Utah is full of well-known, beautiful places where nature relaxes, amazes and charms you. If you’ve lived in Utah very long, you’re well aware of the most popular spots in the state. The spots featured in this article are secret - you might recognize some of them, but you certainly won’t guess where they’re all located. I’m not telling, either. They’re going to remain a secret.
1. A nice view of the city...
2. A quiet refuge...
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3. A basin of beautiful color...
4. A quiet path...
5. A misty overlook...
6. A wandering path through the red rock and green trees...
7. An azure mountain lake...
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8. A solitary spot along a scenic byway...
9. A landscape of lush, pine-covered mountains...
10. A less-photographed view...
11. A place for pups and their people...
12. A hidden picnic place...
13. A field of snow and sage...
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14. A lone hike on a remote trail.
15. A silent graveyard under a silent night sky...
16. As aspen grove in the mountains...
17. A shady stream...
18. A winter orchard walk...
Do you have your own secret spots in Utah? Share a photo with us, or tell us why you love your spot...but don’t give it away!
The Rochester Panel is one of three sites that make up the San Rafael Swell. Goblin Valley is certainly the most popular out of the three, its surreal rock structures are a beautiful sight. The Wedge’s incredible valleys, canyons, and gorges are so magnificent, that its nickname is the Little Grand Canyon.
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But the third site, the Rochester Panel, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the other two, and that’s a shame! Many believe this rock art to be the most unique rock art in Utah! The hike to reach the panel is only about half a mile, and it’s completely free.
With any trail, I’m always going to have my AllTrails + account open before I reach the trailhead. The Rochester Panel trail is mostly well-marked and easy to follow, but it’s always better to come prepared. Especially in Utah’s wilderness.
The out-and-back-trail clocks in at just shy of one mile with an elevation gain of 98 feet. Like many hiking trails in this area, there is very little/no shade. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses are always part of my hiking essentials, and of course, sunscreen.
The hike to the petroglyphs is fairly scenic, and overall a moderate hike. Once you read the petroglyphs, prepare to be amazed! These figures were made by many cultures over time, including prehistoric groups all the way up to early settlers.
It’s a fascinating site to see in person. You could sit here for hours just admiring these drawings. Some of them are 2,000 years old! Pack a lunch, sit for a spell, and think about the first people who marked these rocks. What do you think this area looked like 2,000 years ago?
As you’re admiring the petroglyphs, you’ll notice some…modern additions. Since apparently we can’t have nice things, I feel the need to remind everyone not to do this. Do not write on the panels, do not add your initials, and don’t even touch them. Take all the photographs you want, but leave it as you found it so future generations can enjoy it, too.
Because there’s little shade, I’d recommend viewing the Rochester Panel early in the morning or closer to dusk to avoid that mid-day sun. This is a great trail for the spring and fall, though it’s not impossible to tackle in the winter. You’ll just have to make sure your vehicle can reach the trailhead.
Share this article with someone you want to visit the Rochester Panel with and start planning your adventure today.
You either love the winter in Utah or you hate it. But no matter which one it is, you do all you can to survive a Utah winter. While we know that winter in the Beehive State is typically quite cold and very stormy, it’s always fun to see what the Farmers’ Almanac predicts. This year, the Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in Utah predictions tell us to prepare for a mild, yet stormy season. How does that sound?
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The Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting winter weather in the United States for more than 200 years. Due to their impressive 80 percent accuracy rate, the Farmers' Almanac has become a source many people look to as they plan their winter travels.
While winter officially starts on December 21, you can expect winter weather much earlier in the Beehive State. The winter weather predictions in Utah say that one of the snowiest times of the season will actually come as early as the middle of November. Shortly following, in late November, we can also expect one of the coldest times of the year. This means that preparations for winter snow gear and snow shovels must come early this season.
For Utah, and most of the Intermountain West, precipitation is expected to be about average or just above average this year. While mid-November is expected to see lots of snow, more is expected in early and late January and even into mid-March. It sounds like this will be an excellent year to pull out the skis and snowboards and perfect your skills …
So, when will winter end in Utah? Well, expect the snow for quite some time. The Farmers’ Almanac predicts that cold and snowy weather will continue clear into March. Fortunately, this isn't expected to be a year of frigid temperatures as they are predicted to be above normal for most of the season.
With plenty of snow and above-average temperatures, this is looking to be an excellent season for those hoping to spend their winter months on the slopes. And, if you are like me, I'm already looking forward to cozy sweaters, firewood, and hot chocolate! Oh, and the gorgeous frozen landscape that winter brings in Utah.
If you want to learn more about the Farmers' Almanac 2024 winter in Utah predictions, check out the official Farmers’ Almanac Winter Weather Forecast 2024-2025. And, if you are like us and love taking a look at the Farmers' Almanac winter forecast for Utah each year, let us know. We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.