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Many outdoor adventures in Utah begin in Salt Lake City. Then visitors spread out to experience infinite recreation opportunities across some of the nation's most diverse landscapes. Here are some hot spots to get you started.

HIKE LOGAN CANYON

The 41-mile Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway rises into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest from the beautiful agricultural lands of Cache Valley. This section of historic Highway 89 carves a winding path through 500 million years of breathtaking geology before hitting a summit at nearly 8,000 feet. The Tony Grove area of Logan Canyon is a great start, where you can reserve a campsite and find accessible nature trails or more strenuous climbs to nearby peaks, like the splendid Mount Naomi and the adjacent Mount Naomi Wilderness.

Continue the adventure ... Stand Up Paddleboard on Bear Lake

BIRD WATCH AT BEAR RIVER MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE

The 75,000-acre Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is 45 minutes from Brigham City (which is about an hour north of Salt Lake City) and offers an exciting reminder of this natural space we share with wildlife. Millions of migrating birds pass through the area each year, though spring and fall witness the peak migrations. For maximum tranquility, you can never go wrong with a visit at sunrise. Then learn more at the wildlife education center during regular hours.

Continue the adventure ... See Golden Spike National Historic Site and the Spiral Jetty

EXPLORE FLAMING GORGE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

With more than 200,000 acres of land and water, Flaming Gorge is a scenic playground for boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, camping, wildlife viewing and fishing from boat or shore, especially for trophy trout. You'll also find quaint, hospitable communities like Manila and Dutch John as your basecamp for great backpacking, hiking, biking and backcountry adventures on the Ashley National Forest and High Uintas Wilderness. Nearby Vernal also easily accesses Dinosaur National Monument.

Continue the adventure ... Experience Blue Ribbon Fishing on the Green River

MOUNTAIN BIKE THE WASATCH CREST

Salt Lake's backyard canyons are natural gems of the highest order. The Cottonwoods are an elemental part of the valley's fervent outdoor passion, in no small part thanks to four world-class ski resorts. In the summer, they come alive with verdant splendor and readily accessible recreation distinctive to Utah's Wasatch Mountain Range. The top of Big Cottonwood accesses the celebrated...