SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — What’s on your bucket list this summer? If you’re still putting one together, here are some ideas from the Beehive State. These opportunities can’t be found everywhere, so if you’re from Utah or just dropping in for a visit, make sure to try out some of these experiences.
Grab your lifejacket and decide between a smooth ride or a bumpy adventure. The Provo and Weber Rivers are great options to drop a tube and explore the currents or hop on a raft and hit the rapids. Keep in mind that rivers move faster than they appear to, so always wear a lifejacket and make a plan in case of emergencies.
If you don’t have your own equipment or are hesitant to hit the river without some professional guidance, check out a local river tour company. High Country Adventure has options for Provo and Weber Rivers, and you can choose between tubing, kayaking and rafting.
Spending a night looking up at the stars is a great way to spend a summer evening. If you’re having trouble spotting constellations, there are a few places you can meet with an expert and use telescopes to get a more in-depth understanding.
The South Physics Observatory at the University of Utah has free public star parties on clear Wednesday nights. You can check their website every week to see if the weather is permitting stargazing. During the star party, you can ask questions to the astronomers, and you might even get to hear a lecture. They’re also open for many astronomical events.
Many of Utah’s State Parks also host dark sky parties throughout the summer. Visit their website for a full list of upcoming events. Some events have telescopes with filters to view the night sky, while others are led by a park ranger to view constellations in the stillness of the night. At Fremont Indian State Park and Museum, you might even get to see a scorpion glow under UV light.
When the sun comes out, so does live music. If you haven’t attended a summer concert under the sun or stars yet, there are plenty of opportunities. Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City has an outdoor concert series that runs from June to September; check out their website to see who is performing this year.
Ogden Twilight concerts start at the end of June and also run through September, every year they bring out artists for special performances at the Ogden Ampitheater. Similarly, the Salt Lake Twilight Concert Series starts in July, and performances happen at the Gallivan Center and Library Square. More concerts happen all across Utah, so make sure to check local venues for performances.
Every year, between June and early September, snow melts out of Utah’s mountains and beautiful wildflowers spring up in the valleys. If you’re looking for something to get a little exercise and appreciate nature, consider hiking among these beautiful blooms.
ABC4 has compiled a list of some notable hikes across Utah where you can see wildflowers during peak months. The most popular trails are along Mt. Timpanogos in Utah County and the Albion Basin in the Cottonwood Canyons.
There’s no doubt that dinosaurs are a vital part of the Beehive State’s history. Dinosaur footprints, fossils and teeth are scattered all across the landscape. Utahraptor State Park, the newest state park in the state, opened up earlier this year to commemorate the state dinosaur and the site’s ancient history.
A few places in Utah where you can see real fossils in the ground and learn about dinosaurs are listed below. Make sure to pack the sunblock, because of few of these sites require hikes or plenty of time in the sunshine.
It wouldn’t be a Utah bucket list if it didn’t involve the five national parks sprinkled across the state. The Beehive State is home to five national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion.
Every park has plenty to do for all ages, whether you’re into hiking, scenic views, adventure, or unique restaurants. If you’re ambitious, check out this article to find out how you can visit all five national parks in one trip. A little bit of planning can go a long way!
Once summer hits, so do Utah’s festivals and carnivals. From Peach Days in Northern Utah to the St. George Summer Festival in the south, you can enjoy cotton candy and Ferris wheels anywhere in the state. A full list of summer events can be found on NowPlayingUtah’s website.
Some can’t-miss festivals that come around every year are the Orem Summerfest, South Jordan Summerfest, WestFest in West Valley City and Taylorsville Dayzzz. Check local city and county calendars for your next opportunity to enjoy a fun summer festival.
As much as you might want to, you can’t spend your entire summer in the heat of the sun. If you need a break from the heat, try spending some time in an air-conditioned museum to learn more about Utah’s history. The Natural History Museum at the University of Utah has a variety of exhibits, from dinosaurs to prehistoric humans to Utah’s unique landscape.
Other museums of all sizes are scattered across the state. Below is a list of just a few museums you can visit to learn about what made Utah into the state it is today.
If you’re lucky, you can spot some of Utah’s famous wildlife, such as bison or American pronghorn on Antelope Island. If you’re interested in mountain goats, try the Uinta or Tushar Mountains where they make their home. Deer can be spotted all along the Wasatch Front, but travel around the foothills during spring. Other animals, like cougars and foxes might be harder to find.
Wherever you go, make sure to maintain a safe distance from the wildlife for the animals’ safety and yours. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has a helpful list of locations to look for wildlife as well as safety guidelines on their website.
Although the populated areas of Utah don’t look much the wild west anymore, the remnants of structures from the time still exist. Some couldn’t survive the desert, others closed with their mines, and one even flooded. If you’re curious about the long-abandoned structures, there are a few that you can visit.
Visit Utah has a list of all the ghost towns from Box Elder County to Washington County. If you do plan a visit to one of these towns, remember to prepare for an emergency and bring all necessary supplies, these areas are often remote and don’t have amenities. Visit Utah recommends visitors visit Southern Utah ghost towns, as others are difficult to reach.
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