Salt Lake City is a playground for anyone who is into adventure, and the outdoors. After my plans of going to Montana went down the drain, I knew what I had to do. I had to visit my friends, Trev Dawg and Jack Rich, in the beautiful mountains of Utah. Here’s what I did on this action packed weekend complete with tips for anyone trying to experience the thrills in these adventures.
Backcountry Skiing Under the Stars
The Pure Adrenaline of Night Skiing
My weekend kicked off with a wild night of backcountry skiing. There’s something very dreamy about a powder night with your friends. It started with one simple quote.
“Bro if you guys are down to pull an all-nighter and ski backcountry, I am down to pull an all-nighter and ski backcountry”- Josh Rich
We were all down to pull all-nighters and ski backcountry, so that’s exactly what we did. It was nothing short of magical trudging through 2 feet of powder while Josh messed up our navigation.
- Tip: If you are night skiing on a night where the avalanche danger is really high, ski low angle slopes. A rescue mission would be way harder in the dark. Also don’t lose one of your skis in two feet of powder, I’ve heard that can be really bad.
Kayaking on the West Water Section of the Colorado River
Fun Rapids and Good Times!
After an adrenaline-filled night, I switched gears and spent the next day driving down to the put-in for the “West Water” whitewater section of the Colorado River. The views were stunning, and my funny friends made the drive so much more entertaining. Once we got to the put-in, we ran the shuttle and unloaded all of our gear.
We kayaked and rafted until dusk, then we set up our camp. It felt so good to be back on the river with some of the my best friends.
The next morning, I was sweating bullets; this was going to be the biggest whitewater I have ever run in a hard shell kayak. I then practiced some rolls which calmed my nerves and got me feeling confident.
The rapids ended up being SO FUN. I think everyone had a blast. I would definitely recommend this river for anyone who wants a fun overnight trip.
- Tip: Fill up your gas tank about 45 minutes before you arrive at the put-in so you can run the shuttle and not have to worry about running out. (I definitely almost ran out of gas here)
Camping in the Backcountry and Split-boarding
Bring on the POWDER
After going on the river all day and driving three hours back to Salt Lake City, I was so wrecked. I somehow managed to get all of my crap together and go on a fantastic backcountry trip with my friend Malachi and my friend Parker.
We drove up and started skiing up the trail at about 10 pm. After we reached a great flat spot right below our target area for the next day’s adventure, we set up the tent. Camping in the snow is just so cool because the snow absorbs all the sounds that you would normally hear while camping.
We woke up and did a couple laps in some very deep powder which was the best reward for our hard work. We also came back to a $300 parking ticket, that one hurt.
Skydiving: The Ultimate Send
Diving 13,000 Feet to The Ground
To cap off the weekend, I decided to skydive with my best friend. We booked our jump and headed down to Skydive the Wasatch to try it out. Jumping out of a plane with your best friend is something I highly recommend.
My best friend Malachi and I did a classic rock, paper, scissors to go first. I lost and before I knew it Malachi was flying head first out of a plane. The views white parachuting down were incredible and it was an unforgettable experience. The guides were professional and super cool, this was the perfect way to wrap up a weekend.
- Tip: Choose a reputable skydiving company that prioritizes safety and has experienced instructors. I chose Skydive The Wasatch.
Conclusion: A Weekend to Remember
My adventurous weekend in Salt Lake City was filled with unforgettable experiences, from backcountry skiing to skydiving. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to explore the great outdoors, Salt Lake City offers endless opportunities for adventure.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Salt Lake City for outdoor activities?
The best time in my opinion is either fall or winter. Winter for the best skiing, and fall for cool temperatures in the desert climates.
What should I bring for a weekend of outdoor adventures?
I have my snowboarding gear lists linked here and here. I also have my camping list linked here. Whitewater gear list is coming soon.
I hope that ring this blog inspires you to embark on an amazing adventure in Utah. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to join us!
