip up Orderville canyon.  You will be in the water.  There is no escaping it.  How much will depend on the time of year and how recently there has been rain.  

Angel's Landing is awe-inspiring.  This hike is so worth it.  But unfortunately EVERYONE wants to do it.  The last time I did this it was so crowded that it really took away from the experience.  Do this one off peak season or very early in the morning so that you are coming down when the hordes are on their way up.  Even with the crowds it is a wonderful and challenging hike.  CAUTION:  People die on this hike.  There are shear drop offs and very narrow trail.  If heights aren't your thing find a different hike.  There are plenty to choose from.

Springdale is fun little town.  

Don't forget about the Kolob entrance.  Some of the best hiking trails and impressive scenery are up on that plateau.  

Camping is available in the park or at nearby Quail Creek State Park and at various campgrounds along the roads on both sides of the park.

Favorite Memories: 1. One of my favorite memories was taking the family in the middle of summer, we rented a tent trailer and camped just outside Springdale.  We had 5 kids from 1 to 13.  It was very hot.  We placed camp chairs in the Virgin River and played for a long time in the cool water.  

2. First time I did the Narrows from the top down either the trailhead moved or I had bad information.  It was 1989 or 1990 so pre Internet. The trial was about 9 miles longer than we expected.  We started late.  One of the kids was wearing old sneakers that the bottom blew out.  We had to strap a leather belt around it so he could keep going.  It was rather late and we were quite hungry and cold when we got out.   But it was still well worth it.

3. Another time doing the Narrows the young man in charge of food that day decided that beef ribs was a good lunch.  I thought we would just let him learn.  He grilled them over the fire the night before, cut them into 3 or 4 ribs per person and put them in baggies so everyone carried their own.  They were great.  We barely stopped for lunch.  Everyone just grabbed a rib and gnawed on it as they walked.  It turned out great!   4. First time doing Angel's Landing it was not crowded and we had the trail almost to ourselves.  The boys laid on the bellies and inched toward the edge to peer over.  It made quite a picture.  We were being very careful.  

A note about the name Zion.  It's no secret that Utah was settled by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  They were often called Mormons and had been forced out of Missouri then Illinois and Iowa.  They were looking for a place where they could live in peace and establish what they called "Zion" where they could be "of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."   Moses 7:18

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1. Goblin Valley/Wild Horse Canyon/petroglyphs, etc.

We moved to Utah in October of 1999.  Soon after moving here we learned about this crazy state holiday where half the state shuts down and disappears for a few days in order for a large Union to have its annual Union meeting.  It was called UEA (Utah Education Association) and ran from Thursday to Monday in early October to coincide with the annual Deer Hunt.  Now, I'm exaggerating somewhat when I say the state shuts down and it really isn't a Holiday, but the kids are out of school and if like me, your world revolves around kids, then it might as well be a Holiday.  For the first couple of years we were pretty naïve about it and the kids just stayed home and played.  Then some friends of ours, who were teachers, invited us to come along with them on a camping trip.  They had been doing it for decades this way, with a group of friends, who by the way, were also all teachers.  How ironic, that the people for who the Union meeting was being held were off enjoying the time off rather than attending the meeting.  I'm so glad they did, because it has been the source of some of our happiest memories.

Goblin Valley is over 3 hours drive from Salt Lake.  The drive up Spanish Fork Canyon is pretty.  The drive from Price to Green River is stark, with the majestic Book cliffs on your left and the edge of the San Rafael Swell on your right.  Goblin Valley is in the middle of nowhere, on the edge of the San Rafael Swell.  The rock layers are amazing.  But then you get into Goblin Valley and it is just strange and wonderful.  The valley is full of hoodoos of dried mud.  You really have to experience this place.  Any number of pictures and definitely my words could not give it justice.  Let your kids romp and climb and experience.  It is just flat out fun.  Further back in the valleys you can climb up many different colors and formations.  Explore caves.  Jump from bolder to bolder.  Bring your dog (but clean up after them of course).  Rain, shine, day or night.  I've been there now many times and all different types of weather and with different groups:  Fathers/Sons, Our multi-family UEA camping group, Scouts, just our family.  Everyone has loved it every time.  Play tag, capture the flag.  Just hike and explore.  Explore the far reaches, walk around the back, or stay close to the entrance.  It's even fun just to observe from the covered picnic area all the groups playing.  

Bring Water!!!!!! Sunscreen A spirit of adventure.

In the Goblin Valley and Temple Mountain area there are several hiking trails, riding trails and places to primitive camp.  The Goblin Valley State Park campground is a nice campground with nice facilities and some man made shade.  We've stayed there a couple of times but most often we camp outside the park.  Hotels are available at Green River or Hanksville.  

Seriously, Goblin Valley is a place you have to experience.

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Why I love Utah

Laying in bed at the Wedge campsite number 4, my thoughts were turned to why I love camping and how I have come to love Utah.  I'm thinking of all the great outdoors places, but also all the great food and entertainment I've enjoyed here.   A co-worker who moved here from Atlanta was going to visit the Great Salt Lake.   I was able to share with him the nearest place to do that and I realized that I've learned a thing or two about enjoying this great state and that perhaps it would be worthwhile to share.  

Your experience will be different and you should do additional research and consider your own circumstances, particularly when it comes to outdoor activities, but I hope others find this interesting and helpful.

52 things to love about Utah The idea here is to list out something that could be done every week of the year, even though for me it's been spread out over 17 years (now 19, wait 22).  This list is of things I've done that readily come to mind without much effort and in no particular order.   My descriptions will not be exhaustive.  You will want to do additional research and find your own trails or activities and experiences.  But this should give you an idea.  Many of these are activities were with my family, work associates, friends, Boy Scouts or the now defunct Bingham High School Wilderness Club.

The list is below.  Posts for each will follow.

Goblin Valley/Wild Horse Canyon/petroglyphs, etc.

Zions

Dispersed Camping/Boondocking/Primitive camping.  

Shakespeare festival.  

Sand Hollow triathlon

4 Corners

All the national parks are awesome

Tibble Fork, Payson Lakes

Cleveland Lloyd Dinasour/Buckhorn Wash petroglyphs/ Slot canyons near mine and Muddy Creek

The Homestead free concerts

Escalante/Hole in the Rock/Devils Garden/Dance Hall Rock

Manti and the Mormon miracle pagent

Pioneer Trek

Patriotism

Skyline Drive

Climbing Mt Timp

Climbing Kings Peak

Mirror Lake Highway

Green River 50 miles of floating

High Uintas backpacking 

Canoe the Jordan River

Timpanogoos Cave

Flaming Gorge

Vernal

Cache Valley Century/Big Boys/Pepperidge farms cookies

Scenic drives

The Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River

ATV Riding

Provo Canyon Trail and Jordan River Trail

Saltaire/Antelope Island

Tabernacle Square/Beehive and Lion House

Quirky politics

Sigfrieds/Salt Palace/Downtown

Bingham Copper Mine

The Forgotten Carols

Bell Choir concert at tabernacle (bunch of free concerts at Christmas as well as the rest of the year)

Christmas lights on temple square

Ski Alta, Snowboard Brighton, Canyons rewards good students

Schofield, ice fishing and sledding

Snow Shoeing

Hale Center Theatre, Orem

Snowmobile at Bear River or Daniel's Summit, not at Timberlakes 

Crystal hot springs and/or Diamond Fork hot springs

Sundance.  It's a film festival and a ski resort.  I had dinner there twice.  One of those times is forever etched in my memory.

Capital theater/The Roof 

Ballroom dance competition/Murray Arts Center 

BYU

Hill AFB Air Museum

The Golden Spike

RSL 

Moab/top of the world/Dead Horse Point/Snoopy

General Conference

#WhyILoveUtah #WhyILiveInUtah #ILoveUtah