Author: Don Macavoy

Exploring Ding & Dang Canyons in Goblin Valley Story and photos by Don Macavoy My feet press hard against sandstone as my back slides down the cold wall just a few feet away. I’m crouched 10 feet above the sand wash below, slowly inching my way toward the ground. Every move is calculated and decisive. If I slip, I fall. I make my final move then let myself drop safely into the soft sand below. This is a slot canyon, created by water eroding rock over thousands of years, resulting in tight, deep crevices snaking between tall walls of Navajo…

Weekend Alternatives in Northern Utah and Idaho During summer, when Utah’s national parks get overcrowded, those in the know head north to some of Utah and Idaho’s best hidden gems. It’s a great opportunity to explore amazing places that you might have been on the backburner until now. Find a new favorite among these five great getaways: Dinosaur National Monument Distance from Salt Lake City: 188 miles; 3-hour drive Whether you want to hike, bike, raft, or just relax, Dinosaur National Monument has something for everyone. You can hike on short interpretive trails or take longer hikes to find solitude…

Going the Distance It’s been quite the epic winter in Utah, but spring is just around the corner—and that means it’s running season. Even if you’re not ready to give up those powder days just yet you might be ready to start planning out your race calendar and begin a training program. No matter where you are in the state, there’s plenty of runs to choose from whether it’s a half or full marathon or maybe even an ultra! Whether it’s your first time or you’re a veteran racer, preparation is one of the most important things to get the…

Sick of Donut Falls? Try these Utah winter hikes instead. During my first winter in Utah, I drove to the Brighton ski resort to hike to Lake Mary—without realizing that early season snow had fallen the night before. I almost decided to turn around, but instead took my first steps toward falling in love with winter hiking. The trail cut across empty ski slopes and into the trees as I stripped off layers of clothing, forgetting to always start cold lest you sweat through your base layers.  The 1.25-mile Lake Mary hike took at least an hour in the deep…

5 Can’t–Miss Destinations For Colors & Camping Fall doesn’t get as much love in Utah as other times of year, but the changing colors make it spectacular. The deep oranges of canyon maples light up the Wasatch Front, and quaking aspens in southern Utah turn bright yellow to contrast the deep red landscape. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out on weekends without the summer crowds and discover the hidden treasures that make Utah great. Not sure where to go? Here are our five favorite fall getaways in the Beehive State. Scenic Byway 12: Red Canyon To Torrey Scenic Byway…

Escape the Summer Crowds Utah’s national parks are stunning, but come summer these spectacular destinations are flooded with tourist crowds. And when it comes to camping, the same goes for accessible, local favorites like the Cottonwood and American Fork Canyons. Just try getting a campsite at the Spruces on a Friday night. These days, those desiring a little solitude have to look beyond the summer classics for crowd-free hiking and a quiet nights under the stars. But one great perk of the Beehive State is that popular, breathtaking natural formations typically have something equally amazing surrounding them, and most tourists…

David Bell’s Quest to Bring Distance Running to Everyone Story and photos by Don Macavoy David Bell has pride in his voice as he describes his three criteria for a perfect half marathon course, “It has to be beautiful, it has to be fast, and it has to have a unique element to it.” Using this criteria, he’s developed Utah races that keep people coming back to set PRs, run unique courses, and be part of the growing community he’s built. In the Beginning From participating in his first race at age of 6 with his father to his first…