Outdoor Sports Guide by Outdoor Sports Guide

SUMMER 2015 VOLUME 33 ISSUE 3

FREE

STRAYCATIONS A 2015 ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR

COLORADO • IDAHO UTAH • WYOMING ADVENTURING IN SOUTHWEST WYOMING TRAILING OF THE SHEEP IN SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

MTB IN FRUITA, CO

5 WAYS TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER

HIKING IN UTAH'S NATIONAL PARKS

stay and

play

Summer 2015 Calendar of Events** JUNE 13 Summer Activities Open (conditions permitting) 13-14 7th Annual Brewfest: Live Bands both days 20 Cool Air Concert: Cure for the Common, 6 p.m., Free 20 Utah Wife Carrying Championship 20-21 Kids’ Adventure Race 21 Father’s Day Brunch at The Atrium 21 Father’s Day BBQ 26 Snowbird Family Flicks: “Honey, I Shrunk The Kids,” Free 27 Cool Air Concert Series: Jelly Bread, 6 p.m., Free

JULY 1 3 4 4

Wasatch Trail Run Race Series (runontrails.com) Snowbird Family Flicks: “Annie” (2014), Free 4th of July Pancake Breakfast 28th Annual Mountain Bout Mountain Bike Race (intermountaincup.com) 4 Cool Air Concert: Blair Crimmins, 6 p.m., Free 6-10 Mountain Sports Camp 1 (ages 10-15) 10 Snowbird Family Flicks: “Brave,” Free 11 The Dirty Bird Mud Run 11 Cool Air Concert: Young Dubliners, 6 p.m., Free 13-15 Special Bike Session (Mountain School) 16 Wasatch Trail Run Race Series (runontrails.com) 17 Snowbird Family Flicks: “Into The Woods,” Free 18 Cool Air Concert: Whiskey Gentry, 6 p.m., Free 24 Snowbird Family Flicks: “Paddington,” Free

24-26 25 26 27-31 29 31

Speedgoat 50K Trail Run Cool Air Concert, 6 p.m., Free Wasatch Wildflower Festival Mountain Sports Camp 2 (ages 10-15) Wasatch Trail Run Race Series (runontrails.com) Snowbird Family Flicks: “Field Of Dreams,” Free

AUGUST 1 1 4 7 8 8 8 14

18th Annual Survivors at the Summit Hike Cool Air Concert: Todo Mundo, 6 p.m., Free Mid-week MTB Race Series Snowbird Family Flicks: “Hook,” Free Tour of Utah Challenge (citizen race) Tour of Utah Cool Air Concert: The Suffers, 7 p.m., Free Snowbird Family Flicks: “Cool Runnings,” Free 15 Snowbird Adventure Race 15, 16 Oktoberfest, noon to 6 p.m., Free 22 Run Elevated Half marathon (Sandy) 22, 23 Oktoberfest, Noon to 6 p.m., Free 26 Wasatch Trail Run Race Series (runontrails.com) 29, 30 Oktoberfest, Noon to 6 p.m., Free 29 Oktoberfest Beard Contest

Bed & Breakfast packages from

$65*

SEPTEMBER 5-7 12, 13 TBA 12 12 19, 20 26

Grand Oktoberfest, Noon to 6 p.m., Free Oktoberfest, Noon to 6 p.m., Free Ski & Board Swap Hidden Peak Challenge Widow Maker Oktoberfest, Noon to 6 p.m., Free 37th Annual Bicycle Hill Climb/Ultra Hill Climb 26, 27 Oktoberfest, Noon to 6 p.m., Free

OCTOBER 3, 4 Oktoberfest, Noon to 6 p.m., Free 10, 11 Oktoberfest, Noon to 6 p.m., Free 17 The Zombie Run 17, 18 Fall Festival 24, 25 Fall Festival 31, Nov. 1 Fall Festival Camp Snowbird Monday-Friday, June 8 - Aug. 21 (closed holidays) LDS Worship Service Sundays 9 a.m. Music at the Aerie Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, June 26 - Sept. 20

The Bed & Breakfast package includes lodging and a full breakfast for each night of your stay. snowbird.com

1-800-453-3000

*Rate is per person, double occupancy and will vary with date, lodge and accommodations selected. Available 5/4/15-11/18/15. **Schedule dates and times are subject to change. Visit snowbird.com for the latest schedule and more information on each event. Small coolers are permitted at concerts and movies.

Little Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed so only certified service dogs are permitted in the canyon.

Patio dining Weekend brunch $2 tuesdays- featuring select micro brews

WHAT’S INSIDE STRAYCATIONS 2015 VOL. 33 NO. 3 PUBLISHER // Dan Miller ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER // Paula Bell MANAGING EDITOR // Jenny Willden

10 26 6

STARTING LINE Local Summer Events and Festivals

RESORT REPORT Summer at Ski Resorts

TRAVEL TALES Utah’s Highway 12, Revisited A Family Journey Through Capitol Reef, Escalante, and Bryce Canyon By Aaron Lovell

Wild Wyoming Exploring Flaming Gorge Country's Past and Present By Jenny Willden

Sun Valley’s Sheep Tales and Trails Recreating in the Sawtooths By Gayle J. McCarthy

Pumps, Bumps, and Rollers Mountain Biking in Fruita

CIRCULATION MANAGER/OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR // Cynthia Bell Snow ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Melissa McGibbon, Molly Newman CONTRIBUTORS // Aaron Lovell, Gayle J. McCarthy, Alexa V. Morgan ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION MANAGER // Jackie Medina GRAPHIC DESIGN // Leslie Hanna, Ken Magleby, Patrick Witmer REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES // 801-467-9419 Paula Bell, Karen Malan, Paul Nicholas NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES // Brook Gardner, Jeremy Solomon

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT // Kyrsten Holland OFFICE ASSISTANT/DISTRIBUTION MANAGER // Jessica Snow Distribution Inquiries Call 801-467-9419 DISTRIBUTION // Paige Silva, Rick Springer, Jenny Willden

By Melissa McGibbon

Like us on Facebook

Beat the Summer Heat With Utah’s Coolest Summer Activities

facebook.com/outdoorsportsguide Follow us on Twitter

By Alexa V. Morgan

GEAR Getaway Gear Our Picks for Your Next Trip

twitter.com/OSportsGuideMag ON THE COVER

By Aaron Lovell, Melissa McGibbon, Jenny Willden

LAST WORD Have Dog, Will Travel Trail Adventures for You and Your Four-Legged Friend By Molly Newman

Many of the activities covered in the Outdoor Sports Guide are action sports carrying significant risk of personal injury or death. Outdoor Sports Guide, including its writers, photographers and other staff and management, does not recommend that anyone participate in these sports unless they are supremely expert, knowledgeable about the risks and willing to personally assume all responsibility associated with those risks. Also, the views herein are those of the writers and do not

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CALENDAR

SUMMER 2015 VOLUME 33 ISSUE 3

FREE

STRAYCATIONS A 2015 ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR

COLORADO • IDAHO UTAH • WYOMING

ADVENTURING IN SOUTHWEST WYOMING TRAILING OF THE SHEEP IN SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

2 MTB IN FRUITA, CO

5 WAYS TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER

3 HIKING IN UTAH'S NATIONAL PARKS

1. Photo by Brad Torchia (Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism) 2. Photo by Michael Edminster 3. Photo by © GaudiLab / Dollar Photo Club 4. Photo by Melissa McGibbon 5. Photo by © Wirepec / Dollar Photo Club

necessarily reflect those of the magazine’s management or ownership. Outdoor Sports Guide welcomes story, art and photo contributions. We will consider, but assume no responsibility for, unsolicited proposals, manuscripts, art and photographs; all such material must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope or it will not be returned.

other rights for resale, republication, etc. Outdoor Sports Guide is not responsible for unsolicited contributions, lost or damaged photo material. Send contributions to Outdoor Sports Guide, c/o Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, 801.467.9419; email editor@ sportsguidemag.com. For advertising information please call 801.467.9419 or email info@sportsguidemag.com.

MILLS PUBLISHING, INC. retains reprint rights, including affiliated internet site reprints, but contributors retain all

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We know what it takes for you to achieve your goals. We can help you train smarter, run faster and stay injury free.

Call 801-314-2996 Our Program Includes: ´ Nutrition counseling ´ One-on-one & on-line coaching ´ Physiological testing (VO2 max and lactate threshold) ´ High-speed video and ground reaction force assessment of your gait mechanics

5848 South 300 East, Murray, Utah 84107 www.toshutah.com

STARTING LINE FROM THE EDITOR I’ve been lucky to see much of Utah through my years editing Outdoor Sports Guide, but I’ve ventured less into our neighboring state, Wyoming. So for this year’s Straycation edition, I visited southwestern Wyoming’s Sweetwater County for a race- and historycentric trip with plenty of outdoor recreation mixed in. Venturing into ghost towns, exploring Flaming Gorge, and racing with horses made it a summer highlight, and I hope you’ll use this guide to travel somewhere new this season too! Our third annual Straycation Issue covers locations in Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming along with stay-cool experiences for you and pup-friendly trails and trips. For even more travel stories, visit our website at sportsguidemag.com and follow us on Instagram @sportsguidemag. Happy adventuring! Jenny Willden

Comments, feedback, or complaints? Email editor@sportsguidemag.com or send mail to 772 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84106.

MILLCREEK VENTURE OUT Bring your lawnchairs and blankets to Millcreek Township every Friday evening from June 6–August 21 for FREE family-friendly movies paired with live music, outdoor recreation, and farmer’s markets at venues throughout the area. The venue and movies change weekly, so visit the website for details. millcreekventureout.org

SNOWBIRD BREWFEST Celebrate dads with a cold brew and a burger at this festival on Father’s Day weekend (June 20–21) at Snowbird. You can get beer samples for just $1 each while you listen to live music and shop vendors while soaking up a sunny summer day in the mountains. snowbird.com

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN GAMES Kick off summer with a road trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for their huge three-day outdoor recreation festival June 19–21 featuring mountain biking, bouldering, trail running, paragliding, and SUPing. Spectators and participants take in the free concerts, product demos, clinics, and kids’ competitions on Sunday. Register and get more information online. jhmountaingames.com

UTAH ARTS FESTIVAL The state’s largest outdoor multidisciplinary arts event returns June 25– 28 at Library Square in Salt Lake City. View and purchase unique works from talented artists, enjoy delicious ethnic cuisine, and watch live music and dance performances. Bike to the fest to save $2 on admission, plus they’ll store your bike in a secure area. This year the Color Me Rad 5K, a Utah Arts Fest partner, will move from downtown to the State Fair Park with the date changed to Saturday, May 23. Save 10% on registration with discount code ARTSLIVEHERE. uaf.org

TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES Watch live performances by Death Cab for Cutie, Tune-Yards, The Kills, and more acts at Salt Lake’s ever-growing outdoor summer concert series in Pioneer Park. Concerts take place every Thursday evening in July and August this season beginning on July 16. Season passes are $30 or admission is just $5 a show. Arrive early to avoid long security lines, shop the Twilight Market, and purchase meals from food trucks. twilightconcertseries.com

COLORADO FREERIDE FESTIVAL Make the drive to Winter Park to watch the world’s best mountain bikers battle it out for prizes and bragging rights at this event from July 23–26. The 4-day festival features slopestyle, Enduro World Series racing, air downhill, and cross-country biking. But the Fest isn’t only for pros! Bike demos are available in the Festivillage for everyone, and you can take downhill mountain biking lessons from Winter Park instructors. New this year is a kid’s area featuring a bike parade, Adventure Zone for 5 and under riders, and a pump track for kids 6–12. coloradofreeridefestival.com

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PARK CITY FOOD AND WINE CLASSIC Returning for its seventh year, Park City’s annual celebration of wine, food, and outdoor adventures is slated for July 8–12 with new events and old favorites on the schedule. Don’t miss the revamped Friday Night Stroll on Park City Main Street with food and drinks samples at participating shops and restaurants and a new after party. Or pair food and spirits with outdoor recreation at seminars for mountain bikers, road cyclists, stand-up paddleboarders, yogis, and hikers. New this year is Vino & Vinyasa, a guided yoga practice followed by lunch at the Montage. A returning favorite is the Hair of the Dog Road Ride which includes a guided 25-mile road cycling ride with lunch and cocktails at High West Distillery. Purchase tickets quickly as these events sell out! parkcityfoodandwineclassic.com

NORTH FACE ENDURANCE CHALLENGE PARK CITY Choose your own distance at this trail race weekend at Park City Mountain Resort from September 26–27. 50-mile, 50K, Marathon, and Marathon Relay offered on Saturday. Half marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids’ Run on Sunday. All races followed Finish Line Festival at PCMR featuring music, refreshments, and food. A true family event, the Finish Line Festival will also offer free samples, product trials, demonstrations, and raffle prizes from The North Face, GORE-TEX, SmartWool, Clif Bar, and more. thenorthface.com/en_US/endurance-challenge

OUTERBIKE Demo next year’s bikes on Moab’s world-class roads and trails at this mountain biking gear-testing event from October 1–4. Guided rides and clinics with your own bike are scheduled for October 1 with shuttled bike demo rides and afterparties from October 2–4. Rides available for beginner and advanced riders. Lunches and skill clinics included with ticket price. outerbike.com

SCOTT ENDURO CUP Mountain bikers test their might against Canyons’ singletrack trails and Bike Park at this endure cup racing event on August 15 in Park City. The event showcases Canyons’ stunning scenery and unique trails in a competition that riders and spectators will enjoy. Race entry includes timing and post-race BBQ. Get registered today as events sell out! endurocupmtb.com [ sportsguidemag.com

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RESORT REPORT

Summer Edition

Explore the summer side of Utah’s ski resorts with activities like hiking, mountain biking, live music, festivals, scenic chairlift rides, and children’s programs offered at resorts throughout the state! Get full details on the resorts’ websites. Alta The resort is closed, but Alta Lodge opens for summer season on May 31 with their locals' favorite Sunday Brunch, which is served from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Make it a staycation with $94 lodging rates Sunday through Friday that includes continental breakfast. Saturday night rates begin at $114 and include Sunday Brunch for two. altalodge.com Brian Head Road trip to this Southern Utah resort for new summer activities including: ziplining, bungee trampolining, or alpine tubing, and base-jumping with their outdoor airbag. Two chairlifts serve improved mountain bike trails, disc golf, scenic hiking, and lift rides. Summer lift operations run from June 26–September 7, Friday through Sunday only. Festival and race schedules available online. brianhead.com Canyons Canyons' new 18-hole golf course opens May 29 with the rest of summer operations beginning June 18. Choose from downhill mountain biking, hiking, fishing, pedal boating, mini golf, disc golf, and ziplining. The popular free Saturday Summer Concert Series returns in July. thecanyons.com Deer Valley Ride challenging mountain biking trails, take a hike, or enjoy a scenic chairlift ride during summer season from June 19–September 17 with weekend openings until September 20. The resort is modernizing and updating its existing mountain biking/hiking trail inventory this summer with the

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help of world-renowned bike resort development company, Gravity Logic. Their recommended updates will be made beginning in June and finishing in mid-August. One of the scheduled improvements includes a two- to three-mile downhill mountain bike intermediate “flow” trail, machine excavated and in-sloped with berms, rollers, and jumps. deervalley.com Park City Mountain Resort Get an adrenaline rush on the zipline, alpine slide, alpine coaster, or climbing wall. Or venture into nature by riding a chairlift to gorgeous mountain biking, hiking, and running trails. Younger children will love the human maze, amusement park rides, and mini golf at the resort base. Open for summer May 22–October 18. The North Face Endurance Challenge returns for a second year from September 26-27 for two days of foot races with distances from 5K to 50 miles. parkcitymountain.com Powder Mountain Explore untracked terrain on a Summer Safari 4x4 Tour where you’ll see amazing scenery and wildlife. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 801-745-3772 or emailing adventures@powdermountain. com. powdermountain.com Snowbasin Summer operations begin June 13; choose from scenic gondola rides, mountain biking and hiking on 26 miles of trails, free Saturday guided tours, and frisbee golf on the 9-hole course. Visit on Sundays for brunch at the top of the gondola followed by their popular FREE Blues, Brews, and BBQ Sunday summer concert series. Concerts begin June 14 and continue weekly until September 27 with three bands scheduled for each show. Features kids’ activities too: new climbing wall, playground, and a Euro Bungee. snowbasin.com

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Snowbird Beginning June 13, ride down 3,120 feet of turns, drops, and loops at a speed controlled by the driver on Snowbird’s Mountain Coaster. Add on all-day tickets for the Alpine Slide, Ropes Course, Mountain Flyer, and climbing wall. Or take in the view on a Tram or Charlift ride and hike back to the base. Brewfest, Oktoberfest, and live concerts scheduled throughout summer. snowbird.com Solitude Chairlift rides and lift-served hiking or mountain biking is available on the Sunrise chair Friday–Sunday beginning in June, or play a round of disc golf on their high-alpine course! Summer events include the Vigor X Solitude Trail Run Series beginning June 6, the Midweek Mountain Bike Series starting July 7, Pigs ‘n Pino Wasatch Mountain Table (July 10), the Wasatch Wildflower Festival (July 24), and Taste of The Wasatch (August 2), skisolitude.com Sundance Scenic lift rides, downhill mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking are just a few summer activities offered beginning mid-May and continuing through October. The new Zip Line Tour is an adventurous way to explore the resort as it boasts a 2,100foot vertical drop; more than any other U.S. zip tour. Unique to Sundance, ride the chairlift under the full moonlight on select summer and fall dates. sundanceresort.com Utah Olympic Park Located in Park City, the Olympic Park is a place for all-day adventures for kids and adults. Thrilling rides like the Comet Bobsled, Extreme Zipline, Ropes Course, and Alpine Slide keep the most adventurous entertained, but all-age activities are available too. Tour the park, ride the chairlift, or visit the Olympic Museum. Watch the Flying Aces perform a choreographed freestyle aerial show on Sundays. utaholympiclegacy.com

YOUR EDUCATION ADVENTURE STARTS HERE Aviation Canyoneering Kayaking Scuba Diving Rock Climbing Horsemanship Snowboarding Archeology Study Abroad

DEGREE

INCLUDED

www.suu.edu

Photo Credit: © Wirepec / Dollar Photo Club

Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park.

UTAH’S HIGHWAY 12, REVISTED

A Family Journey through Capitol Reef, Escalante, and Bryce Canyon By Aaron Lovell

Utah’s Highway 12 (officially State Route 12) is certainly a fun multiplier. Along its 122-mile stretch you will encounter four state parks, two national parks, a national monument, and enough scenery to make merely driving it a vacation-worthy outing. Towns dot the route and offer no end of charm. We’ve highlighted a few stops along Highway 12 here, but can’t hope to cover everything along this scenic road. For an extended version of this article with more recommendations and site directions, visit sportsguidemag.com. A Capitol beginning Torrey marks Highway 12’s northeast terminus. About 5 miles outside of 10

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town lies Capitol Reef National Park, one of Utah’s least-visited national parks. But never having to hunt for a parking spot isn’t the only reason to love Capitol Reef. The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long warping landform is the primary geographical and geological marvel of the park. Natural forces and 65 million years have carved canyons, domes, spires, and more into a varied playground of easy-access exploration. Don’t miss these family favorites in Capitol Reef: Hiking: The moderate climb to 133-foot Hickman Natural Bridge (.9 mile oneway) is the most popular hike in the park and with good reason; there are many sites along the route ending at this arch. Easier strolls through Grand Wash (2.2 miles one-way) and Capitol Gorge (1 mile one-way) offer narrows and deep canyon environs. The Chimney Rock Loop (3.6 miles RT)—my favorite—gets you atop high cliffs overlooking almost the entire park to the south.

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Photo Credit: Aaron Lovell

There’s almost nothing I love more than a good road trip. Half the fun seems to be in the planning. And when you finally get to the execution, the fun multiplies itself until all of a sudden there’s more good times than you know what to do with.

Historic Gifford House

Fruita: Near Capitol Reef’s Visitor Center sits this historic pioneer settlement with perfect picnic spots and active orchards. During harvest season (June–October), pick as many cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, and apples (25 varieties) as you like. Eat your fill for

Where to Stay: The campground at Capitol Reef is beautiful but fills up fast. The independently-owned Capitol Reef Resort is the closest hotel to the park. Many of its rooms have unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside. $89 for a traditional two-queen room. Where to Eat: The Capitol Reef Inn & Cafe has great menu variety. Slacker’s has delicious burgers and awesome shakes—try the blueberry Oreo combo. Enchanting Escalante Head south on Highway 12 from Torrey. After winding over the eastern shoulder of Boulder Mountain you’ll soon be on The Hogsback. Steep cliffs cling to this narrow, winding stretch of blacktop offering gorgeous vistas for your passengers. Because you’ve got your

eyes on the road, right? Escalante is your destination, and it’s the midpoint of your journey. Originally settled in the 1870s, Escalante is now the jumping-off point for world-class desert backpacking and canyoneering. One can never overstate the appeal of the surrounding landscape. It’s the kind of environment you could lose yourself in on purpose, and some have. (Google: Everett Ruess). Carrying on the theme of “the road,” you’ll find a lot of the adventure you’re looking for down Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The road is graded and a 2WD with normal clearance should be fine, but don’t attempt it during a thunderstorm. Hole-in-the-Rock highlights include:

Photo Credit: Aaron Lovell

free inside the park. Just pay for what you take home. Don’t miss the Gifford House, purveyor of homemade pie and ice cream.

Devil’s Garden: Hands down, this is my kids’ favorite place in the Escalante area. It’s a little like Goblin Valley, but smaller and less crowded. Hoodoos spring up like sandstone giants playing Twister. Mini-arches and windows,

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Photo Credit: Aaron Lovell

The author's family hiking in Bryce.

tiny slots, and domes are a perfect playground. Just keep an eye on the little ones and respect the hoodoos. Picnic sites abound.

Did somebody say hoodoos?

20-mile Wash Dinosaur Megatrackway: Atop a hunk of yellow Entrada sandstone, you’ll find what appears to have been a dinosaur dance hall. Figuring out what we were looking for took some effort, but once we did, tracks seemed to appear everywhere. Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulches: These narrow slot canyons are not too be missed, and no rappelling gear or wetsuits are required to do them. Go up Peek-a-Boo and down Spooky. Be sure to pack out what you pack in. Where to Stay: A popular spot with tour groups, the Circle D books quickly. Each room is stocked with area guidebooks. $82 for a room with two queens. Onsite restaurant has a great breakfast menu. Excellent camping available right off Highway 12 at Calf Creek Recreation Area.

Bryce Canyon is an otherworldly landscape of geologic change on fastforward. Features change from year to year as freeze-thaw cycles carve ever more stone from thousands of spindly hoodoos, the park’s main draw. Start your days early to avoid crowds at these family-friendly destinations: Hiking: The trails in Bryce Canyon are incredible, and you can’t go wrong on any of them. Our kids enjoyed combining the Queens Garden trail with the Navajo Loop. Though likely the most popular hike in the park, it offers some pretty great vistas and changing scenery. Roadside Overlooks: The main road in Bryce Canyon has no fewer than 15 overlooks, but there’s no need to stop at all of them. Bryce Point is the best vista in the park. Rainbow Point is the furthest away, but worth the drive. On

Where to Eat: No exaggeration: Escalante Outfitters makes Utah’s best pizza. Challenge me. I dare you. The sourdough crust is made by hand daily, and the toppings are harvest fresh. Go for the Devil’s Garden (veggie).

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The author hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park.

your way back to the main park, be sure to visit Natural Bridge and Swamp Canyon. Where to Stay: Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds with reservable sites. For hotels, Bryce Canyon Inn in Tropic offers one-bedroom cabins ($119 for two queens, continental breakfast). The super-friendly staff will make your stay a welcome one. Where to Eat: The Pizza Place is right next door to Bryce Canyon Inn. Try McClain’s Favorite Barbeque Chicken Pizza. What can I say? We like pizza. After Bryce Canyon, it’s only 23 miles to Panguitch (pop. 1,507) and the end of Highway 12. We cannot hope to encapsulate all the sites of Highway 12 here. There are just too many things to see, too many things to experience. But I promise that after experiencing it once, you’ll be back.

Aaron Lovell lives in Tooele, Utah, and studied journalism at the University of Oklahoma. He hates fishing, loves ballet, and spends his free time helping his wife coax their four children along on hikes they're not old enough for. Find him on Twitter @aarontlovell.

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UTAH I SEPT 26-27, 2015

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Photo Credit: Jenny Willden

WILD WYOMING

Overlooking Flaming Gorge

Exploring Flaming Gorge Country’s Past and Present By Jenny Willden Wyoming: It’s the nation’s least populous state and is known for its wide-open spaces and steadfast, pioneering spirit. Though it’s home to well known destinations like Jackson and Yellowstone, much of its beauty remains undiscovered by the masses. Sweetwater County’s 10,500 square miles is one of those places. Utahn’s mayknow the Rock Springs and Green River I-80 exits as a stop on the way to Yellowstone, the gateway to Flaming Gorge, or simply a place to buy cheap booze and lotto tickets. I made the two-and-a-half-hour drive there primarily to race the Running with the Horses 10K, but I found much more to see and do. Whether mountain biking, riding horses, ghost town touring, walking in the steps of pioneers, or enjoying a summer shrimp boil along the Green River, there’s no shortage of adventures in what remains of the Wild West. So make it a Wyoming weekend and check a few of these must-sees off your list. GREEN RIVER FESTIVAL AND RUNNING WITH THE HORSES MARATHON Green River’s Expedition Island, the launching site of John Wesley

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Powell’s 1871 Green and Colorado River Expedition, is also home to this popular summer festival on August 17-18. Events include: Cajun Shrimp Boil and pasta feed, Great Rubber Duck Race, live music, car show, dog show, fireworks, and the popular Running with the Horses Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K. Named Running for the Horses Marathon for a reason, half and full marathoners can expect to see wild horses along the course, and this was a huge part of why I wanted to participate. However, the steep uphill dirt road course is challenging for even the strongest runners. Unique finisher medals and coveted wild horseshoe and Trona Trophies for age and overall winners make it worth the drive to participate! Register at runwiththehorsesmarathon.com. FLAMING GORGE AND RED CANYON LODGE After river festing and racing, drive along the scenic Highways 191 and 530 that encircle Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area for an adventure in and of itself, or add recreation on or off the water. Located just east of Flaming

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Gorge Reservoir is Little Mountain, a popular mountain biking destination with 250 miles of trails offering scenic views up to 100 miles. Or see the Green River up close on whitewater day trip below Flaming Gorge Dam. Crossing over into Dutch John on the Utah side you’ll find Red Canyon Lodge (redcanyonlodge.com). This hidden retreat is a great day or overnight stop on your Wyoming journey. From the property, take a guided horseback ride or hike along the Red Canyon Rim trail for expansive overlooks of the Gorge. Cool off after by canoeing, kayaking, or stand up paddleboarding around their lake. Rentals are just $15 an hour. Stay for lunch on the patio overlooking the lake, and don’t miss the Smoked Trout appetizer! PETROGLYPH, WILD HORSE, AND HISTORIC SITE TOURS AND HIKES Where else can you see the Oregon Trail, Native American petroglyphs, and herds of wild horses in one spot? Sweetwater County boasts more miles of intact trails from the Mormon, Oregon, and Pony Express crossings than anywhere else in the country, and you can easily access them from major roads.

Photo Credit: Jenny Willden

for cookies and a scotch tasting at the old Miner’s Exchange Saloon. I learned I can’t handle much scotch, but sipping it in the old saloon while listening to old-time piano music made the experience. Once the sun sets, make your way to nearby Carissa Gold Mine for a spooky, lantern-lit night tour of the mine’s inner workings. Book tour tickets at southpasscity.com. Despite this tour’s seemingly middleof-nowhere location, accommodations are available just four miles away in the sparsely inhabited mining town of Atlantic City at Miner’s Delight Inn B & B. Fewer than 40 folks call Atlantic City home today, but the town boasts cedar plank specialties at the historic Atlantic City Mercantile Restaurant and is a good home base for visiting other ghost towns, like Miner’s Delight. Sweetwater County's popular wild horse, Curly, and his mares.

Slightly more remote are the White Mountain and Cedar Mountain Petroglyphs, about 30 miles northeast of Rock Springs down a washboard dirt road. These well-preserved sandstone panels are covered in 200 to 300-year-old etchings by Native American tribes who once inhabited the area with figures of elk, deer, and humans. Local outfitter, Killpecker Tours, offers guided visits; solo-types can drive to the region—in a 4WD vehicle—and hike to explore them. Cedar Mountain is less trafficked, and you’ll likely be the only group at these petroglyphs when you visit. Sweetwater County’s gorgeous wild horses are descendants of those brought by the Spanish in the 1500s and are known for their curly manes. Finding them on your own can be tricky, so it’s best to again employee the services of local wild horse enthusiast, Pat Doak, and John Vase (her business partner at Killpecker Tours) to find Curly, a huge stallion followed by a herd of beautiful mares.

Pat and John take you up close to the sites while sharing local lore along the way. Plus, John’s wife makes an impressive sack lunch with fresh fruit salad and inventive sandwiches. Add on stops at historic cabins and sand dunes too if you’re up for an all-day exploration. Great tour for families too! Info and pricing online at killpeckertours.com. CATCHING THE NIGHT SHIFT IN SOUTH PASS CITY If Wyoming doesn’t feel remote enough already, get out of dodge and drive an hour and a half north to historic South Pass City, a once booming mining town turned historical landmark. Throughout the summer you can tour the preserved town and nearby Carissa Gold Mine, but for a special treat visit on June 20 or August 22 (perfect for pairing with the River Festival) for the Catch the Night Shift Tour. Begin by exploring South Pass City’s restored homes, hotel, jail, and shops to get a glimpse of what mining town life was like, stopping along the way

Jenny is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a selfproclaimed gear and grammar nut. She loves adventure and is happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Llama racing and deal finding are her secret superpowers. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden or on Google+.

Barbara and Bob Townsend, Miner’s Delight Inn owners, refurbished the former Carpenter Hotel to turn it into this bed and breakfast with bedroom and cabin accommodations and a from-scratch breakfast in the morning. The Inn’s fully stoked bar features rare Scotch whisky from around the world, and guests can enjoy a drink in their saloon before retiring for the evening. Learn more or book a stay at minersdelightinn.com. WYOMING WHISKEY Bourbon lovers: stop and pick up a bottle of Wyoming’s first premium whiskey throughout the state during your trip (it’s available in Utah too). They distill in small batches exclusively at their Kirby, Wyoming distillery using Wyoming grains and water from a local limestone aquifer that contributes to its unique flavor. This flavor helped Wyoming Whiskey receive numerous accolades at bourbon competitions across the nation. Though it’s almost a two-hour-drive from South Pass City to their Kirby Distillery for a tour, discerning bourbon drinkers will find it a worthwhile stop. Details at wyomingwhiskey.com. As you make your summer road trip plans, take a detour from your normal route and explore one or all of these lesser-known Wyoming wonders.

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Photo Credit: Michael Edminster

The sheep trek down from the mountains to warmer fields for winter.

SUN VALLEY'S SHEEP TALES AND TRAILS By Gayle J. McCarthy Sun Valley is best known for its ski resort, celebrity sightings, and a lifestyle centered on the art of being outside. Residents boast a perennial tan, an effortless sense of eternal youth, and own enough seasonal sports gear to fill a commercial airplane hangar. It makes sense to spend most of your time outdoors in an area nestled between five mountain ranges and home to more than 40 miles of trails. The town’s quirky, iconic sense of self is evident in the little things: it’s home to the world’s first chairlift, designed by Union Pacific engineer Jim Curran in 1939 to grace the slopes of Sun Valley’s Bald Mountain in order to lure luxury travelers away from the warmth of tropical beaches during the winter months to the cold, snowy mountains of Sun Valley; celebrities made it their “see-and-be-seen” hotspot in the heyday of the early years, hosting the likes of Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, and Ernest Hemingway, to name a few.

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But the real stars of Sun Valley are sheep. Yes, sheep. The wooly creatures take center stage each fall at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, an event celebrating the Valley’s rich history of sheep farming and ranching in a fourday, family-friendly fest that’s made the list of Top 10 Fall Festivals in the World by USA Today and The Huffington Post. For more than 150 years, sheep farming has been an integral part of Sun Valley’s identity. Its history traces back to the town’s founder, John Hailey, an early pioneer of the Northwest who took part in the Boise Basin Gold Rush of 1862 and settled in the area, bringing with him a small sheep herd. At first, only 14,000 breeding sheep were recorded in Idaho, but those numbers continued to grow as the town’s ore mining industry dwindled and sheep ranching became a major source of revenue. By 1890, the number of sheep grew to 614,000; by 1918, the population boomed to 2.6 million, making Idaho more densely populated with sheep than humans. The town of Hailey had made its mark

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as a worldwide sheep ranching center, second only to Sydney, Australia. Today, those numbers have died back down again, with very few sheep farmers actively working in the area, but the sheep still make their seasonal pilgrimage up and down the mountain regardless. In the spring, a herd of 1,500 sheep migrate north from the lower elevations of southern Idaho’s Snake River Valley through the Wood River Valley to the high country of the mountains for summer pasture. Their route wends a course of 1,000 miles in total, tracing a route through the residential towns of Hailey and Ketchum up Highway 75, on to nearby Galena and into the scenic Sawtooth Mountains. In the fall, the sheep retrace their steps back down the mountain over the course of five days to the valley, where they will settle in for the winter months; their return is celebrated on the last day of the festival when hundreds of sheep fill the main street of Ketchum in a “Running of the Bulls”

Big Wood River

style party, a moving, jumping “wall of wool” cheered on by locals and visitors. This year’s Trailing of the Sheep Festival will be in the Ketchum/Hailey area from October 7–11. More info at trailingofthesheep.org. If you visit Sun Valley in summer, the Ride Sun Valley Bike Festival is a must. This four-day bike extravaganza from June 25–28 features FREE guided rides, bike demos and races, bike prom, live music, and a head-to-head elimination race where bikers tow flaming logs as fast as possible until a victor is crowned. More info at ridesunvalley.com. Ride Sun Valley is also the second stop of the Scott Enduro Cup, a mountain bike race series that challengers riders on the area's best single-track, downhill trails. Info at endurocupmtb.com. In honor of these events, we’ve found the best trails for hikers, bikers, and campers in Sun Valley inspired by the sheep’s seasonal trek up. Camping Wood River Campground, part of the Sawtooth National Forest, is composed of 30 campsites in a densely wooded area near the Big Wood River with self-guided nature trails nearby. Fishing is allowed in the Big Wood River. Call 877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov for more info. Boundary Campground is located along Trail Creek with nine campsites, nestled in a canopy of cottonwood and Aspen trees with beautiful views of Bald Mountain Ski area to the west. Amenities

Galena Lodge, located 23 miles northeast of Ketchum on Highway 75, offers two yurts for rental during the summer months, if you don’t want to tent camp. The yurts are rustic adaptations of ancient shelters that resemble tee-pee structures (no electricity, no laptops, no cell phones) and are situated on the ridge above the lodge, easily accessible by a short hike from the building. The Senate View Yurt is located closest to the lodge and sleeps eight people; the Honeymoon Yurt, located farthest from the lodge and situated in a dense forest of trees, sleeps four people on two double futons. Both yurts must be reserved in advanced. Contact Galena Lodge at 208726-4010 or at info@galenalodge.com. Multi-use Trails for Hiking, Biking, Running A popular trail for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers is the White Clouds Loop Trail across from the Sun Valley Lodge. It’s a quick, gently-graded fourmile circuit with an elevation gain of 265 feet around Sun Valley’s scenic, nine-hole White Cloud Golf Course, offering up spectacular views of Bald Mountain, Griffin Butte and the skyline of downtown Ketchum below. Most of the trail is single-track and wide with variable trail tread along the route to keep things interesting for bikers. A great starting point is Carol’s Trailhead across from Trail Creek Road and Sun Valley Lodge. Sunrise Loop, a short, easy, mile-and-a-half course, can be added on to White Clouds trail for more milage. For a more challenging workout, check out Bald Mountain Trail, a five-mile trail with long traverses and great views of the Wood River Valley in the distance. Small Aspen groves mix with mature evergreens to provide plenty of shade throughout the trail with patches of seasonal wildflowers.

Photo Credit: Jay Dash

Photo Credit: Jenny Willden

include hand-pump drinking water, two vault toilets, a fire ring, grill stand, and picnic tables at each site. $10 per day, no reservation required. Call 208-622-5371 or visit fs.usda.gov for more information.

Enduro racing at Ride Sun Valley Bike Festival.

The trail surface is made of packed dirt and small gravel with sections of looser rock; elevation gain is 3,300 feet. Uphill bike traffic only; ride the ski lift back down to River Run Plaza on the Christmas Lift during hours of lift operation. Mountain Bikes Only Bald Mountain Perimeter Trail is a strenuous 20-mile, full-loop trail for experienced mountain bikers featuring an elevation gain of 2,400 feet and stunning views of surrounding Smoky and Pioneer Mountains. Start at River Run Plaza and go south on the bike path to Cold Springs Road. From there, go up Cold Springs Trail, down Warm Springs Trail, and take the bike path back to Ketchum and River Run Plaza. Not recommended for hikers or runners. Hikers/Runners If you’re looking for a moderate-tostrenuous, “Best of Sun Valley” hike, Proctor Mountain Trail is a popular fivemiler with a vertical climb of 1,600 feet. The path starts off near the Hemingway Memorial and offers stunning views of Bald Mountain and the valley below, rambling through sagebrush and Aspens with switchbacks throughout. Keep your eyes peeled: the trail passes by the remains of the world’s first chair lift.

Gayle J. McCarthy is a freelance writer specializing in outdoor adventure travel. Her work has appeared in many print and online publications including Northwest Travel Magazine, Hipstertravelguide, and Global Writes.

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Photo Credit: Lindsay Minck

PUMPS, BUMPS, AND ROLLERS

Mountain Biking in Fruita By Melissa McGibbon We didn’t make it to our campsite in the 18-Road Trail system until after dark. Howls of joy echoed through the campgrounds as we hammered in the tent stakes. The Book Cliffs campground is nestled among the stacked looping trail system, making it an irresistible base for nocturnal riders seeking late night jollies. It’s a good thing manufacturers have figured out how to design tents for nearly foolproof erection, because we’re almost always setting up by moonlight and headlamp. When you arrive in Fruita, you are welcomed by a larger-than-life mural of a mountain biker painted on a silo you can’t miss. The picture seems to say, “What took you so long?” This historical town runs on energy generated by the pedalers who come to conquer hundreds of miles of flowy singletrack trails and celebrate their

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feats with locally brewed beers and campfire feasts. Here, the grit of the Wild West lives on in the dirt and rocks that unfurl along the rolling hills of the North Fruita Desert. You can feel the landscape challenging you to ride. The next morning brought a whistleinducing kind of day. It’s unfortunate I can’t whistle. We discussed trail strategy with fellow campers as we drank coffee and readied our bikes. Cumulous clouds punctuated the cerulean blue skies as the sun lead the birds iin daybreak salutations. Everyone was stoked to be there. In 1995, as Fruita was reeling from an economic downturn, an ambitious halfdozen locals, including Troy Rarick, Tom Nix, and Scott Winans, began carving out a valley of singletrack routes that would come to beckon riders from all over the world. They opened a bike shop and founded the Fruita Fat Tire Festival.

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Now, twenty years later, the town welcomes 100,000 annual visitors to its many splendored trails. The cat is most definitely out of the bag. Hundreds of miles of trails have been etched through the Pinyon and Juniper tree-laden land in the North Fruita Desert. If dastardly climbs with steep switchbacks and iffy downhill outcomes are what you seek, the getting is good. If rollicking fast-flow loops are what you crave, you will not go hungry. Kessel Run is my jam and I highly recommend lapping it if you enjoy drops, rollers, and high-banked berms. Singletrack trails ranging from blackdiamond-rated Giggles, an eight-mile stem loop that features 700 feet of short, steep challenges and technical rock maneuvering to green-circle-rated Rustler’s Loop, a three mile loop with 500 feet of climbing and unbeatable views

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Photo Credit: Lindsay Minck

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of the mighty Colorado River along the way. Fan favorites are Chutes and Ladders, Zippety-Do-Da, Horsethief Bench, and Joe’s Ridge by night. The 142-mile Kokopelli Trail, a continuous singleand double-track trail, starts here and leads all the way to Moab. New trails are added to Fruita’s portfolio every year. If you stop by Over The Edge Sports, the fine folks who work there will happily tell you about the newest routes to try, and may even pencil them in your guidebook for you. IF YOU GO Getting there from Salt Lake City is easy. When you get to the I-70 junction for the Moab exit, just don’t take it. Then, face north and, real-subtle-like, veer right. After you pass through town, head East on Aspen Avenue, then take a left when you get to Maple Street. That part is a breeze, but then it gets interesting. At some point, instead of continuing in the genre of tree names, the town planners decided to switch it up and name roads based on a grid system in proximity to the next street and distance to the Utah border if measured in straight lines. So, 3.8-miles after you’ve taken a left on Maple, you’ll turn right on N 3/10 Road. Then, take a left at the “T” on 18-Road, which leads to the 18-Road Campgrounds. The streets are alphabetical and measured in tenths of a mile. N Road is three-tenths of a mile from M Road and 18 miles from the Utah border. There are 58 individual campsites at the 18-Road (also known as Book Cliffs) Campgrounds. Each site costs $10 per night per site and has a firepit and a picnic table with parking for two to four vehicles. This is not the only place to camp, so if spots are not available at 18-Road, you can

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EXPLORE It’s summer at Deer Valley and our slopes have transformed to bring you pristine biking trails, stunning hiking, incredible chairlift views, cooler temperatures and the perfect setting for outdoor concerts. And though the landscape is different, you can expect the same great service,

Independence Monument

accommodations and premier restaurants that set us apart. Join us on the slopes this summer.

aim for Hunters/21-Road, accessible through Ottley Road (K Street), or go to 16-Road by heading West on Aspen where Highway 6 joins and then drive 12.7 miles to the main wash. Fruita’s glories are often overlooked by the masses who bypass it for Moab, which is only an hour and a half away. While Moab is popular as a multi-sport destination, Fruita is distinguished by its conspicuous presentation as a playground for mountain bikers. That’s not to say mountain biking is the only game in town. Golfing, Go-Kart racing, and floating the Colorado River make nice detours for the saddle-sore. If you’re a climber, don’t miss a chance to summit Independence Monument, a freestanding tower made of soft, red sandstone that rises 450-feet above the soil at the Colorado National Monument. It’s a classic fourpitch trad route first ascended on July 4, 1911 by John Otto. The final prow to the summit is flanked by pee-your-pants exposure, but the handsome view from the top makes the dicey advance worth it.

Melissa McGibbon is an Associate Editor for Outdoor Sports Guide Magazine, a Lolë Ambassador, and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. She is usually skiing, biking, climbing, practicing yoga, flying, diving, or surfing--and is always in pursuit of adventure, travel or some daring combination of the two.

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weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it all,

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Photo courtesy of Western River Expeditions

BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT

Rafting Desolation Canyon

With Utah’s Coolest Outdoor Activities By Alexa V. Morgan As temperatures rise, look beyond your local pool for ways to beat the summer heat and have an unforgettable adventure. We’ve rounded up some of Utah’s most invigorating outdoor activities for you to try—so jump right in! RAFTING THE COLORADO AND GREEN RIVERS River rafting combines the thrill of splashing through whitewater with the tranquility of Utah’s remote wilderness. “There aren’t many vacations you can take nowadays where you can really get away from your cell phone and the Internet,” says Kamron Wixom, the marketing director for Western River Expeditions. “Being on the river in the summertime is the perfect place to be.” Outfitters primarily use the Colorado River for both day trips and extended excursions, many of which depart from Moab. Some of the most treacherous whitewater in North America can be found in Cataract Canyon, which winds

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through Canyonlands National Park and empties into north Lake Powell.

allows you to access some of the most beautiful places on Earth.”

Offering less threatening yet still exciting rapids, the Green River through Desolation Canyon is apt for families or first-time rafters. Many rafting adventures incorporate other activities as well, such as hiking and kayaking.

Spooky and Peek-a-Boo are narrow, dark slot canyons of moderate difficulty. Neon Canyon challenges hikers with rugged topography and lengthy swims, but the payoff of reaching the awe-inspiring Golden Cathedral is well worth the trip. Death Hollow, among the more popular summer destinations due to its high elevation and flowing spring, offers dramatic scenery and strenuous descents. Be aware that you’ll need a wetsuit for certain slot canyons, even at the height of summer heat.

Explore all that Utah’s rivers have to offer at westernriver.com. CANYONEERING IN ESCALANTE The Colorado Plateau is North America’s canyoneering mecca, and few locales lend themselves to the sport as well as south-central Utah. “Zion and Moab have some nice canyoneering and a lot of introductory canyoneering, but Escalante seems to be where people want to come for a little more of a wild experience,” says Rick Green, owner of Excursions of Escalante, the oldest local guiding service. “It sportsguidemag.com ]

There’s no better way for novices to get their feet wet than to jump right into a guided tour, Green says. Get in touch with Excursions of Escalante at 435-826-4714 or discover the area’s best routes at canyoneeringusa. com/utah/escalante.

Learn more about paddling in northern Utah at parkcitysup.com.

Photo Credit: Jenny Willden

EXPLORING SWIMMING HOLES Swimming holes offer a welcome respite from the heat in Utah’s mountainous and desert regions. While some are easily accessible, others require a bit of a hike to find, which makes it all the more rewarding when you get to take a dip. Our favorites span the state from one in Mona (near Provo) to southern options near Escalante and Zion.

Peek-a-Boo slot in Escalante

SUPING IN PARK CITY Trent Hickman capitalized on the rapidly increasing popularity of standup paddleboarding five years ago to launch Park City SUP. In addition to selling and renting boards, paddles, and accessories, the shop offers classes in basic and advanced paddling and paddleboard yoga, kids’ camps, and tours on the Jordanelle Reservoir and Weber River. On June 6, Park City SUP will host “Paddle, Pedal, Paddle,” an endurance challenge in which solo competitors or teams will complete a total of 20 miles of paddling and mountain biking. The Park City SUP Festival on June 20 and 21 is filled with races for paddlers of varied ages, skill levels, and board preferences. Live music, product demos, and familyfriendly activities will be held on shore.

Mona Rope Swing The Burraston Ponds are a popular destination for fishermen, teens, and families in the town of Mona, about 35 miles south of Provo. During the summer, many visitors try their hand at jumping from rope swings tied to sturdy trees growing along the water’s edge. The ropes are seven, 15, and 30 feet high, depending on how adventurous one wants to be, and the water is plenty deep. There are also no-fee camping spots where overnight stays are allowed. Calf Creek Falls Calf Creek—about 15 miles east of Escalante—offers the perfect combination of wilderness and campground amenities for a weekend getaway. Its main attraction is Lower Calf Creek Falls, a 126-foot-high waterfall that pours down a sandstone cliff into a shady pool. Along the sandy, nearly three-mile hike in, visitors will see beaver ponds, prehistoric rock art, and the remains of storage structures built by Indians some 900 years ago. Cool off in the waterfall’s pool before hiking back out. Those looking for a challenge can

pull off Highway 12 between Escalante and Boulder, then traverse a mile of tricky slickrock to reach Upper Calf Creek Falls. Toquerville Falls Tucked away in the barren western outskirts of Zion National Park, Toquerville Falls looks and feels like a desert paradise. This picturesque swimming hole boasts a sizeable pond and three waterfalls fed by the LaVerkin Creek. Visitors will also glimpse the towering red sandstone cliffs of Kolob Canyons in the distance. Toquerville Falls is a haven for locals that lies off the beaten path, though it’s only a 5.8-mile drive on a bumpy dirt road off State Route 17. SKIMBOARDING THE VIRGIN RIVER AND UTAH LAKE The Virgin River in St. George is Utah’s premier destination for flatland skimboarding, an increasingly popular sport among youth and younger adults due to its accessibility and relatively low cost. Skimming combines the essence of surfing with tricks derived from snowboarding and skateboarding, which often involve obstacles in competitions like the Virgin River Classic, held every July. The river’s ever-changing ecosystem sometimes makes it tricky to find solid skimming spots, but “The Waterfall” remains a favorite. Utah Lake’s South Beach has also recently attracted interest from skimboarders. Both locales have shallow water and sandy shores, the most critical elements needed for a successful skim run. No matter what you choose to do, be safe and stay cool!

Photo Credit: Sammy Todd Dyess

“I think stand-up paddleboarding is so popular because it’s so diverse in what it has to offer,” Hickman says. “Once you have your skill set formed and you’re comfortable, you can take your equipment and paddle on any body of water.”

Alexa V. Morgan has been a freelance writer in southern Utah since 2011. Her work has appeared in the Mainstreet Business Journal of Southern Utah, Utah Business Magazine, St. George News, and 15 Bytes, among other publications. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, tennis, and her adorable pets. Follow her on Twitter at @alexavmorgan.

Utah Paddleboarding

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GETAWAY GEAR AND GADGETS 29 Picks for Camping or Traveling By Aaron Lovell, Melissa McGibbon, and Jenny Willden

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1. Pocket Poppet Cardigan Cool nights call for a cozy cardi, but toting one around gets tiresome. The Poppet resolves that by stowing in a small, concealed pouch built-in to the back that fits in a purse! $99 pocketpoppet.com 2. Columbia Suburbanizer Jacket Urban styling meets functional design in this mid-thigh length coat made of waterresistant fabric with storm hood for summer showers. $90 columbia.com 3. Black Diamond Castle Valley Hoody Keep yourself snuggled up in this soft, warm hoody that fits loose so you can wear it over your harness. This lightweight stretch hoody is made from a super blend of merino wool fabric and makes a great layering piece. $149 blackdiamondequipment.com 4. Icebreaker Aria Dress Stay-fresh Merino wool fabrication and a fitted silhouette make this breathable dress a knockout for summer travel. Dries fast in the shade too! $120 icebreaker.com

provides traction in and out of the water. The removable footbed is surprisingly supportive and dries fast too. $75 sperry.com

companion. Plus, the anti-microbial, antiodor footbed keeps bacteria at bay for freshsmelling feet. $65 sanuk.com

7. Icebreaker Men’s Tech Lite Summits Tee Icebreaker blended a nylon core with Merino wool to create this durable tee that fights odors for backcountry adventures. The set-in sleeves add comfort under a backpack. $85 icebreaker.com

12. Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat Sun protection is a big deal, and these hats offer great coverage and packability. Available in kids’ sizes too. $39–$49 sundayafternoons.com

8. Sierra Designs Dri Canvas Pants Stay out in any weather with these cotton pants treated to absorb 50% less water to keep you drier. Barely visible thigh pockets hold maps, compasses, or cell phones. $79 sierradesigns.com 9. Vasque Inhaler GTX Structured to support your ankles on fullthrottle, steep hikes, this GORE-TEX® boot has a breathable, waterproof liner that keeps feet dry without making you sweat. $160 vasque.com

5. Keen City of Palms Sandal The perfect travel sandal. This chic style looks great with a summer dress, but the supportive leather sole lends itself well to long walks with no break-in time required. $95 keenfootwear.com

10. Keen Uneek Sandal Known for their innovative designs, Keen constructed this sandal from two cords and a sole. The simple design allows the upper to move and adapt to the shape of foot for insane comfort, and the razor-siped outsole ensures you won’t slip on slick surfaces. $100 keenfootwear.com

6. Sperry Top Sider SON-R Flex Ultralight and packable, this flat’s made to wear wherever since its Wave-Siping outsole

11. Sanuk Knock Outs This laid-back sneaker is lightweight and supportive, making it the perfect travel

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13. GoodWipes Deodorizing Body Wipes When you can’t shower, freshen up with these large, alcohol-free body wipes made from natural ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint, and Ginseng. 10 wipes for $8 goodwipes.com 14. GoVino Wine/Cocktail Glasses Class up a campsite or picnic basket with these elegant, shatterproof glasses crafted from food-safe polymer. Also available in beer and flute styles. 4-pack $15 govinowine.com 15. Platypus Platypreserve When traveling with wine bottles is less than convenient, take it to go with this BPA-free bag that keeps wine fresh longer and won’t leak. $10 platy.com 16. Lifefactory Food Storage Ditch the plastic and convert to glass food storage. These handy containers are dishwasher safe, BPA/BPS-free, phthalatefree, and microwave-friendly. Designed responsibly with recyclable materials and a protective silicone sleeve for non-slip grip and cushioning. $19 lifefactory.com

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17. Thule Capstone 32 Liter From the people who brought you awardwinning car racks and luggage comes a hiking pack designed for comfort. Features like micro adjustment suspension, genderspecific harnesses, and a mesh back panel makes you (almost) forget you’re wearing one in the first place. $180 thule.com 18. Osprey Celeste Daypack This fully featured women’s specific pack is incredibly comfortable so wearing it all day is no problemo. Borderline genius construction with specific compartmentalization and thoughtful details make this a must-have for road trips and air travel. It’s separate padded laptop sleeve, side stretch mesh pockets, and sunglass pocket are key. $100 ospreypacks.com 19. Hummingbird Travel Pak Fannies are back! Relive the ‘80s with this waterproof version that admittedly offers the comfort of day trekking hands-free. Sure, it can be converted into a shoulder pack, but what’s the fun in that? $48 hummingbirdgear.com 20. Therm-a-Rest Treo Chair A compact camp chair is easy to pack, but short seats lack the classic comfort of their big chair brothers. Choose the Treo for fullsized sitting that packs to a size that fits in even a Fiat’s trunk. $100 thermarest.com

21. Rumpl Blanket Imagine turning your favorite sleeping bag or puffy coat into a cozy indoor/outdoor blanket...that’s a Rumpl. Available in baby through king sizes with included stuff sack. $65-$229 gorumpl.com 22. Olympia WD180 Lantern Get big light from this little 180-lumen lantern with four brightness settings. The built-in clip and magnetic base make it easy to hang or stick anywhere. $30 olympiaproducts.com 23. Nomad Clip Keep a USB cord within reach with this rugged carabineer with USB/Lightening or USB/Micro USB cable built inside for on-thego charging from a solar panel or external battery. $35 hellonomad.com 24. Olympia Solar Battery SB5500 Harness the power of Utah’s sunny skies by storing energy in this power bank to charge cell phones or flashlights in two hours and larger electronics, like tablets, in five hours. $60 shop.olympiaproducts.com 25. BioLite NanoGrid Illuminate a campsite—or even your backyard—with this kit containing a USBrechargeable power hub/lantern and two chainable overhead lights. Hub also charges USB electronics. $100 biolitestoves.com

26. Polaroid Cube Snap pics and shoot video anywhere with this 1.5-inch cube, one-button action cam that’s magnetically mountable to any metal surface. Splash- and shockproof with mounts available for a helmet, bike, tree, and more. Records HD 1080p or 720p video. $100 polaroidcube.com 27. Mountain Hardwear Optic 2.5 Tent It’s no wonder this tent is winning so many Editor’s Choice awards. Campers who need easy, lightweight construction and like airy design will love the extra room and adjoining mesh doors in this 2-person tent. It weighs a scant 6.3 lbs and is made from nylon, knit mesh, and polyester taffeta. $240 mountainhardwear.com 28. Grand Trunk Compression Pack Cubes Available in three sizes to accommodate everything from short weekenders to extended international travel. A spiral expansion zipper system opens additional storage space with multiple compartments for organization of gear and clothing. $60–100 grandtrunk.com 29. Grand Trunk Getaway Toiletry Bag Don’t sacrifice your grooming routine on the road to adventure with this modular toiletry bag. The Getaway holds more than a week’s worth of personal care items and features a compact LED light and mirror. A sturdy buckle closure system doubles as an attachment hook. $80 grandtrunk.com

[ sportsguidemag.com

Gear ]

{ Straycations 2015 } 25

@chalabala / Dollar Photo Club

HAVE DOG, WILL TRAVEL

Trail Adventures for You and Your Four-Legged Friend By Molly Newman Bounding along the trail, tail wagging, full of energy, always excited to see (and sniff) around the next corner: Who could ask for a better hiking companion than a dog? Whether your pup is a purebred or a rough-and-ready mutt, hitting the trail is a great way to spend some quality time together and burn some calories while you’re at it. Unfortunately, from a canine point of view, not all hikes are created equal. National parks forbid dogs from even setting foot on a trail, let alone run off-leash. That rules out some of Utah’s most popular destinations— but, happily, there are plenty more to choose from. We’ve chosen some of the best dog-friendly trails from around the state, and we’ve even included a roundup of places to eat, drink, and stay that will extend a warm welcome to both you and your pooch.

{ Straycations 2015 }

[ Last Word

MOAB: NEGRO BILL CANYON Length: 4 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate With plenty of opportunity for off-leash scrambling, a number of refreshing stream crossings, and stands of cottonwood and willow trees that dot the trail with shade, this is an ideal hike for pups and parents alike. Your reward for making the two-mile trek in: You can marvel at Morning Glory Natural, the country’s sixth-largest natural rock span, while your dog takes a cooling dip in the spring-fed pool just below it. Poison ivy and prickly cactuses thrive along the canyon’s length, so don’t forget to “leave it be” and keep an eye on your dog’s off-leash trajectory. For more details, see discovermoab.com/family_nb.htm. After the Hike: Make a weekend of it with a stay at 3 Dogs and a Moose sportsguidemag.com ]

Cottages (3dogsandamoosecottages. com). Four cozy, uniquely decorated minihouses offer a perfect place (complete with shaded outdoor patios) for you and your pup to crash. Fuel up with a hearty plate of BBQ at The Blu Pig (blupigbbq. com). You can enjoy a frosty brew and live blues while your dog rests at your feet on the expansive outdoor deck. SUNDANCE: Timpanogos Aspen Grove Trail Length: 13 miles round-trip (with many opportunities for a shorter hike) Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous For energetic dogs and seasoned hikers, this challenging hike is one of the greatest in the state. But even mellow or senior dogs (or weekend-warrior dog parents) can enjoy one of the many shorter versions, such as the easy 1.6mile out-and-back to Timp Falls. If you and your dog enjoy backpacking, the summer months are the perfect time continued on page 28

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continued from page 26

Whichever variation of the route you choose, you’ll enjoy spectacular mountain vistas, abundant wildlife sightings, and ever-changing weather. Be prepared with a leash, plenty of water, and warm layers for both you and Fido. After the Hike: Though Sundance Resort charges a steep $100 pet fee per stay, many properties managed by nearby Stewart Mountain Lodging welcome dogs (stewartmountainlodging.com). HEBER: Center Canyon Length: 8 miles total Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous When you want to get away from it all (except for your dog), Center Canyon offers the chance to hike in blissful solitude. Starting with a climb up an old Jeep road, you’ll wind through maze-like canyon walls past inviting streams and stands of trees. The upper trail offers a challenge for both you and your pup as you scramble up a steep elevation where the path is not always clearly marked. Sharpen your topo skills before you tackle this one—the vistas are worth it! In warmer months, this is a dry hike, so pack plenty of drinking water. During the fall, the area is popular with hunters— blaze orange vests for both you and your dogs are a wise safety precaution.

SYRACUSE: Antelope Island State Park Length: Varies by trail (2.9 to 12 miles) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Looking for a getaway that’s close to home, yet offers a great diversity of trails, vistas, and camping opportunities? Antelope Island, the largest in Great Salt Lake, is less than 50 miles from SLC, making it perfect for a day trip or a weekend campout. Try the easy 2.9-mile Buffalo Point Trail for a leisurely meander through dramatic rock formations, or gear up for the 7.7-mile climb to the summit of Frary Peak. Beware the no-see-ums! Millions of these tiny biting flies swarm during the late spring to early fall months, and they can ruin a trip faster than an August hailstorm. Douse both yourself and your dog with an effective insect repellent (like Flys Off Mist by Doctors Foster and Smith or Natrapel).

Photo Credit: Leslie Hanna

Molly Newman lives in Portland, Oregon, where she hikes, walks, and runs whenever it isn’t raining—and often when it is. A contributor to Outdoor Sports Guide since 2009, she also hosts regular trivia nights and homeschools her two sons.

[ Last Word

Rocky trails, hot sand, and cactus thorns can wreak havoc on your dog’s feet. Protect those tender pads with sturdy, lightweight booties. Ruffwear Grip Trex’ rugged outsoles offer sure footing for even hyper or skittish pups. Be sure to measure carefully to get the right size. $70 ruffwear.com

Wherever you and your dog choose to roam, remember to follow basic rules of courtesy and safety: Know (and obey) leash policies. Keep your dog from disturbing wild animals or plants. And, of course, never hit the trail without an ample supply of poop bags (and tote them with you when you go!)

Antelope Island State Park

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For on-the-go hydration and snack breaks, the Sleepypod Yummy Travel Bowl offers three-in-one packable convenience. Separate the bowls, fill one with water and one with food, then (if conditions warrant) slip the water-filled saucer under the food bowl to deter crawling insects. $28 sleepypod.com

After the Hike: Bridger Bay Campground offers 26 family- and dog-friendly tent/RV sites. You’ll need to bring your own water or tote containers from nearby Bridger Bay Beach. Grab a buffalo burger or a pulled-pork sandwich at Island Buffalo Grill (open seasonally only).

After the Hike: Snake Creek Grill in Heber (snakecreekgrill.com) offers creative twists on comfort food like plank-roasted salmon and maple baby back ribs. Dogs are welcome in the seasonal outdoor seating; check before you go to make sure the patio is open.

DOG-GONE GREAT TRAVEL GEAR

sportsguidemag.com ]

For cuts, bruises, or bug bites on the trail, tote a lightweight first aid kit and prevent a time-consuming visit to the vet. Adventure Medical Kits’ Dog Series includes bandages, antibacterial wipes, gauze, and anything else you’ll need to deal with minor medical emergencies—even a handy splinter retrieval tool. $25 adventuremedicalkits.com

@Annette Shaff / Dollar Photo Club

to make a mid-week trip to Timp Saddle (5.8 miles from the trailhead)—weekends often bring packed parking lots and crowded trails.

CALENDAR [ Adventure Sports ]

JULY 2–AUGUST 1 MOONLIGHT CANOEING AT CLAS ROPES COURSE / 3606 W. Center Street, Provo, UT. Check website for details. clasropes.com JULY 11 ORIENTEERING MEET / Hidden Valley, UT. There will be courses for beginners and above. $10 per map. See Facebook for details and to RSVP. o–utah.org JULY 25 COLORADO ADVENTURE XSTREAM ADVENTURE RACE & DUATHLON / Frisco, CO. Featuring mountain biking, kayaking, trail running, ropes course, orienteering, navigation & more. AXSracing.com AUGUST 1 JUPITER PEAK STEEPLECHASE / Park City Mountain Resort, Park City, UT. An endurance race for the trail warrior. mountaintrails.org AUGUST 8 WEBER COUNTY FAIR: DOWN & DIRTY STAMPEDE / Weber County Fairground, Ogden, UT. Obstacle 5K run. webercountymudrun.wix.com/ webercountymudrun AUGUST 15 SNOWBIRD ADVENTURE RACE / Snowbird, UT. Features races from 3 to 6–hours. graffitiracing.com

[ Clinics and Events ]

JULY 1–SEPTEMBER 30 SUNDANCE FULL MOON LIFT RIDES / Sundance, UT. Check website for exact dates. sundanceresort.com/lift–rides JULY 3–AUGUST 14 FAMILY FLICKS / Snowbird, UT. Free movies every Friday at dusk. snowbird. com/events JULY 4–AUGUST 8 COOL AIR CONCERT SERIES / Snowbird, UT. Every Saturday. Plaza Deck. snowbird.com/events JULY 6–10 MOUNTAIN SPORTS CAMP/ Snowbird, UT. Mountain bike, trail run, swim,

{ ADVENTURE SPORTS / CLINICS & EVENTS / BIKING / FESTS, FILMS, EVENTS/ RUNNING } AUGUST 15–OCTOBER 11 OKTOBERFEST SNOWBIRD SKI RESORT / One of America's 10 Best Oktoberfests. Attracts over 60,000 visitors. snowbird.com/events

hike, and climb with professional coaches. snowbird.com/events

downhill races. go–ride.com/about/ racing–pg59.htm

JULY 11 COUPLES RETREAT AT CLAS ROPES COURSE / Provo, UT. Designed for engaged, newlywed, and mature couples. clasropes.com

AUGUST 3–4 TOUR OF UTAH WOMEN'S EDITION / Logan and Ogden, UT. A two–day cycling competition for professional women. tourofutah.com

AUGUST 8 COUPLES RETREAT AT CLAS ROPES COURSE / Provo, UT. See above description. clasropes.com

AUGUST 3–9 LARRY H. MILLER TOUR OF UTAH CYCLING STAGE RACE / A professional cycling stage race for the best men's cycling teams in the world. tourofutah.com

[ Biking ]

JULY 3 ANTELOPE BY MOONLIGHT BIKE RIDE / Antelope Island, Syracuse, UT. 10 PM. A non–competitive roundtrip ride. antelopebymoonlight.com

[ Running ]

AUGUST 7–14 LASUBA–LEGACY ANNUAL SCENIC UTAH BICYCLE ADVENTURE / Participate in the 8 day "most scenic bicycle ride in the world." lagbrau.com

JULY 11 CRUSHER IN THE TUSHAR / Beaver, UT. A 70–mile ride exploring the scenic Tushar Mt. Range. tusharcrusher.com

ALTRA TOP OF UTAH FREEDOM RUN / Hyrum Hydropark, Blacksmith Fork Canyon, Hyrum, UT. topofutahmarathon.com

AUGUST 15 FLYIN' BRIAN DH / Brian Head Resort, UT. Go–Ride Gravity Series. Downhill and Super D events. utahdh.org

JULY 18 THE GLMR CENTURY / Spanish Fork, UT. Raise awareness for Mental Illness. Four routes this year: TheGLMR.com

13 MILES TO FREEDOM / South Jordan, UT. Half Marathon and 5K. 13milesoffreedom.com

SCOTT ENDURO CUP–CANYONS RESORT / Canyons Resort, Park City, UT. Mountain bike race experience for all levels. endurocupmtb.com

DESPERADO DUAL / Panguitch, UT. 200, 150, 109, and 50-mile courses. spingeeks.com/event/desperado–dual

LIBERTY 5K / City Park, Richfield, UT. Plus Kids' 1–Mile run for ages 12 and under. richfieldrec.com

WILDFLOWER PEDALFEST / Mountain Green, UT. One of Utah's best women only bike events. wildflowerpedalfest.com

ROTARY RAW / Logan, UT. Ride 66, 96 or 23 miles in Cache Valley. rotaryraw.com JULY 30 WILDFLOWER TRAILFEST / Snowbasin Resort, Ogden, UT. Women only. Mountain bike or trail running. wildflowertrailfest.com

MOAB'S ALPINE TO SLICKROCK 50–MILER / Cross three mountain passes at or over 11,000 ft. and finish on beautiful slickrock terrain. grassrootsevents.net

[ Fests, Film, Events ]

JULY 8-12 PARK CITY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL / Park City, UT. Wine strolls, outdoor adventures, and foodie events. parkcityfoodandwineclassic.com

AUGUST 1 ABAJO ENDURO MTB RACE / Monticello, UT. An epic MTB race. Find us on Facebook.

JULY 23–26 COLORADO FREERIDE FESTIVAL / Winter Park, CO. Mountain bike festival. coloradofreeridefestival.com

HOTTER THAN HECK / Lehi, UT. Ride 30, 60, or 100 miles. utahendurance. com/hotter–than–heck–2015

JULY 26 WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL / Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT. cottonwoodcanyons.org

POMERELLE POUNDER / Albion, ID. Go–Ride Gravity Series. 2 days, 2

JULY 4 FREEDOM RUN 10K, 5K, 1–MILE / Provo, UT. 10K, 5K, and 1-mile races. freedomfestival.org/event/freedom– run/ RIVERTON COUNTRY MILE, 10K, 5K, 1–MILE RUN / Riverton, UT. 4th of July festivities. rivertoncity.com

AUGUST 8 THE ULTIMATE CHALLEGE / Salt Lake City, UT. Same day and same route as Stage 6 of the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. tourofutah.com

4TH ANNUAL CACHE GRAN FONDO / Logan, UT. 100- and 50-mile gran fondo style ride and tour. cachegranfondo.com

JULY 3–1 2 ULTRA ADVENTURES TUSHAR 100 MILE, 93K, SKY MARATHON, AND 1/2 MARATHON / Eagle Point Ski Resort, UT. A challenging course in the Grand Circle Trail Series. grandcircletrails.com/ tushars–general–info

SANDY CLASSIC 4TH OF JULY 5K / Sandy City, UT. sandy.utah.gov UNCLE SAM 5K / 6:30 AM, Dixie Sun Bowl in St. George, UT. sgcity.org/ departments/recreation/running/ uncle_sam.php JULY 10–11 CAPITOL REEF 100 / Capitol Reef 100mile, 50-mile, 50K, and half marathon trail run. grandcircletrails.com/capitol– reef–general–info#information

Run for their lives

October 24, 8:30 a.m. register, 10 a.m. start Liberty Park, Salt Lake City Join Best Friends Animal Society for a timed 5K run as part of our 20th annual Strut Your Mutt. You can even bring your dog! Proceeds from this run and doggie-themed festival benefit animal welfare groups here and around the country. Together, we can Save Them AIl®.

strutyourmutt.org [ sportsguidemag.com

Calendar ]

{ Straycations 2015 } 29

CALENDAR

{ RUNNING / SKATING / TRI & MULTISPORT / WATERSPORTS }

JULY 11 THE BUBBLE RUN / Utah State Fair Park, Salt Lake City, UT. Run through colored foam bogs. bubblerun.com

DRAPER DAYS 5K AND 1K / Draper City Park, Draper, UT. USE CODE R2R AT REGISTRATION TO SAVE 5%. irunutah.com/race/?race=99

SKYLINE MOUNTAIN 50–MILER / Eden, UT. Ultra endurance run. runtheskyline.com

MORGAN VALLEY MARATHON / Morgan County Fairgrounds, Morgan, UT. morganmarathon.com

PARK CITY TRAIL SERIES 10K / Round Valley Trails, Park City, UT. 4–race series (5K, 10K, 15K, and 1/2 Marathon) r–u–nevents.com

JULY 19 REVEL ROCKIES / Denver, CO. REVEL in speed. REVEL in beauty. REVEL in the Rockies. runrevel.com

THE DAM 15 MILER / Soldier Hollow, Heber, UT. A twilight race along the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir. dam15miler.com

JULY 23 WASATCH TRAIL RUN SERIES / Snowbird, UT. Evening trail run race 5K and 10K options. info@runontrails. com, runontrails.com

BRYCE CANYON HALF MARATHON, 5K / Bryce Canyon, UT. Run a 5K, color run, or half marathon. bchm.jit.su SPORTS–AM CANYON TO CANYON HALF MARATHON, 10K / Salt Lake City, UT. Starts and finishes at East Canyon Resort. sports-am.com CASCADIA TRAIL SERIES BATTLE @ BIG SPRINGS 8K / Big Springs Park, South Fork Canyon, Provo Canyon, Provo, UT. For the beginner to expert. cascadiatrailseries.com HOBBLER HALF MARATHON / Springville, UT. Half, Relay, 5K. Hobble Creek Canyon to Springville City. Run13.com VIGOR SOLITUDE TRAIL RACING SERIES RACE #2 / 7:00 AM. Solitude Mountain Resort, UT. Choose from 3, 5, 8, and 11-mile trail race courses. vigorutah.com DIRTYBIRD MUDRUN / Snowbird Resort, UT. Run 5.5 miles downhill to the base, encountering mud and obstacles along the way. thedirtybirdmudrun.com FROYO 5K / Liberty Park, UT. 5K with frozen yogurt at the finish. froyo5k.com JULY 16 WASATCH TRAIL RUN SERIES / Snowbird, UT. Evening rail run race 5K and 10K options. info@runontrails. com, runontrails.com JULY 17–18 EPIC ROCKY MOUNTAIN RELAY / Canon City to Crested Butte, CO. 12 people, 2 vans, 200 miles. It's a 24–hour running party! epicrelays.com JULY 17 ELKO GLOW IN THE DARK 5K / Elko, NV. Entry includes glowing shirt and accessories. Finish line party! rubymountainrelay.com SOJO MIDNIGHT GLOW RUN 5K, 10K / South Jordan, UT. Run on the scenic Jordan River Trail. sjc.utah.gov JULY 18 OGDEN WILD HALF / Nordic Valley Ski Resort, Ogden–Eden, UT. 5K, 10K, Half Marathon. yesendurancesports.com/ events/ogden–wild–half

{ Straycations 2015 }

JULY 24 BUTLERVILLE DAY 5K / Cottonwood Heights, UT. Join us at 7:00 A.M. for the second annual race!! runcottonwoodheights.com DESERET NEWS MARATHON, HALF, 10K, 5K / Salt Lake City, UT. Race finishes along the Days of '47 Parade route. deseretnewsclassic.com HURT IN THE DIRT – NIGHTTIME TRAIL RUN / Ogden, UT. 5K fun run! You will need a headlamp. getoutandlive.org/ participate/dirt–in–the–dark SKIRT IN THE DIRT / Ogden, UT. Women's 5K off–road trail run. getoutandlive.org/participate/skirt–in– the–dirt HANDCART HALF / South Davis Recreation Center, Bountiful, UT. Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids K. cindy@southdavisrecreation.com, handcarthalf.com PIONEER DAY RAFT AND RUN / Provo Canyon, UT. Raft or tube down the Provo River then run a 5K race. raftandrun.com JULY 24–26 SPEEDGOAT FESTIVAL RACES / Snowbird, UT. 3 races, each on a separate day: Speedgoat Vertical Mile, Speedgoat 50K, and Speedgoat Quadbanger. karlmeltzer.com JULY 31 LEGACY MIDNIGHT RUN – HALF MARATHON, 10K, 5K / Legacy Parkway, Salt Lake City, UT. Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K. legacymidnightrun.com JULY 31–AUGUST 1 RUBY MOUNTAIN RELAY / Elko, NV. 184 miles + 24 hours + 12 runners. 6- or 12– runner teams. rubymountainrelay.com TUSHAR 100 / Eagle Point Ski Resort, UT. Tushar 100 Mile, 93K, Sky Marathon, and 1/2 Marathon. grand circletrails.com/tushars-general-info

CRANDALL CANYON MEMORIAL RUN / Huntington, UT. All 3 races finish at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine Road. mammothmarathons.org/ crandall-canyon-memorial-run/ ROCKY MOUNTAIN HALF MARATHON / Estes Park, CO. therockymountainhalf.com TIMPANOGAS HALF 2015 /Experience the beauty of American Fork Canyon. timphalf.com THE PAROWAN CITY HALF MARATHON—YANKEE MEADOW RUN / Parowan, UT. parowanhalf.com HIGHLAND FLING 5K / Highland, UT. Plus a 1–Mile Fun Run. highlandcity. org/index.aspx?NID=243 POTTER RUN 5K / West Jordan Park, West Jordan, UT. facebook.com/ geekdoutrunningclub AUGUST 6 WASATCH TRAIL RUN SERIES / Snowbird, UT. Evening 5K and 10K. info@runontrails.com, runontrails.com AUGUST 7–8 EPIC CACHE–TETON RELAY / 12 teammates run 200 miles in 24–hours. epicrelays.com/cache–teton–relay/ AUGUST 8 PARK CITY TRAIL SERIES 15K / 4– race series is a 5k, 10k, 15k, and 1/2 Marathon. r–u–nevents.com TOWER ROCK RUN 10K/5K / A 10K, 5K race held in the Sheep Creek Geological Loop near Flaming Gorge, Utah. towerrockrun.com AUGUST 1 1 TRIPLE TRAIL CHALLENGE / Park City, UT. A 3–Event stage race over a five– week period. mountaintrails.org AUGUST 14 SUPERHERO FUN RUN / South Jordan, UT. 1.5–mile superhero costume race. sjc.utah.gov/recreation/adultsports– running.asp MAKIN BACON FUN RUN @ TRACY AVIARY / Salt Lake City, UT. 5K fun run/walk. Music, beverages, and bacon items. saltlakeactive.com

[ Skating ]

JULY 1–SEPTEMBER 25 SKATENOW: MONTHLY FUN ROLLS, GROUP SKATE / Visit web page for details. Skating local paved trails. theskatenowshop.com JULY 1–SEPTEMBER 1 SKATENOW: SKATE LESSON CLASSES / Certified instructors. Lesson for Inline and Quad/Derby, all levels. Dates and time TBA. theskatenowshop.com

AUGUST 1 KAT'CINA MOSA 100K MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE RUN / Provo, UT. Scenic loop course. squawpeak50.com/ katcina–mosa–homepage

[ Calendar

sportsguidemag.com ]

[ Tri & Multisport ]

JULY 11 CACHE VALLEY SUPER SPRINT TRIATHLON / Logan Aquatic Center, Logan, UT. Sprint or Olympic distance categories. cvsst.com ECHO TRIATHLON / Echo Reservoir near Coalville, UT. 8:00 am. Sprint and Olympic open water road triathlons. triutah.com JULY 25 LAYTON TRIATHLON / Layton, UT. Youth triathlon and full-course relay triathlon. laytontriathlon.com JULY 26 TRI BOULDER / Boulder Reservoir, Boulder, CO. Sprint and Olympic courses. bbsctri.com JULY 31 DÓXA THREELAY / Duchesne, UT. Each triathlete will have a swim, bike, and run leg. A two-day 285 mile race. doxaraces. com AUGUST 1 GREAT SNAKE RIVER TRI / Snake River Landing, Idaho Falls, ID. snakeriverlanding.com AUGUST 8 ESCAPE FROM BLACK RIDGE HERRIMAN TRIATHLON / Black Ridge Reservoir, Herriman, UT. 500–meter swim, 14–mile bike, 3.1–mile run. racetri.com MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT VARSITY TRIATHLON / Ogden, UT. varsitytri.com AUGUST 8 JORDANELLE TRIATHLON / Rock Cliff Recreation Area near Park City, UT. 8:00 AM. triutah.com

[ Watersports ]

JULY 2–5 INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND M.O.A.B. / Bear Lake, July 4th, regatta & dinner party. Catamaran, Dinghy Sailing & Racing clinics. utahsailing.com JULY 11–12 USA SUMMER GAMES SHRINERS HOSPITAL BENEFIT REGATTS / Sailors unite at Bear Lake! Keelboats, Catamarans, Dinghies, Stand Up Paddleboards. blyc.net JULY 18 BEAR LAKE MONSTER SWIM / Option of swimming solo or in a relay. bearlakemonsterswim.com AUGUST 8 DEER CREEK OPEN WATER MARATHON SWIM / Choose from 1-mile, 5K, 10K or 10-mile distances. deercreekopenwater.com AUGUST 8–9 LITTLE AMERICA'S CUP REGATTA / Fremont Lake, Wyoming! 10:00 AM at the Lakeside Lodge. utahsailing.co

Ride the Tour of Utah, they said. It will be fun, they said.

Partners

As stage winner Michael Schär (above) discovered last year, victory isn’t always fun.

As a 2.HC, seven-stage event with nearly 700 punishing miles and almost 51,000 vertical feet of climbing, it’s easy to see why the Tour of Utah is America’s Toughest Stage Race™.

August 3–9 Founding Partners

tourofutah.com