GETTING THERE
  Heading up Provo Canyon from Provo you make a right turn at Vivian Park. Drive 3 miles up the small South Fork Canyon until you reach a small park. Drive to the end of the park to a large parking area. The trail begins at the opening of the fence on the north end of the parking lot.

THE TRAIL
  The loop trail in Big Springs Hollow is considered to be a classic in the Utah County mountain bike community. It is a fairly short trail but gives you a chance to climb 750 feet in 3.5 miles and get a great downhill experience. The trail is a firmly packed single track and is great to ride until the snow flies.
  The trail begins in thick trees near the small creek. It winds up the small canyon on a perfect single track. You will cross the creek several times on wooden bridges ,and before you know it you forget about the 750 vertical feet you are climbing to get to the top of the loop. At the crest of the trail, hang a left and start your fun through the trees. This is a great spot to stop and catch your breath and grab a drink of water. The downhill portion of the loop is one of the finest in the valley, crossing through thick forest and peeking out at open meadows. It is the perfect mix for a perfect ride.
  There are several variations to the trail, but they all loop back to the main parking area and canyon. There is even a chance to continue up along the Great Western Trail for some serious mountain bike climbing. This is for the die hard bikers.
  If you only have a few hours to get away for a ride, this is your trail. It is short and sweet and gives you majestic views of Cascade Mountain and Provo Canyon.
  The trail is for intermediate riders and those willing to slug up the first mile of climbing. There are no major obstacles and the riding is straight forward.
  Get out and give the trail a try.

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COURTHOUSE WASH
This hike starts a few miles above the entrance to Arches National Park. Park your car along highway 191 at the turnoff to Dead Horse Point. Hike east at this junction and head down into the deep canyon. After a mile or so of hiking you will be traveling inside the national park.
The hike continues to follow a stunning red rock canyon for several miles until you meet up with a small stream. Follow this stream for eight miles until you reach the mouth of the canyon. From this point you are at the bridge crossing over the Colorado River. Leave a car at the end or figure out a shuttle to get back.
Don’t forget to stop and enjoy several different waterfalls and pools. There are also a few rock art panels along the way. Keep your eyes open and look to the alcoves toward the bottom of the canyon.

MOAB RIM TRAIL
Just outside Moab along the
Kane Creek Road lies the Moab Rim Trail. The trail is three miles one way.
The trail starts on a 4×4 slick rock trail steep up the canyon side. After about a mile you will reach a viewpoint that overlooks Moab. Continue following the trail past several large sandstone features until you reach the sand hill. Skirt your way up the hill and continue to the second viewpoint that overlooks the Spanish Valley of Moab.
This hike has stunning views, and in the spring it gives you a chance to soak up a little sun. Don’t forget to wander a little on this trail. There are many different routes and side canyons to explore.

HUNTER CANYON TRAIL
This is another short hike along the Kane Creek Road. There is a free flowing stream that only flows in the spring. The large cottonwoods and small pools give you a chance to relax in desert style.
Don’t forget to take a look at the large arch that is located a half mile from the trailhead on the right side of the canyon.

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The night before, I went to the Wilkinson Center and rented a pair of well-used Rossignol skis. Boots and poles were in hand for my first day of ski school.

On a Thursday afternoon we loaded the noisy bus and headed up the canyon to Sundance. Once we arrived, patient ski instructors asked, “Have you ever skied before?”

After hearing my friends explain that they had experience, my desire to fit in overwhelmed my better judgement and I said that I, too, had been skiing before — lots of times.

Not only had I never been skiing, but I didn’t have that much experience with a lot of snow in general, since my family had only moved from Virginia earlier that year.

We soon split into groups based on skill level (real or imaginary) and headed up the lifts. Once we reached the top of the lift it was go time.

The rest of the class took off down the hill. There I was, lonely and scared. I was determined to ski, though. I pointed the skis down and off I went.

Things were going well for a moment — until I needed to turn. My skis did not respond.

Then I needed to stop. My skis did not respond.

There I was, going faster and faster, until I passed the ski instructor and crashed into a pile of snow and a small bush. The ski instructor very quickly realized that I had no ski experience and pointed me to the right class for proper instruction.

For me, some of the best outdoor experiences started with my Thursday afternoons in ski class at Sundance. Soon I improved and with the lessons I received that season, I have enjoyed many days at Sundance skiing with friends and family.

GETTING STARTED
For the want-to-be skier/snowboarder, Sundance offers a great chance to get started. If you live in Utah County, the resort is the closest of any in the state (30 minutes from downtown Provo), which gives you the chance to work and ski in the same day. If you want lessons, the instructors are top notch and certified for all ages and skill levels.

The resort has large, groomed runs that give you the chance to work on your snowplow turns at any speed. With a few exceptions you can ski or snowboard Sundance every day of the season and not have to wait in a line.

FOR THE OLD PRO
You might hear the experienced skier/snowboarder say that Sundance does not offer enough terrain to keep them interested. I disagree. (And so would cover boy Steven Nyman.) The terrain is incredible.

You are always in the shadow of the Mount Timpanogos. Few places in Utah give you a chance to experience such a beautiful mountain. The famous Bishop’s Bowl is a joy to experience with fresh powder. The tree skiing is second to none. There is plenty of steep and deep. With more than 40 runs to choose from you will stay busy all day long.

TAKE A BREAK
Don’t forget to stop and enjoy a few moments of relaxation at the Bearclaw Cabin. Here you will be given an incredible view of the surrounding mountains down to Utah Lake. And remember to come hungry. The food is as stellar as the view.

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