Winter Camping Inspiration
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5 Reasons to Hire a Guide to Run Utah’s Rivers
While we eat and splash in the river to escape the early morning heat, the four guides will wash the dishes, break down camp, load our bags on the rafts and discretely stow the toilet.
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6 Surprising Activities That Take Place at The Homestead Crater
From soaking to scuba diving, this hot spring has a lot to offer.
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An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.
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Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
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Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
It all started decades ago with the “Cisco Disco” and has grown to include a polar plunge, chili cookoff and winter festival known as the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
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Bridesmaids Gone Boating
If you and your bride tribe are more outdoorsy than indoorsy, consider booking a whitewater rafting trip in southern Utah instead of club night at a casino. Half-day, full-day, and multi-day river trips are easy to plan and are great for groups of all sizes and abilities.
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Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
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Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Lake Life on Palisade Reservoir
Utah’s beautiful Palisade Reservoir is an oasis of serene water in the central part of the state, a perfect getaway for paddling, fishing, swimming and camping.
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Fisher Towers River Rafting
Join Bob Wassom, and a few others, as they raft down the Fisher Towers stretch of water disproving any idea or stereotype suggesting disabilities hinder outdoor recreation.
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Flaming Gorge: Boating and Paddling Paradise
Do you know that Flaming Gorge is one of the best boating lakes in Utah? Read all about this stunning body of water and plan a trip!
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Get to Know Echo State Park
Situated at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, lies Echo State Park. Watersports are king here, and whether you kayak, paddleboard, or boat, it’s a perfect place to get out on the water.
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How to Find a Guided Outdoors Experience
You might not be a pro climber, camper or explorer, but Utah’s diverse collection of outdoor guides has all of the expertise you need to have an adventure worth getting stoked about.
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How to Slow Travel in Utah
Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip.
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How to Take a Kayak & Camping Trip at Yuba State Park
Pristine sandy beaches, warm water temperatures all summer long and serene mountain views make Yuba State Park an appealing destination for campers and kayakers in sunny Central Utah.
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Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Lake Powell
Slip into the mighty Lake Powell with a personal, self-propelled watercraft and have a whole different experience than the boats flying down the lake.
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Lake Powell Trash Boat
Attention good samaritans: Sign up for the Trash Tracker, a houseboat on Lake Powell, and help clean up the debris that has collected on the lake’s shores.
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Lakeside Near Torrey: Three Ways
Take a trip to this trio of Capitol Reef-area reservoirs where you can swim, fish, kayak and cool-off.
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Paddle Among Red Rocks and Waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park
Pack up your gear and head out to Gunlock Reservoir near St. George. Bring your SUP, kayaks, jet skis and power boats for a day full of watersport excitement.
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Paddling the Caribbean-Blue Waters of Bear Lake
At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, temperatures at Bear Lake stay cool in the summer, making the basin a welcome respite from the heat and a great destination to enjoy water sports in a serene mountain setting.
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The Most Scenic Trophy Trout Destination
Flaming Gorge, Utah is one of the world’s best places to fish for trout. Awe-inspiring scenery and abundant fish attract anglers from all over. Check it out!
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The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
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Two Trips, Two Worlds, Two Years Apart: Returning to Raft in Dinosaur National Monument
Nushin and her family of four returned to Utah's Dinosaurland for the "best four days ever!" of guided rafting on the Green River. Explore their journey today!
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Venturing Out (and Back) Along the Canyon Rim Trail
An under-the-radar destination that should be on more people’s lists, Flaming Gorge offers spectacular wildlife viewing, scenery that comes straight out of paintings and plenty of outdoor adventure.
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What to Wear on a River Rafting Trip
There are a variety of Utah river trips to be had, from rafting the Green River’s whitewater, to leisurely floating the Colorado. Here's your packing list.
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Wild Heber: Close-to-Home Adventure
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley’s state parks and national forest lands offer a world of adventure. Hike, bike, camp, kayak, watch wildlife and reel in blue-ribbon trout while learning about nature and how to protect it.
Where To Camp in Winter
The most popular winter camping destinations are found in the temperate, arid desert climate of Southern Utah. Although there are a few winter camping opportunities in Central and Northern Utah, it is much colder, and roads can be impassable due to heavy snowfall and icy terrain. Camping in or around Utah’s national parks in winter gives you front-row access to the best outdoor recreation without the usual summer crowds. The first major consideration for where to camp in winter is choosing to stay in your tent, car or RV. If roughing it isn't quite in your purview, check out some of the unique glamping options throughout the state.
Winter Gear Essentials
The first rule of winter camping is to make a list and check it twice. Having the right clothing and gear means you can spend less time dealing with soggy meltdowns (from kids or adults), and more time enjoying the trip. Go over your packing checklist before you leave to make sure you’re prepared with the following items:
- Warm Clothing – Layering up is crucial when camping in Utah, where temperatures can change drastically throughout the day. Opt for synthetic or wool materials over cotton to trap in heat and repel moisture. Bring hand and toe-warmers, and a serious jacket. Pack warm socks, hats, jackets, gloves and lighter layers for the daytime.
- Tent – 4-season tents are needed for campers who expect to face harsh weather conditions. Always bring a tarp or rain fly to insulate and waterproof your tent. When heading on a camping trip during any season, do a test run and set up your tent at home before you leave.
- Sleeping Mat – A roll-up or inflatable sleeping pad will lift and insulate you from the frozen ground. With the days getting shorter during the winter season, you will be spending more time cozied up in your tent. Make sure you have a warm, comfortable setup for when the sun goes down and temperatures drop.
- Fire Supplies – Campfires are the iconic symbol of any great outdoor excursion, but during the winter your fire is also an essential source of heat. Stop at the local ranger station on your drive in to check if the area has any fire regulations. Bring kindling, matches, a lighter and plenty of firewood.
- Camp Stove – Eating cold or fire-cooked meals can get old pretty fast on a long camping trip. A camp stove, or even a single burner, opens up a whole new world of camping cuisine. Plus, it can be used to boil snow for extra water. White gas or liquid fuel stoves perform better than canister stoves in winter conditions.
This is just a list to get you started — you should cater your checklist to your mode of backcountry travel, personal preferences and considerations such as weather, difficulty, duration and distance from emergency services. If it’s out of your comfort zone, look for guided offerings to start.
Yurt camping at Dead Horse Point State Park.
Photo: Utah State Parks
More Winter Camping Tips
- Bring your water inside the tent at night to prevent it from freezing. Thawing out water for coffee in the morning is fun for no one.
- The days are much shorter during the winter so make sure to pack headlamps and lanterns, extra batteries and games to play once the sun goes down.
- Your body burns extra energy to keep you warm during winter, so add high calorie snacks and meals to your shopping list. Besides, everyone knows that calories don’t count when you’re on vacation.
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Roughin' It
Willing to bring a sleeping bag and leave the pavement behind every once in a while? If you can handle getting your car a little dusty (oh, and have a well-maintained, high-clearance vehicle), this five- or six-day itinerary will put you smack dab in the middle of the great outdoors. And with 300 days of sunshine a year, Southern Utah offers a pretty dang good chance of perfect camping weather. And the best part? This itinerary is designed for budget-conscious travelers.
Highlights
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- San Rafael Swell
- Moab Area BLM
02
Farther Away From It All
Searching for solitude? Follow this six-day itinerary to find unspoiled wild places, hidden trails, open spaces and perfect peace.
Highlights
- Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
- Under-the-Rim Bryce Canyon
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- The Needles District Canyonlands
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Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder
Southern Utah is home to two high-elevation ski areas with generous helpings of what we call (with authority) The Greatest Snow on Earth®. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Give yourself at least five days to combine the thrills of Southern Utah skiing and boarding with exploring the wintertime wonders to be found in Utah’s red rock country.
Highlights
- Brian Head Resort
- Eagle Point Resort
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Southern Utah Ski Vacation
- Winter Hiking in Southern Utah
04
Red Rock & Dark Skies: Stargazing the National Parks
This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Highlights
- Hell's Backbone Grill
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Ranger-led Star Programs
- Road Trip Southwest Utah
