Since we are new here, we have been enjoying day trip hikes in Utah exploring around the Uinta National Forest area. There are still patches of snow , but the weather is glorious now and in the 60’s and 70’s up high. This week we headed beyond Mirror Lake and closer to Roosevelt, we pulled off the road, found some seclusion and were able to hike to a series of several lakes up in the Uinta’s.
Day Trip Hikes in Utah
Scroll down this page to go straight to the video to get a feel for this beautiful area.
Winston looks forward to our weekends as much as we do, and it’s a great chance to let him run around, find a bit of snow and swim. When we climb back into the car, he is seriously out cold before we can even get the car started! Saints are great at sleeping, lol.
We typically head to the nearest town afterward and put our feet up on some patio for a relaxing meal and a cocktail. Not a bad weekend, no?
For our day trips, a few main things help to make it easy and relaxing: (I will link everything below.)
1. A Daypack. I have several. They are small, light and just big enough to carry some essentials like a snack, a water bottle, a leash, a ball cap and a portable charger for my phone. Hands free hiking is the best hiking. It only takes a second to throw in my items and we are out the door.
2. Extra shoes. As I said, we take our time and will typically will stop for a bite to eat and a cocktail on our way home. I wear hiking boots or trail shoes, when I’m hiking, but I always throw a pair of extra flip flops in my bag. Utah is almost as casual as Colorado, so our laid back, comfy trail clothes are fine, but I like to slip on my flips after hiking. My hands down favorites are Havaianas. They go from beach to lake to dinner with ease around here. I pair them with dresses, jeans, and hiking pants and shorts- they go with everything casual. They are comfortable and they LAST FOREVER! They are so good, they have a cult-like following in Hollywood. They aren’t outrageously expensive and they come in a ton of great colors. Link Down Below.
3.Comfortable hiking clothes. This is a MUST. Don’t wear your jeans and just some sweatshirt and think you will have a good time. You will be uncomfortable and you’ll mutter very unkind things to whomever you are with. Wearing actual performance wear for the outdoors can mean the difference between having a fabulous, relaxing time and wondering why the hell nature hates you so much. These clothes are made with workhorse textiles. They move and stretch, they keep you cool and dry in summer and warm and dry in winter. The Columbia hiking pants are one of my finest purchases ever. These pants slip on without buttons or zips, they have a cool, bootleg design that makes them go with hiking boots OR casual shoes. They are water repellant, so if Winston gets me wet, the water just beads up and rolls right off. A single wet wipe over these babies and you are cleaned off and ready to head in for that cocktail! They have a single side zip pocket that is big enough for my phone, so I can keep in within quick reach. They pack down super small and come out unwrinkled.
If you are looking for comfortable outdoor pants that do more than just look good, I cannot recommend these highly enough! They are a summer weight, so in the winter I just add a silk base layer underneath them and I am still good to go. Columbia clothing is made ethically and responsibly so it’s a brand I can really get behind.Link Down Below.
Relax a minute and check out our Fresh Air Friday and this beautiful part of Utah:
Shop My Outdoor Essentials:
ZOMAKE Day Pack for $15.99
Alpine Double Walled Water Bottle $9.99
Enerplex Power Bank Phone Charger $9.99
Let me know how you like these Fresh Air Fridays! I really enjoy sharing them with you. I hope that some of my tips will encourage you to get outside wherever you are and explore. There is something so relaxing for me, about getting away from people and just being alone in the outdoors for awhile. It helps me to just “be”. I love it so much! But ladies- whatever you are doing outside, wether it’s climbing Mt Everest or shopping your nearest outdoor market- having the appropriate clothing and shoes for your activity will greatly enhance your enjoyment!
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Cheers!
Sounds like a great time! Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks for stopping by Nancy! Can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to.
~Melissa
What a beautiful hiking spot!
Beauty & Colour | Vegan Lifestyle Blog
Thank you Caitlin! This is some beautiful country out here and we are really enjoying exploring it.
~Melissa
I’m pinning this post! We plan to do quite a bit of hiking this summer.
Thats great Nikki- we really love it. And good luck to you on your brand new venture! You are a great photographer.
Such great information, no matter where you are hiking! Love the concept of the post.
Thanks Nancy!
Sounds like a great way to spend the day! Thanks for sharing!
Breanna | breannaraine.com
Breanna- it is! We really enjoy our relaxing hiking weekends. Thanks for stopping by!
~Melissa
I always dream of a good hiking trip!! But always put off because I never know where to start, what to wear and take with me. Thanks for your awesome tips!
J xx
Janey- I am so happy that it could be helpful. If you got to AllTrails.com it can show you trails near you and how long they are and if they are easy or difficult. It is how we find so many trails when we travel. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
~Melissa
What a great idea to pack another pair of shoes, Melissa!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie,
Thanks! Yes- another pair of shoes makes it so much easier to kick back and relax over a rewarding meal and a cocktail! Thank you for popping by!
~Melissa
Such a great tip to pack another pair of shoes! Can’t wait to go hiking in Utah soon.
Nicole,
Glad that you found it helpful. We are really finding some of the most beautiful scenery out here! Colorado is still our first love, but this place is just gorgeous. And the extra shoes make the meal and cocktail afterward all the more relaxing! Thank you you for stopping by and don’t hesitate to hit me up for hiking spots if you get to Utah!
~Melissa
I love this post! It makes me want to go on a hike right now! I love knowing someone who loves the outdoors the way I do! Peace!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
Thanks Cheryl! We could raise a toast with our backpacking wine glasses!, lol.