5 outdoor activities for 'indoorsy' people

5 outdoor activities for 'indoorsy' people

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SALT LAKE CITY — If you aren’t a fan of the outdoors, living in Utah may feel like a challenge. There are 44 state parks and five national parks, making Utah a hot spot for fans of nature. However, there are some alternate ways for indoorsy people to also enjoy what Utah's outdoors have to offer.

Here are a few recommendations if you are a beginner wanting to venture into outdoor adventures:

Glamping

Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a fun new trend that puts a modern twist on camping. You’ll usually still sleep in a tent, but don’t be surprised to find a king- size bed with silky sheets and a half bathroom.

Conestoga Ranch in Bear Lake is a hot spot for glamping. The company offers tents and covered wagons with above-average accommodations such as king-size beds, luxury bathtubs, fire pits and complimentary blankets and robes. The covered wagon option is more family-friendly glamping that features bunk beds and a large play area outside, according to the ranch website.

For more glamping options in Utah, check out Glamping.com.

Easy hikes

Utah is home to hundreds of hiking trails. Some are difficult, like the almost 15-mile round trip trail to the top of Mount Timpanogos. Others are easy, like Cecret Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The hike is only 1.5 miles round trip and the “wildflowers are the best in the state," according to Utah.com.

If you don't like hiking or aren't in great shape, start with the Grotto Falls Trail. The hike is a mere .6 miles round trip and the trail is mostly flat. The falls offer a refreshing resting point and pretty view. However, be aware that the area is currently closed and was damaged by the recent wildfires, so this hike will need to wait until next year.

Spectra Point Trail at Cedar Breaks National Monument is another easy trail that will leave you in awe over the view. The hike overlooks the Cedar Breaks amphitheater from 10,000 feet up. Trail information can be found here.

Hot springs

For anyone who enjoys soaking in a hot bath, take the relaxation outdoors to one of Utah’s natural hot springs.

Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, Sevier County, is home to eight bathtubs and two pools of naturally hot water, according to the hot spring’s website. The water comes out of the ground at 168 degrees Fahrenheit and is cooled as it travels through a channel to the bathtubs and pools. Mystic Hot Springs’ website says the water is kept at 98 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. A day pass to soak in the springs costs $15. You can also stay overnight in a cabin or camp at a site.

Another great option, a little closer to Salt Lake City, is Homestead Crater.

"The crater is a geothermal spring, hidden within a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock located on the Homestead property,” according to the website.

The water is heated naturally to between 90 and 96 degrees Fahrenheit and is perfect for swimming, scuba-diving and snorkeling, according to the resort website. Prices vary by activity and day of the week and can be found here.

Check out more hot springs in Utah here.

Outdoor performances

If you’re not into hiking or swimming in hot springs, you can enjoy views of the mountains while seeing a play or concert outside.

The Tuacahn Center for the Arts is an outdoor venue at the mouth of Padre Canyon near St. George. The venue is open year-round and offers events such as concerts, plays and musicals, with the view of the red rocks of Ivins in the background. "Thriller" runs Oct. 25-31.

USANA Amphitheatre in West Valley City is also a great outdoor venue for concerts. The outdoor theater offers lawn seating and a view of the Wasatch Mountains. USANA gives you an opportunity to feel outdoorsy while enjoying the music of your favorite bands. People who have played at USANA this year include Post Malone, Luke Bryan and Weezer.

Picnics in the park

Utah’s beautiful mountains and state parks dot the state. So whether you’re in southern or northern Utah, you’re bound to be near a state park. If you want to add an outdoor aesthetic to your lunch, consider having a picnic in one of the parks.

If you aren't very close to a state park and don't have a lot of time, just head to a nearby city park to enjoy the fresh air and nature. Picnicking is typically best from spring to fall when the weather isn't quite so cold.

Another popular spot for picnicking is Beus Pond Park in Ogden. You can eat and lay on the grass while feeding ducks or play on the playground with your kids, There is even a half-mile trail for a relaxing walk around the pond, according to AllTrails.com.

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