The state’s largest outdoor multi-disciplinary arts event returns June 26–29 at Library Square in Salt Lake City. See unique works from talented artists, enjoy delicious ethnic cuisine, and watch live performances. Bike to the fest to save $2 on admission, and they’ll store your bike in a secure area. Utah’s own Color Me Rad 5K, where colored chalk is tossed on participants as they run by, takes place just outside the Utah Arts festival on Saturday, June 21. Save 10% on registration with discount code ARTS. uaf.org
Author: Jenny Willden
Jenny Willden
Jenny Willden is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a self-proclaimed gear and grammar nut. She's a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. A lover of adventure and travel, she's happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden or Instagram @jlwillden.
Watch live performances by The Head and the Heart, Lauryn Hill, Beck, and more at Salt Lake’s ever-growing summer outdoor concert series in Pioneer Park. Concerts take place every Thursday evening in July and August this season, and admission is just $5 a show. Season passes also available for a limited time. See the full lineup online. twilightconcertseries.com
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy this classic event celebrating wine, food, and outdoor adventures from July 9–13 in Park City. Don’t miss the Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday from 4:00–7:00 p.m. where you’ll sample food provided by local restaurants and wine from around the world. Pair wine and food with outdoor recreation at seminars for mountain bikers, road cyclists, stand-up paddleboarders, and hikers. New this year is Dashing Through the Woods, a guided trail run followed by a catered lunch, and The Walk of Wine and Whiskey, a hike followed by lunch at High West Distillery…
Sun Valley, Idaho’s 400 miles of continuous singletrack are yours to explore at this bike fest from June 27–June 29. Experienced riders can compete in the Sun Valley Super Enduro, one of the country’s longest Enduro races, while newer riders try free bike demos, races, or complimentary shuttled and guided rides to the area’s best trails. There’s even a mountain bike race for kids! ridesunvalley.com
Get a slice of peach pie and a host of other peach treats at Palisade, Colorado’s annual Peach Festival from August 14–17. This eclectic town near Grand Junction samples peach recipes at free cooking demonstrations and hosts a free peaches and ice cream evening social as part of the event along with live music, kids’ activities, winery tours, and a farmer’s market. palisadepeachfest.com
Get your kicks at this 2-day trail running and multi-sport festival held at Colorado’s Copper Mountain Resort from July 12–13. Six different trail race options: 5K, 10K, half marathon, duathlon, Twilight 10K Fun Run, and kid’s half-mile dash. The weekend also includes an expo, pasta lunch, live music, and family movie night. copperhalf.com
Watch the world’s best mountain bikers return to Colorado’s Winter Park Resort to battle it out for prizes and bragging rights at this event from July 24–27. The 4-day festival features slopestyle, Enduro World Series racing, air downhill, and cross country. But the Fest isn’t only for pros! Bike demos are available in the Festivillage for everyone, and you can take downhill mountain biking lessons from instructors at Winter Park Resort. coloradofreeridefestival.com
Demo next year’s bikes on Moab’s world-class roads and trails at this gear testing event from October 1–5. Guided rides and clinics with your own bike are scheduled for October 1–2 with shuttled bike demo rides and afterparties from October 3–5. Rides available for beginner and advanced riders. Tickets available online. outerbike.com
Confession: Since my childhood days of watching Hey Dude on Nickelodeon I’ve dreamed of visiting a dude ranch. Last summer when I had the chance to stay at Colorado’s finest ranches…I couldn’t pass it up! Disconnecting from the digital world and spending a week on horseback in the mountains made me see why so many come back each year. Our second annual Straycation Issue features a story on this trip and others in Arizona and Utah. For the occasion, we’ve changed the focus of the Starting Line from races to festivals and have highlighted our favorites for your summer calendar.…
Getting Ranchy in the Colorado Rockies It’s a place where doors are left unlocked and strangers say ‘howdy’ as you walk by. Horses are the primary mode of transportation, and people gather for dinner at the sound of a bell. The hum of electronics is absent, replaced by the sound of a creek outside one’s window.