1. Ride the chairlift and bike back down.
Utah’s ski resorts aren’t just for winter. The ride up the chairlift is scenic and relaxing. Then, jump on your mountain bike and cruise back down the mountain.
2. Stroll through the Ogden Nature Center.
Ogden Nature Center offers 152 acres that include 1.5 miles of walking trails, treehouses and birds of prey.
3. Houseboat at Lake Powell.
Grab your 10 closest friends, a cooler of cold ones and some beach towels, then hop aboard a houseboat at Lake Powell. It’s a great combination of relaxation and recreation as you float, swim and jet ski.
4. Fly down the mountain at 80 mph on a bobsled at Utah Olympic Park.
Experience 5 G’s on the bobsled at the Utah Olympic Park. If you’re in the mood for something more sedate, watch the ski jumpers practice their landings into the pool.
5. Hike Angel’s Landing
If you haven’t hiked Angel’s Landing yet, maybe this is your year. It’s a challenging hike, and not for those who are terrified of heights, but you’re well rewarded by this view from the summit.
6. Catch a play at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City
The play’s the thing in Cedar City all summer. This year’s Shakespeare offerings include Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V and Julius Caesar. Other plays include Mary Poppins, The Odd Couple, The Three Musketeers, The Cocoanuts and Murder for Two.
7. See a movie under the stars.
Community parks throughout Utah offer free movies all summer. Check out your local park for movie listings and dates, then pack a picnic, grab a blanket and enjoy.
8. Cheer for your local baseball team.
Utah has three minor-league baseball teams: The Salt Lake Bees (AAA), Ogden Raptors (Pioneer League) and Orem Owlz (rookie league).
9. Explore Scenic Byway 12
There’s so much to see and do on Scenic Byway 12, which runs 124 miles between Torrey and U.S. 89, seven miles south of Panguitch. Take your time and explore some of the backways that branch off from SR 12, too.
10. Visit Hogle Zoo.
Stop by Hogle Zoo to meet Willow the baby giraffe, and the three new lion cubs.
11. Hike to Donut Falls.
Donut Falls is a great family hike. Once you reach the falls, you can splash and play in the river, or climb up and under the falls (be careful though - it’s slippery).
12. Ride the zipline at Sundance.
The Sundance zip tour is the most exciting in the state. You’ll drop 2,100 feet vertically and soar at up to 65 mph.
13. See a concert at Red Butte Garden.
Concerts at Red Butte Gardens aren’t just about the music. Go early to get in line, crack a beer or two and make friends with your line neighbors. When the gates open, you can spread your blanket, and enjoy a picnic dinner while you wait for the opening act.
14. Support local farmers.
Stop by your local farmer’s market to buy the freshest fixings for a delicious summer dinner. There are dozens of farmer’s markets all across the state.
15. Take a ride on the Heber Valley Railroad.
The Heber Valley Railroad has three scenic trains - the Provo Canyon Limited, Lakeside Limited and Deer Creek Express. Or, choose an adventure train, which pairs the train ride with a horseback ride, rafting adventure or zip line.
16. Visit a state park.
While the big national parks get all the attention, Utah’s 45 state parks are pretty fabulous, too. Find one you haven’t yet visited and check it out. This is Goblin Valley State Park.
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