Wild & Wacky Winter Hiking

Winter is here!  You know what that means....it's time to go hiking!

Winter hiking can be just as fun, if not more fun, than summer hiking.  Utah may be well known for it's incredible ski runs but did you know that some of the best winter hiking trails are also located right here in the beehive state?  The fresh open air, beautiful scenery, and powdery snow can make for an awesome day in the snow.

Winter hiking is much like summer hiking, except it's a lot colder. Duh. However, how you prepare for your winter hike may be a little different.  Here are some quick tips to follow if going on a winter hike:

• Dress in layers.  Even though it may be cold outside, you can still work up a sweat hiking in the winter.  Wear clothing articles that you can take on and off independently.  Avoid cotton.  Cotton tends to take longer to dry and can even make you feel colder.
• Don't forget to wear a hat, beanie, or cap.  Heat escapes from your head, hands, and feet the most.  Wearing a hat will help to keep you warm and comfortable in the snow.
• Bring gloves.  Even if you think you wont need them, bring them.  The weather can change quickly and keeping  your hands covered is essential to stay warm.
• Wear water-proof/cold weather hiking boots or shoes.  Nothing fun about wet feet in the snow.  Keep them toasty dry with water-proof shoes.
• Carry an extra pair of socks.  Again, wet feet suck. 
• Bring food and LOTS of water.  It is very important to stay hydrated while hiking - even in the snow.  During the winter, you will burn more calories while hiking than in the summer.  Bring more water than you think you will need.  I guarantee you will need it.
•  If you plan on hiking in powder, you may need snowshoes.  Be prepared before you go.  Know the conditions of the hike before you get there.
• Tell someone where you are going.  Leave exact locations and the time they should expect you to return. 
• Bring a small first-aid kit.

Being prepared will make your winter hike much more enjoyable.  Plan ahead, be prepared, tell someone of your plans, and have fun!  It may seem masochistic but hiking in adverse conditions can be really fun.  Just make sure you make it back in one piece.

Here's a short video of a winter hike done earlier this year at Upper Mill Creek.  Enjoy!

Do Something Dirty!

If you're gonna play outside, you might as well get dirty.  On my last trip home to Hawaii, we did just that!  We took a trip over to Kauai, which happens to be one of my favorite islands, to do some ATVing in the mud.

Kauai ATV will take you on an adventure through 22,000 acres of dirt roads and trails.  And since Kauai just happens to hold the wettest spot on the planet earth, it is very likely you will "run into" some mud puddles - some really big mud puddles!

During your 4-hour tour, you will visit the site where Jurassic Park was filmed, you get to play in the mud, go through an old sugar cane tunnel, have lunch near a beautiful waterfall, and even swim (to clean off) in the waterfall ponds.  The entire day is packed with fun!

Don't worry about ruining your clothes, though.  Kauai ATV will provide you with some spiffy clothes, rubber boots, goggles, a helmet, and a bandana.  After the tour is over, you can take a shower in their outdoor clean-off area.  You will be cleaning mud out of your ears for days!

Here's a short video of our day out in the mud:

Ziplining on Maui

As you can tell, I love to play outside!  And I live for the adrenaline rush.  Well, this past summer, when I went home, I tried ziplining for the first time.  Oh how I wish Utah had a zip line company.  And I'm not talking about the little zip line in Park City - I want some REAL zip lines like they have in Hawaii or Costa Rica.

The zip line in Park city is OK - if you're a pansy.  They strap you in and then you slide down to the bottom where they slow you down *rolls eyes*.  No adrenaline rush there.  Next time you're somewhere where they offer ziplining from tree to tree - try it!  I know you'll have a blast!

Here's a short music video of my Hawaii ziplining experience:

Addicted to Adrenaline

For two summers now I have had the magnificent opportunity to go skydiving in Hawaii.  OK, so it's not in Utah - but I plan on trying Skydive Utah next summer.

The first time I tried skydiving was in 2009.  I have always wanted to try it but my husband refused to let me.  On a trip home to Hawaii with  my sister (sans the hubby), we decided to take the plunge.  Although I got into BIG trouble with my other half, I decided it was worth it.  The jump was better than anything I had ever experienced before.  I was addicted.

This past summer I went home again.  And again, I left the hubby home and went with my sister.  We decided to go skydiving - this time with my husband's blessings.  He figured I already did it once so no sense trying to talk me out of it again.  I never thought it was possible but the second time topped the first.  It is official.  I am addicted to adrenaline!

Please enjoy the photo montage from my first jump and the video from my second jump:

Rock on!

Paragliding the Point

This past summer I had the fantastic opportunity to try out paragliding at the Point in Draper, UT.  Paragliding is known as a fun and safe way to experience flight in its simplest form.  A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft.  For newcomers to the sport, it is required that you fly tandem with an experienced pilot before flying solo.

Tandem flights use a wing large enough to hold two people.  Each person has a seat of their own.  Once the kite and pilot are ready and every one is strapped in - you simply walk off the side of the mountain and put your faith in wind.  A breeze catches the kite's wings and lifts you up gently.  Voilà! -  you are airborne.

The take off was smooth and effortless.  It felt, to me, like I was butterfly floating gently in the breeze.  I have also tried skydiving in the past and the two are totally different.  One gives you an adrenaline rush and the other seems to calm your every fiber.  The paragliding flight lasts approximately 15 minutes - long enough to get in some great pictures.

Paragliding ROCKS!!

Desolation Lake

Desolation Lake is a fun, moderate trail located along Big Cottonwood Canyon Drive.  This is popular hiking as well as mountain biking trail.  But don't expect to see all of the bikers riding their bikes - with a 2,000 foot elevation gain from the trail head to the lake, most bikers find walking easier than biking.

I took a trip up to the canyon a few weeks ago - just as the leaves were beginning to turn.  The trail is well marked and the hike will give you a good workout.  Be careful for those mentioned bikers - some of them are not too keen on the hiking/mountain biking etiquette.  I almost got run over by a couple of yahoo bikers who failed to yield on their way down.

Once up at the lake, there is a short, but steep trail, that will take you to the top.  The views from the top are breathtaking.  You will be able to see 360 degrees.  From the west you will have a view of the entire Salt Lake valley and from the East you can see Park City and Heber City.  It is worth the extra effort to climb to the top.

Here are a few pictures from my recent hike:

Ski Season 2011 - College Discounts!

If  you haven't already bought your ski passes for the upcoming ski season, then you missed out on some great pre-season prices.  But don't fret!  Most ski resorts offer student discounts - even after the  pre-season sale date.  Here are the student prices for some of the more popular ski/snowboard resorts in Utah:

Brighton Ski Resort:  Regular pass (good any day of the week) - $599 (as compared to $949 for a non-student)

Alta Ski Resort:  Regular pass - $599 (as compared to $999 for a non-student) College spouses are also $599!

The Canyons Ski Resort:  Silver College Pass - $449 if purchased before October 15th, $549 thereafter. (some restrictions apply. See their website for details).

Deer Valley Ski Resort:  Does not offer student discounts. Booooooooo!

Park City Ski Resort:  Several options are available.  Prices range from $450-$950 (as compared to $699-$1299 for non-students).

Snow Basin Ski Resort:  Regular pass  for young adults 19-26 - $650 (as compared to $1100 for reg adult).

Snowbird Resort:  Regular pass - $699 (as compared to $1099 for non-students).

Sundance Ski Resort:  Regular pass - $499 (as compared to $529 for non-students).

There are a few other resorts that I did not include in this listing.  Also, some restrictions may apply for some of the above prices.  Always check with the resort for details before purchasing.  I have links for all the resorts in my blog.

Winter is almost here!  I'm ready to ski, are you?

Moose, and Snakes, and Bears - Oh My!

Today, while I was out hiking in the Doughnut Falls area, I came face to face with a big angry moose! I am an avid hiker and have spent many years hiking in different areas around the country.  Today was the first time I that I encountered this kind of wildlife so up close.  He started to charge me.  Only then did it dawn on me that I had absolutely no clue what to do.  So I ran.  I ran like my pants were on fire!  Luckily, for me, he easily lost interest and went on his merry way.

When I got home, the first thing I did was Google "what to do when you encounter a moose."  This prompted me to Google other wildlife in Utah as well.  I thought I would share my wealth of information with you so you will not be as unprepared as I was.

 What To Do If You Encounter a Moose:

• Move slowly, being careful not to make any quick or sudden movements.
• Never get between a cow and its calf.
• You are in potential danger if you are closer than 50 feet.
• If you see its ears go back or the hair on its hump stand up, it is angry and may attack–and can kick lethally with both front and rear feet.
• Never throw anything at a moose (unlike bear encounters).
• Keep your dog under control as it will only anger the moose, which will then chase it.
• If it charges you, get behind something large, such as a tree or boulder.
• If it knocks you to the ground, protect your head, stay still, and play dead.
• If all else fails–RUN. Some say that a moose is the only wild mammal or predator that you can run away from.
• And lastly, following a harrowing moose encounter, change your underwear!

What To Do If You Encounter a Rattlesnake:

• Leave it alone!  Rattlesnakes are docile creatures and will only strike in self defense, when harassed, or started. 
• Use caution when hiking in rattlesnake country.  Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots and loose fitting pants (especially around your ankles).
• Never throw anything at a snake.  Leave it alone!
• Keep your dog on a leash - even if he is well trained and behaved. 
• Stay on established trails - the more people that are around, the farther away snakes like to stay.
• Avoid running or allowing children to run - especially in dense vegetation.
• Use caution when placing your hands or feet atop rocks or in crevices.
• If you are bitten, seek medical attention right away.  With today's medical advancements it is rare for someone to die from a rattlesnake bite. However, you must seek attention right away.

 

What To Do If You Encounter a Bear:

• Do not feed or approach the bear.
• Remain calm and make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in a calm, assertive voice.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• Yell, bang pots and pans or use an air horn to scare away the bear. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may swat the ground and utter a series of huffs, or make popping sounds by snapping its jaws. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes bluff charge when cornered or threatened or when attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact and then slowly back away. Again, do not run.
• If it knocks you to the ground, protect your head, stay still, and play dead.
• If the bear will not leave, head for nearby shelter. Remember that black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back. 

 

What To Do If You Encounter a Mountain Lion:

• Avoid rapid movements, running, loud, excited talk.
• Stay in groups; keep children with adults.
• Probability of risk is slight, provided your response is appropriate and you are more than 100 feet away.
• If you are closer than 100 feet away - Do not turn your back.
• Look for sticks, rocks or other weapons and keep them at hand.
• If you are closer than 50 feet away - Seek a safer location, or one above the lion, if available.
• Do not run!
• Appear larger. Raise arms, objects, or jackets above your head.
• If he is poised to attack, probability of risk is high - prepare to defend yourself!
• Throw sticks and stones, make loud noises, show your teeth, and act aggressively.  
• Above all, stay beyond striking distance of his paws.

There are many more things to think about when you come face to face with wild animals.  Before you venture out into the wild, research the area, learn about the local wildlife, and be prepared with what to do should you have to defend yourself.  Being prepared is the key to having a fun and safe hiking experience!

 

Storm Mountain

This past summer, I had the opportunity to take a rock climbing class from the University of Utah's Sports & Recreation department. Can I just say it was AWESOME!  Although it was only a beginner's class, we were taught everything from proper climbing techniques, to rappelling, to buying equipment, to rope tying.  It rained the entire weekend but that did not stop us from scaling the walls of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Climbing to Cache 


One of the main reasons I decided to take the class was so that I could find some of the more difficult geocaches in Utah.  If you are wondering what geocaching is, check out www.geocaching.com .  I will talk more about geocaching in a future post.

The first geocache I attempted with my new climbing gear and knowledge was Storm Mountain in Big Cottonwood Canyon.  The cache required us to rappel down an 80' cliff, scramble along a ledge, climb up a 10' wall, and retrieve the cache.  We then had to make another 70' rappel down to the bottom of the mountain.  It is one of my favorite geocache finds to date.

Getting the Right Coordinates

If anyone is thinking about trying this fun geocache out, you can find it hidden at N 40° 37.458 W 111° 44.672. To use find these coordinates, you will need a tracking device such as a gps unit.  But it's not that simple.  The coordinates will get you to the general area and then you will need to use common sense, detective skills, and a little bit of luck to claim the prize.

This cache is not to be attempted unless you have the proper equipment, training, and knowledge of rock climbing and/or rappelling.  Even though I took a class and had purchased the right gear, I had an experienced climber along to help guide me through.

Taking the Right Class

If you ever get the chance, I would recommend taking a rock climbing class at the U.  The instructors were informative and highly qualified to teach the class.  There was lots of one-on-one training and everyone had the chance to get in as much climbing as they wanted.  It was a fantastic time all around and well worth the money. 

The Beatout

Recently, I joined what seemed to me to be a sane group of people on a seemingly insane hike.  The appropriately named route, known as The Beatout, was my biggest hiking challenge to date.

The route starts with a short, easy hike to Red Pine Lake.  It quickly turns challenging as you make a steep ascent to the Pfeifferhorn - a perfectly shaped 11,326' triangular peak in the Wasatch Mountains.  This is followed by a scramble along the ridge t o the West.  In addition to the Pfeifferhorn, the route includes ascents of Chipman Peak (10,954') and South Thunder (11,154').  Each peak is ascended individually.   The hike ends with a very long descent down Bells Canyon.

The Stats: 
Hiking Distance: 12.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,849 ft.
Elevation Loss: -7,375 ft.

Red Pine Trailhead Elevation: 7,556 ft.
Pfeifferhorn Elevation: 11,326 ft.
Chipman Peak Elevation: 10,954 ft.
South Thunder Mountain Elevation: 11,154 ft.
Bells Canyon Trailhead Elevation: 5,120 ft.


This hike is not for the average hiker.  It requires a lot of bushwhacking, boulder-hoping, and both upper and lower body strength.  It also requires a positive mental attitude.  


The hike took us a total of 16 hours to complete.  We started in the dark and ended in the dark.  And, despite the rugged terrain and the challenges of mother nature (we had a hail storm hit us right in the middle), everyone had a great time.  We all made it out safely.  I would love to do this hike again some day. 


Please enjoy the photo montage of our adventure:

Fall Colors of Utah

With the ending of Summer and Fall creeping up on us, you may have noticed that the leaves are just beginning to change colors.  People often refer to the East Coast as the place to view the beautiful changng of the season.  However, many are unaware of Utah's gorgeous fall colors.  Within the next few weeks, Utah's Fall will be in full bloom.  I have listed some of my favorite drives to see Utah in all of it's Fall glory:

• Big Cottonwood Canyon, Guardsman's Pass:  The mountain scenery can not be beat if you drive this back country road.  Connecting Park City/Midway  to Big Cottonwood Canyon/Salt Lake City, this paved road (some parts are gravel) will be take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours  to complete.  You are assured to find many photo opportunities along the way.
• Mt. Nebo's Scenic Loop:  At 11,928 feet, Mt. Nebo is the tallest mountain in the Wasatch range.  Start out at the North side of the loop in Payson.  This paved road is not suitable for large RVs or Campers.  The Fall scenery is a photographer's dream.  If you only choose one place to view the fall colors, this should be it.
• Bryce Canyon National Park:  The Golden Aspens of Bryce Canyon have been photographed over and over again because of their beautiful Fall foliage.  For those who want to take a day trip or perhaps an overnight camping trip, this would be the perfect spot.  The colorful pinnacles and canyons make the perfect backdrop for the Aspens.  For a trip like this, please be prepared by calling the National Park Service ahead of time to find out the conditions.  Presently, the camp grounds are temporarily closed due to a fire in the area.
•   Kamas, Mirror Lake:  I took this drive just last Fall and I was wowed.  If you hit the area at the peak of the season, the colors are breathtaking.  The 30-minute drive along UT-150 takes you from Kamas to the Wasatch Cache National Forrest.  Take a picinic lunch and make a day of it.  You can even fit in some fishing at the lake!

 So if you are looking for something to do, hop in your car and go for a drive.  You will  not be disappointed (and you may even be pleasantly surprised) by nature's artwork.