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New State Park Opens in Utah
Already home to five national parks (The Mighty 5®), 43 state parks, seven national monuments and two national recreation areas, Utah’s long list of protected natural sites for visitors to explore is expanding with the addition of a 44th state park.
Echo State Park opened in May 2018 so visitors to Utah this summer will be among the first to experience all it has to offer. Sandwiched between the communities of Echo and Coalville, Utah – only 45 minutes northeast of Salt Lake City – Echo State Park encompasses the Echo Reservoir and offers both water and land-based adventures to visitors. The Echo Marina rents power boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards and mountain bikes as well as provides campsite reservations.  www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/echo/

Southern Utah Goes Grand
Southern Utah is home to the Grand to Grand Ultra (G2G) – an annual ultramarathon which begins at the Grand Canyon North Rim and climbs to the summit of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The G2G is the only stage race on the planet to start from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Taking place September 23-29, 2018, the G2G draws competitors and spectators from 30 countries, including Canada. Kanab, Utah serves as the base for the race with the 273 km course taking in the stunning landscapes this area is renowned for, including high desert, sand dunes, red rock slot canyons, buttes, mesas and hoodoos. Visitors to Kanab can visit many of the same sites along the course such as Zion National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and Dixie National Forest.  www.g2gultra.com

Summer Adventures A Stone’s Throw from Salt Lake City
Summer vacations are in full effect, and while some visitors prefer to unwind in the wilderness, others like to experience everything a big city has to offer. But why choose just one? With dozens of museums, a burgeoning culinary scene and close proximity to nature, Salt Lake City is a top destination combining culture and outdoor adventure in the same day. Here are five adventures within 60 minutes of Salt Lake City (SLC) and a complimentary urban pairing to give travellers the best of both worlds:

  1. Hiking the High Uintas (45 min. from SLC): Gain a little perspective in the High Uintas – Utah’s highest mountain range – accessed from Kamas, Utah, 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. The High Uintas backcountry has long been a favourite haunt for backpackers, anglers and equestrians. Recreational use is heavy in some popular areas, while other remote spots may go years between visitors. There is a lot of wilderness to go around, and visitors should have little trouble finding a lake to call home for a few days.
    • From nature to natural history: Following a day of exploring nature in the High Uintas, learn about the history of Utah and the Intermountain West at the Natural History Museum of Utah. The mission of the museum is to illuminate the natural world and the place of humans within it.
  2. ATVing in Wasatch Mountain State Park (48 min. from SLC): Lofty Peaks Adventures is the exclusive permit holder for Wasatch Mountain State Park — Utah’s largest state park — and offers the ultimate off-roading adventure by ATV in northern Utah. Lofty Peaks Adventures maximizes each rider’s time by providing “at the trailhead” ATV rentals.
    • Detox with a mud mask at Basalt Day Spa: Recover from a day of kicking up the dirt with Basalt Day Spa’s most indulgent detox experience. Starting with a nourishing botanical mud application, followed by an herbal soaked linen with a face, scalp and neck massage.
  3. Fly Fish on the Provo River (60 min. from SLC): The famous Provo River is one of the United State’s top tailwater fisheries. The middle and lower sections of this Blue Ribbon stream offer 24 km of fisherman access, prolific hatches, stunning views of Mount Timpanogos and rich populations of trout. Book a guided trip with Provo River Guides.
    • Feast on fish at Current Fish & Oyster: Visitors who don’t want to cook their own daily catch can dine at Current Fish & Oyster. Innovative, contemporary and honed through extensive research, Current’s menu has been carefully developed to highlight the best fresh seafood from regional America.
  4. White Water Rafting the Weber River (60 min. from SLC): The 8 km float through Weber Canyon starts on a meandering and brief flatwater stretch of river before the first ripples appear. Rock Garden, a class II+ rapid and navigation challenge, appears shortly after. This section gets really big during high water. Following Rock Garden, the entertainment continues with a nice mix of rapids and flatwater stretches, which provide time to take in beautiful views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. High Country Adventure offers two-hour and half-day trips throughout the summer.
    • Have a drink at Sugar House Distillery: After a day on the river, visit a local watering hole to take off the edge. Sugar House Distillery offers 60-90 minute tours, or visitors can simply ask for the walk-in sample, which includes five products for $5 U.S.
  5. Mountain Biking in Park City (40 min. from SLC): Explore over 725 km of Park City trails with a guided mountain biking tour from White Pine Touring. They offer several tours including night riding with only a handlebar or helmet light to guide the way, a five-hour tour that tackles an International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Epic Ride like the Wasatch Crest Trail, or the three-hour local tour that is customized to the group’s ability and preferences.
    • Take a Salt Lake City cycling tour: Recover from a morning of intense mountain biking with a leisurely afternoon tour of the city. Salt Lake Bicycle Tours utilizes expert tour guides to highlight all the secrets that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Issued by the Utah Office of Tourism Australia / New Zealand Press Office.
Trade: For more information and/or high resolution images please contact: Corey Marshall at Canuckiwi on +64 21 555 463 or email corey@canuckiwi.com