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Gas prices are reaching record-highs, and as a result, traveling will be a bit different this summer. A CNBC article says high gas prices are affecting the destination of nearly 85% of people who are planning to travel. To avoid the gas price fiasco altogether, you can stay home in Utah and enjoy a summer you won't soon forget.
Utah may have "the greatest snow on earth," but an abundance of fresh air, mountain views, and family-friendly activities mean our summers shine just as bright as the famous winters. No matter which outdoor activity you choose, protect your skin and eyes with sunscreen and sunglasses.
Here are five ways to have fun close to home this summer without traveling too far or breaking the bank.
Staycation is the new vacation
Lucky for Utahns, world-class destinations like Park City are less than an hour's drive from most parts of the Salt Lake Valley. Escape into the fresh air of the Wasatch Mountains for a staycation, with options anywhere from luxurious five-star hotels like Stein Eriksen Lodge or Montage Deer Valley down to smaller lodges and inns. Pro tip: many of the luxury ski resorts offer steeply discounted rooms during the summer offseason!
Midway is a gem in the Heber Valley just down the road from Park City. It offers unique Swiss-inspired architecture, delicious bakeries, and outdoor activities like mountain biking at nearby Soldier Hollow. If you're feeling adventurous, take a dip in the hot springs pool inside Homestead Crater.
If you're located farther north, idyllic Huntsville is a fun destination for a little taste of the Old West. The Shooting Star Saloon will make you feel like a cowboy within its historic dive bar walls, says Visit Ogden. For some outdoor adventures, you can enjoy the nearby Snowbasin Resort for mountain biking, mini-golf, and sightseeing by air in the Needles Gondola.
Finish that DIY project you've been putting off
Summer can't be all play and no work! Whether it's pouring that concrete pad to spruce up your backyard or finishing the basement bathroom, summertime is the perfect time for house projects.
If you are looking to level up the outside of your home, upgrading your landscaping is a great place to start. Pouring concrete to create an outdoor entertaining space can also add major value and up the quality of your BBQs and summer gatherings. In fact, homesandgardens.com says a nicely landscaped garden can add up to 10% of your home's value. Pressure washing your deck, siding, and/or concrete is a great nice-weather project to polish the curb appeal.
On your shopping list for project supplies, don't forget to include safety glasses from Edge Eyewear to deliver peace of mind. Especially if you're working with power tools, safety glasses are a must. They prevent debris and foreign objects from damaging your eyes, which can occur during even the most basic home improvement projects.
Take a hike
Whether you're a hardcore hiker or casual nature-walker, there is a plethora of hikes to be found wherever you live in Utah. Visit Utah has lists of hikes categorized by area so you can find one where you live. The AllTrails website or app makes it easy to filter hikes by difficulty and even for categories such as paved or stroller-friendly. Millcreek Canyon and the Cottonwood Canyons both offer hiking routes lush with trees that provide shade from the summer heat. Go climb that mountain!
Finally learn how to fly fish
Utah abounds with quality trout waters that are a fisherman's paradise. The distinct climate and snow-fed rivers and lakes make for incredible and diverse fishing opportunities. Luckily for beginners wanting to check it off their bucket list, there is also an abundance of guided fishing experiences and lessons.
Utah.com offers an inventory of fly-fishing guides throughout the state's many rivers whether you want to fish the Provo River, Green River, or any others. And while southern Utah may be dry and lacking the rivers of northern Utah, there are plenty of reservoirs in southern Utah that provide fishing opportunities if you are making a road trip to one of the national parks.
If you want to increase your odds of success, the right eyewear can make a huge difference. Lenses that block UV light will allow you to see through the glare on the water surface so you can spot fish lurking below.
Go for a bike ride
If you live along the Wasatch Front, chances are you aren't far from one of Utah's many paved pathways. From the Jordan River Trail to the Legacy Parkway Trail and the Ogden Parkway, there's a nearly endless network of quality, car-free tarmac to spin out some miles.
The Jordan River Trail spans a 40-mile stretch starting at Utah Lake and following the Jordan River through Utah County and into Salt Lake. The path is wonderful for all levels of cycling-- from families pulling children in bike trailers up to experienced cyclists. It is also part of what's known as the "Golden Spoke," a network of trails that spans over one hundred miles between Ogden and Provo, says Utah.gov. If you're farther north, try the Ogden River Trail, and if you're located further south, try the Provo River Parkway.
Whichever part of Utah you call home, there are endless options nearby to explore and enjoy the summer right in your backyard. Don't forget to adventure safely with Edge Eyewear. Visit their website for a wide variety of different safety glasses—including outdoor and sports sunglasses.
