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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Winter is an often underappreciated season, especially with regards to recreational opportunities. While skiing is all fine and good, it's not necessarily everybody's cup of tea.
Snowshoeing is an easy-to-learn and inexpensive alternative to those looking for a way to get some exercise and enjoy Utah's outdoors during winter. Here are five terrific Utah locations to go snowshoeing:
Bryce Canyon National Park ===========================
It's one of North America's most unique landscapes, and winter may well be the best time to explore this hallmark of Utah's natural beauty. While straying from designated trails within national parks is generally discouraged, the circumstances are switched when a blanket of snow covers Bryce Canyon's painted landscape.
Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere atop the plateau as long as there is adequate snow. You can keep it simple and take a short walk along the rim or go with a park ranger on a guided snowshoeing tour. If you're the more adventurous type, then feel free to wander through Bryce's ponderosa pine forests or climb to a summit overlook few people will ever visit.
With Bryce Canyon's generally clear air, you may even be able to spot features up to 150 miles away, including some in Arizona. If you are interested in snowshoeing, you really must give Bryce Canyon a try.
Provo River Parkway ====================
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest and safest winter activities to enjoy with the whole family, and there's no easier trail than the Provo River Parkway. After a winter storm, this paved path, which is commonly utilized by joggers, cyclists and long boarders from spring to fall, is transformed into a great introductory trail for those interested in taking up snowshoeing.
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5 places to snowshoe in Utah
Snowshoeing is one of the greatest ways to explore the mountains during the winter season. Whether a person is new to the sport or a veteran, this sport is for all types of individuals and a great way to ease into a snow sport that is considered easy to learn and has a low risk of injury.It also offers views of Bridal Veil Falls, Utah's tallest waterfall, which during a good winter turns into a beautiful 600 foot frozen icefall. Just be wary of potential avalanche danger. For information on potential avalanche risks click here.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail ===========================
The beauty of this trail marking the shoreline of Utah's now extinct Lake Bonneville is its convenience and accessibility. The Bonneville Shoreline trail is great for beginners, while also offering enough distance and variety to challenge the more experienced snowshoer.
In its current state the shoreline trail is accessible within 20 minutes or less to the vast majority of Utahns living along the Wastach Front. Portions of this trail stretch from Southern Idaho to Santaquin and lead to some of Utah's best-known canyons and icefalls, as well as views of the Logan, Weber, Salt Lake and Utah Valleys.
White Pine Trail =================
Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this trail will take a bit more experience and effort, but is hugely rewarding for those willing to take on a challenge. The White Pine trail offers winter access to some the Wasatch Mountains' pristine alpine landscapes.
There is also an open area beneath the trail that is ideal for children and beginners to practice their skills, but the trail up the mountainside is best attempted by intermediate to advanced snowshoers only. Like any venture near Utah's steeper slopes, always check the avalanche advisory before heading out.
Uinta Mountains ================
The Uinta Mountains, like so many of Utah's great wilderness areas, are a gift that just keeps on giving. Even later in the year after the snow has melted in the valleys, the Uintas can offer perfect conditions for snowshoeing well into the spring.
While the entirety of the Mirror Lake Highway is not open until May, it's one of the best access points for snowshoers in the state. Expect the highway to be closed from mile marker 14 east of Kamas to mile marker 48 south of Evanston. Past these markers, motorized travel along the highway is limited to snowmobiles, but the highway itself can be a great place to get some snowshoeing in and will likely tempt you with a number of snow laden trails just aching to be explored.
For more ideas check out this trail directory, courtesy of U.S. Forest Service.
Like any outdoor activity, snowshoeing can be invigorating— just make sure to be safe and respect Utah's outdoor treasures. As much as winter brings a host of recreational activities, it also necessitates some additional cautions. For tips on safety while snowshoeing click here.
Where are your favorite places to go snowshoeing? Let us know in the comments.
Mike Godfrey is a graduate of BYU and along with his wife Michelle, the manager of At Home in Wild Spaces, an outdoor recreation website, blog and community, dedicated to sharing national parks, wilderness areas, hiking/biking Trails, and more.
