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9 amazing Utah places that are great to visit during the winter

9 amazing Utah places that are great to visit during the winter

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If you're one who craves summer sun, the winter months in Utah might seem an excruciatingly long stretch of time. The national parks, lakes and city activities are all hallmarks of summer in the Beehive State. But there's also good reason Utah is a popular winter destination.

According to the University of Utah, visitors and tourists spent more than $8.5 million in 2016 in Utah. While a good chunk of those dollars might be connected to skiing and snowboarding — it's not called "the best snow on earth" for nothing — many of those dollars come from winter activities in Utah.

Even though the days are shorter the temperatures lower, there's still plenty to do in Utah when it's cold outside. Just make certain you have a vehicle that can handle the oft-challenging Utah winter driving conditions.

Soldier Hollow

Located in Heber, Soldier Hollow is someplace winter-savvy families are familiar with. Famous for lift-served tubing and sledding and cross-country skiing, this little spot is ideal for families and fans of the snow. People of all ages flock to the hills for exciting tubing down runs designed for maximum fun.

Since Soldier Hollow is located in the high-elevation of Heber Valley, it's a good idea to check driving conditions before heading up.

Homestead Crater

Swimming and diving at the Homestead Crater has almost become a rite of passage for many Utahns. This all-natural phenomenon is a hot spring surrounded by a rock dome with a hole at the top. The crater began forming 10,000 years ago and is made of minerals deposited by the rising, heated spring water.

Year-round the water remains at a pleasant 90-96 degrees Fahrenheit, making for an enjoyable, almost bath-like respite from cold winter days. Reservations are required so be sure to call ahead. Since this not-so-secret spot is hidden away in Midway, it's important to make sure you have a vehicle that can make it through the canyon and potentially snowy roads.

Crystal Hot Springs

Another great place to enjoy some warm, relaxing water is Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville. Amazingly, these springs are among the world's largest natural hot springs with temperatures ranging from 65-134 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are also hot tubs, water slides, and a lap pool for those looking to get some exercise. There's no better way to beat the snowy days than by relaxing in hot water surrounded by the snow.

Moab

Moab, in the warmer months of the year, tends to find itself frequently overcrowded, with tourists covering almost every square mile of its previously unexplored landscapes. Here’s a best-kept secret about Moab: the best time to visit is in the middle of winter in a truck.

Transforming into a tranquil paradise, Moab in the winter can be enjoyed on a much quieter scale. With small crowds, trails all to yourself, and snow-dusted red rock, this area in winter is an unforgettable experience.

Shutterstock
Shutterstock

Kanab

Named by Utah.com as winter’s best getaway, Kanab is another southern Utah escape. Sometimes overlooked for other more well-known winter locales, Kanab’s access to outdoor recreation at a low cost is hard to beat, especially in the winter.

Kanab in the winter means moderate, comfortable temperatures — a far cry from the sweltering summer temps. In the winter, however, despite the days being shorter, there are actually more comfortable exploring hours.

Additionally, like in Moab and Bryce Canyon, you’ll find fewer visitors, lower lodging rates, and fewer snakes and insects to bother you along your hike.

Daniel’s Summit Lodge

If you want to get away from the bustle of life, but still stay close by home, Daniel’s Summit Lodge may be your ticket. Located in the high Uinta mountains near Heber City, this rustic mountain lodge offers adventure and cozy time spent together like nothing else in Utah.

Whether it be renting snowmobiles and exploring Daniel’s Summit, or enjoying the indoor hot tub, pool, and day spa, Daniel’s Summit Lodge is a unique and fun way to enjoy some of Utah’s most iconically winter landscapes while still retaining modern luxuries and experiences.

Brian Head Ski Resort

Brian Head Ski Resort offers perhaps the most unique views of any ski resort in Utah: red rock. Those views, combined with more than 650 acres, 71 runs, 3 terrain parks, 8 lifts and 2 tubing hills at 9,600 feet, Brian Head is a unique winter ski resort experience apart from the northern resorts.

Additionally, Brian Head isn’t far from St. George, which means a short drive to near year-round golf, hiking, and mountain biking.

Bryce Canyon

Here’s another best-kept secret: Bryce Canyon in the winter is actually better than in the summer. Not only do you get smaller crowds, but you also get off-season rates on lodging and access to activities that aren’t available in the summer.

Shutterstock
Shutterstock

Whether it be skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, or experiencing the variety of activities at the Winter Festival, Bryce Canyon in the winter is Bryce Canyon at its best.

Millcreek Canyon

If you live near the Salt Lake Valley, and you’re looking for an afternoon of adventure in your own backyard, consider a drive up Millcreek Canyon. Once you reach the gate that closes the canyon road until July, Utah.com suggests cross-country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or fat biking beyond the gate on the groomed canyon road.

Be ready for winter driving

Be aware: many canyons in Utah require four or all-wheel-drive capabilities to make it up the steep roads.

Looking for a new truck for your next winter adventure? Look no further than iDrive in Orem. Boasting near-perfect ratings on Google, and a massive inventory of top-notch, nearly new trucks, you are sure to find that dream truck you’ve been looking for.

Contact them today at idriveutah.com or (801) 609-2277 and see how they can get you the right truck for your next adventure.

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