Utah State Parks Hikes - From Snow to Lava

Salt Lake City * Three Utah state parks offer great hikes this weekend from a full moon snowshoe hike to a lava tubes tour.

Join Friends of Wasatch for a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Friday, February 2. This annual snowshoe trek is lit by a full moon and open to hikers of all abilities. Entrance fee is waived for Friends of Wasatch members and $5 for non-members, with snowshoe rentals also available for $5/pair. Registration is required * please call (435) 654-1791.

On Saturday, visit Rock Cliff Nature Center at Jordanelle State Park for Track Me If You Can! From 10 a.m. to noon, join the park naturalist and learn basic tracking skills necessary to understanding local wildlife. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. Day-use fee is $7 per vehicle with up to eight people or free to Utah State Park pass holders. Pre-registration is required * please call (435) 782-3030 or (435) 649-9540

From snow to lava! Take the Lava Tubes Tour at Snow Canyon State Park Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This two-mile, round-trip hike is a unique opportunity to explore lava tube formations. Registration required * please call (435) 628-2255.

Starlight Snowshoe Hike - JORDANELLE STATE PARK

Heber City-Join park staff on February 9th for a starlight snowshoe hike along the lake. Meet at the Visitors Center at Jordanelle State Park at 7:00 pm for the hike and refreshments. Jordanelle can provide snowshoes. After the hike we will enjoy a short presentation on stars followed by an opportunity to use telescopes.

Admission is $5.00/ person. Space is limited to 50 people so you must RSVP. Call (435) 649-9540 to reserve your spot today.

Winter Fun, Safety at Wasatch Mountain State Park

Midway * Wasatch Mountain State Park offers great activities for the entire family this winter, from cross-country skiing to free safety clinics.

Six miles of groomed cross-country ski trails are now open. Skiers will find flat, easy terrain on the Lake Course, and a more advanced route on the Mountain Course. Trail passes are $5 per day, with rental equipment available for an additional $5.

January is Winter Recreation and Safety Month at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Every Saturday throughout January, park staff host free events designed to get visitors out and experiencing winter in new, safe ways.

Saturday, January 5 and 13: This snowshoe clinic is held two consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Explore snowshoeing, health benefits, and techniques. Each day begins with indoor discussion followed by practical experience on snowshoes. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair from the park.

Saturday, January 20: Join park staff for an avalanche safety class from 9 a.m. to noon and learn how to recognize and avoid potential slide areas, and how to use basic safety equipment.
Saturday, January 27: Build a basic snow cave at 10 a.m. This fun winter activity is also a life saving skill.

Each event begins at the Educational Yurt at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Registration for each event is required by calling (435) 654-1791.

Moonlight Snowshoe Hike at Jordanelle State Park

Heber City - Join park staff Friday, January 5 for a moonlit snowshoe hike along the lake. Meet at the Jordanelle State Park Visitor Center at 7 p.m. for the hike, and enjoy hot drinks and food afterwards. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Limited quantities of snowshoes are available. For more information or to reserve snowshoes, please call (435) 649-9540.