Author: Jenny Willden

Help the Utah Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and Hogle Zoo raise wildlife awareness by running this 5K on Saturday, October 1 that benefits Wild Aware Utah and the Lubee Bat Conservancy. Race starts at 8:00 a.m. and the course wraps around the zoo and ends back at the zoo for refreshments. utahaazk.org

New gear continually floods the outdoor recreation market, and occasionally, an item stands out that truly wows you, like Geiggerig’s Pressurized Hydration Packs. Created by Utahn Bob Geiger, the company is headquartered in Ogden and makes packs that are everything you never knew you needed in a hydration pack. The hydration bladder, or Hydration Engine as Geigerrig calls it, is the pack’s most innovative feature. It’s pressurized by an external squeeze pump, which pumps air into a chamber separate from the water, keeping out dust particles. Just 15 pumps and water will flow when you simply bite down, no sucking…

Get rid of used gear, and make cash to buy new gear, at Snowbird’s annual swap from September 30–October 2. SWAP hours are Friday 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. There is no entry fee for SWAP admission and no tag fee for equipment/clothing to be sold. Snowbird Sports Education Foundation takes a commission on items sold at the SWAP. SBSEF is a nonprofit organization, donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. All gear must be 10 years old or less. For more information contact Steve Bounous or Tami Strong at sbsef@aol.com. snowbird.com

Enjoy gourmet lunches and dinners at an affordable price at Salt Lake’s finest restaurants from September 16–October 1. Choose from a two-course lunch for $5 or $10, or a three-course dinner for $15 or $30 per person. It’s a great way to try new restaurants, without busting your budget. For details on participating restaurants and menus, check online. downtownslc.org

Challenge yourself at this renown triathlon, which takes place in and around the beautiful Jordanelle Reservoir near Park City on Saturday, August 20. Ranked as one of the top 100 races in the country by Triathlete magazine. Sprint and Olympic distances will be offered. Registration deadline is August 14. triutah.com

It may still be summer, but ski season is just a few short months away. Get ready by seeing Warren Miller’s 62nd film, Like There’s No Tomorrow, for free! Outdoor Sport Guide is giving away 20 tickets to the screening on October 14 at Abravanel Hall. Each movie ticket also comes with a free lift ticket to Canyons Resort and other sweet discounts. Enter by becoming a fan of Outdoor Sports Guide on Facebook. Just scan this code with any barcode scan app on your smartphone and you’ll be directed to our Facebook page. Then simply “Like” our page and…

Get dirty for a good cause at Utah’s first Mud Run MS on Saturday, August 13 at Miller Motorsports Park. This 10K course has a series of boot camp-style obstacles, most of which contain water and mud! Onlookers can cheer on participants as they slip and slide through the course. Registration fee is $50 and there is a minimum fundraising requirement of $100 to participate. 100% of the money raised by participants will benefit the National MS Society. mudrunMSutah.org

Support ovarian cancer research while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities at this 10th annual event. Hosted by Black Diamond from September 15–18, Climb4Life is a weekend of climbing, hiking, running and yoga in the Wasatch canyons. Massages and parties are also included in the $75 registration fee. Fundraising a minimum of $200 is required to participate. herafoundation.org

editor’s note The late season snow has almost melted, and it’s finally prime biking season in Utah’s mountains. Escape hot valley temperatures and spend a day riding in our scenic canyons. I experienced Deer Valley’s lift-served mountain biking for the first time this summer, and the gorgeous Deer Crest trail is a must for intermediate riders. You’ll begin at the top of Bald Mountain and enjoy stunning views, thrilling singletrack and speedy downhill sections as you ride to the resort base. Get more information on Park City mountain biking in my summer getaway story on page 17.

Visiting Florida’s Other Magic Kingdom Redefine vacation on a trip to Pasco County, Florida, where outdoor recreation, natural scenery and eco-conscious living happily collide for a trip guaranteed to make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Just a 30-minute drive from Tampa, Pasco County seems far removed from big city living and offers a plethora of recreation opportunities: boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, cycling and much more. Make your first stop in Pasco the Port Richey/New Port Richey area, which sits on the gulf and is set in lush forestlands. The beautiful Pithlachascotee River (nicknamed Cotee) flows right…