Maybe you've thought about a trip to Utah to visit the monumental geological features like the Navajo Sandstone formations in the arid south. Before you go, consider the potential for outdoor adventure in the northern part of the state too. With both desert and alpine climates, northern Utah is home to national forests of aspen and evergreens, the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges, the Great Salt Lake and miles of scenic hiking trails.
Mount Timpanogos
Towering above the college town of Provo, Mount Timpanogos, or "Timp," as it is often referred to locally, is a popular destination for outdoorsmen and adventurous students alike. At 11,749 feet, the mountain is one of 57 ultra-prominent peaks, ones that rise more than 4,900 feet over surrounding terrain, in the contiguous states. You can hike one of two main trails that lead to the summit. The 14-mile Timponeke Trail begins in American Fork Canyon. Aspen Grove Trail is slightly shorter at about 13 miles and begins in Provo Canyon. Both are out-and-back routes and can be hiked from late June to September.
Antelope Island
Antelope Island, 30 minutes north of Salt Lake City, is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and a state park. The highest point on the mountainous island rises to more than 2,300 feet above the surrounding lake. Despite its treeless, arid terrain, the island is home to spectacular wildlife, including a herd of more than 700 bison. There are more than 18 miles of trails throughout the 28,022 acres. Exercise caution while hiking, as bikers and horseback riders are also permitted on the trails. There is a visitor center and a developed campground where you can make a pit-stop for water or bathrooms. The trails are accessible year-round and are suitable for novice hikers.
Skyline Trail
Running along the Wasatch Range to the east of North Ogden is the popular Skyline Trail. The trail forms a section of the larger Great Western Trail that stretches from Canada to Mexico, and is trafficked by hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and ATVs. Skyline Trail begins at the Pineview Reservoir parking lot, where there are bathrooms and drinking water, and ends 21-miles to the north at the developed Willard Basin Campground. Hiking the trail, you will gain more than 3,500 feet in altitude. You can cut some distance off and avoid a car shuttle by starting at the northern end at Willard Basin. From there, you'll hike to the west side of 9,712 feet Ben Lomond peak and back.
Provo River Falls
Located in the High Uintas Wilderness, home to innumerable backcountry hiking opportunities, is the three-tiered Provo River Falls. The parking area for the falls is 24 miles east of Kamas on Route 150. From the parking lot, you'll hike a few dozen yards along a well-marked trail to the falls, making this a suitable outing for families with young children. The river is surrounded by short hikes and scrambles into the forest, as well as a few picnic tables.
Kings Peak
At 13,528 feet, King's Peak is Utah's high point, and another ultra-prominent peak of the lower 48. The hike to King's Peak begins in the High Uintas Wilderness at Henry's Fork Campground, near the Wyoming Border. The 28.8-mile out-and-back trail passes through breathtaking landscape. The entire hike is remote, so don't forget the first aid kit. Because the peak is prone to late afternoon thunderstorms, you should summit and begin your descent before noon. Most hikers cover the first 8 miles in one day, then camp near Dollar Lake, climbing to the summit the following morning. You do not need technical skills during the summer hiking season from June to September.
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