The summer is coming to a close - have you done everything you'd planned back during the dark, cold winter days? Here's a bucket list of 16 of our favorite summer activities - take a look and see what else you should add to your bucket list before the weather cools off.
1. Backpack in the High Uintas.
If you really want to get away from it all, now's the time to head for the hills. Take a backpack trip in the High Uintas, and surround yourself with fragrant pines and fresh air.
2. Stargaze at Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island State Park is an International Dark Sky Park, which means that the light pollution is low and the star count is high.
3. Catch a free concert at the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival at Snowbasin.
Head up to Snowbasin in the Ogden Valley to enjoy an afternoon of free music every Sunday through September 30th. The music is free; the delicious BBQ and cold beer are available for reasonable prices.
4. Go glamping in Garden City.
Do you want to go camping, but also appreciate sleeping in a real bed? Spend the night glamping at Conestoga Ranch in Garden City, where you'll enjoy a luxurious surroundings right by Bear Lake.
5. Have brunch at Ruth's Diner.
Summer brunch at Ruth's Diner means mimosas, mile-high biscuits and crispy bacon under the shady trees. There's no better outdoor patio in the Beehive State!
6. Watch a play at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City.
The play's the thing, or so they say. You can catch a Shakespeare play, or see a more modern musical at this long-standing festival on the campus of Southern Utah University.
7. Do some fly fishing in Utah's rivers.
Whether you choose the Strawberry River (pictured here), or one of Utah's many other excellent spots, you definitely need to get out there while the fishing's good.
8. Take the tram to the summit at Snowbird.
Snowbird is absolutely beautiful in the summer. Take the tram up to Hidden Peak get an eagle's eye view at 11,000 feet. Grab some lunch at The Summit restaurant, then take a hike down the mountain.
9. Go boating at Jordanelle Reservoir.
Whether you're tubing, waterskiing, fishing, or just taking a ride out on the lake, you can't beat a day spent on a boat in the middle of Jordanelle Reservoir.
10. Hike the Brighton Lakes Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
One of Utah's most beautiful hikes is the Brighton Lakes Trail, where you'll visit five alpine lakes tucked into the pines in the Wasatch Mountains. The hike is steep and strenuous, but the payoff is well worth it.
11. Shop for fresh produce at one of Utah's farmers markets.
You'll find farmers markets all over the Beehive State during summer months. From the SLC Downtown Farmers Market to the Park City Silly Sunday Market, you're certain to find fresh, delicious produce and locally-produced food.
12. Take a tour of Timpanogos Cave.
Make the grueling climb up the switchbacks at Timpanogos Cave National Monument, then cool off in the cave, which maintains an average temperature of 46 degrees.
13. Catch a baseball game.
Whether you're a Salt Lake Bees fan, or you cheer for the Orem Owlz or Ogden Raptors, there's no better way to spend a summer evening than at the ball field.
14. Ride the coasters at Lagoon.
If you want to make everyone in the family happy, spend the day at Lagoon. From the tiniest toddlers to the most daring thrill seekers, there's a ride for everyone here.
15. Splash and play at Cherry Hill.
Cherry Hill is the perfect place on a hot, summer day. The little ones will love to splash and play with the water cannons and sprinklers at Pirate's Cove, the older ones will like the waterslides, and everyone will want to cool off in the Pirate's Cove Pool.
16. Get soaked in Cataract Canyon.
Take a whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River near Moab, and navigate through Class III, IV, and V rapids. There's nothing like racing down a river in an inflatable raft to get your heart pumping.
You might notice that there are very few Southern Utah attractions on this bucket list. There are two reasons for the omission. First, it's hot down there this time of year, and you'll be able to visit the national parks and the golf courses all winter long. Second, the tourists love to hit the parks, and they're super crowded all summer. In fact, the reality of hiking Utah's two most popular trails might surprise you - and not in a good way. Don't worry - there's plenty of time for some Southern Utah love this fall!
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