The infamous Utah inversion is in full swing now. The Salt Lake Tribune recently reported that our air quality is so bad right now that the Utah Division of Air Quality urges people to minimize driving and utilize public transit whenever possible. People with immune deficiency, small children and the elderly should avoid prolonged exposure outdoors. So, what are you going to do? Get out of the valley and find clean, fresh air in these 13 spots throughout Utah.
- Arches National Park
Arches National Park/flickr You’ll typically find mild weather at Arches during winter months. You can even camp, but you’ll want to have the appropriate gear - it still gets cold at night.
- Bryce Canyon National Park
Mark Weston/flickr Bryce’s high elevation means that the temperature is still chilly, but don’t the hoodoos look stunning with a light dusting of snow?
- Dead Horse Point State Park
Clint Losee/flickr. The visitor center is open year-round. Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed overlooks in the world.
- Hardware Ranch
Alex Quistberg/flickr Head to hardware ranch and hang out with about 600 elk. You’ll find the ranch about 15 miles east of Hyrum.
- Lake Powell
gcmenezes/flickr Lake Powell offers quiet solitude during winter months. Take a boat tour, fish and play.
- Mantua Lake
Tom Caswell/flickr Go ice fishing at Mantua Reservoir (you’ll also find great ice fishing at Strawberry, Pineview, Lost Creek and Rockport).
- Moab
TRAILSOURCE.COM/flickr It’s a bad idea to exercise in the Salt Lake Valley when the particulate count is this high…but wouldn’t you love to hop on your mountain bike right now? Strap it to your bike rack and head to Moab.
- Ogden Valley
simdude2u/flickr Nestled in the valley between Ogden and Weber canyons, Ogden Valley is picturesque and full of things to do. Visit the Shooting Star Saloon, Utah’s oldest continually operating bar. Ski at Wolf Mountain, Powder Mountain or Snowbasin.
- Soldier Hollow Resort
Soldier Hollow Resort/Facebook Throw your snowshoes, cross country skis or sleds in the car and head up to Soldier Hollow, where the air is fresh and the snowy recreation opportunities abound.
- Park City
Chris Kelly/flickr Play in Park City! The inversion creeps up Parley’s Canyon just a few miles. Once you get past the East Canyon exit, it’s blue skies all the way. Shop, dine, people-watch and ski.
- St. George
Ken Lund/flickr How about a round of golf? Perhaps some outlet shopping? Maybe just a stroll around a pretty, sunny, clean town.
- Utah’s Ski Resorts
Snowbird/Facebook There’s no inversion at 11,000 feet, but there IS tons of Utah snow.
- Zion National Park
Diana Robinson/flickr How about temperatures in the mid-60s and sunshine? Also, very few tourists to crowd the trails and obstruct the gorgeous views.
Are you planning on getting out of the inversion soon? Tell us about your plans!
Arches National Park/flickr
You’ll typically find mild weather at Arches during winter months. You can even camp, but you’ll want to have the appropriate gear - it still gets cold at night.
Mark Weston/flickr
Bryce’s high elevation means that the temperature is still chilly, but don’t the hoodoos look stunning with a light dusting of snow?
Clint Losee/flickr.
The visitor center is open year-round. Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed overlooks in the world.
Alex Quistberg/flickr
Head to hardware ranch and hang out with about 600 elk. You’ll find the ranch about 15 miles east of Hyrum.
gcmenezes/flickr
Lake Powell offers quiet solitude during winter months. Take a boat tour, fish and play.
Tom Caswell/flickr
Go ice fishing at Mantua Reservoir (you’ll also find great ice fishing at Strawberry, Pineview, Lost Creek and Rockport).
TRAILSOURCE.COM/flickr
It’s a bad idea to exercise in the Salt Lake Valley when the particulate count is this high…but wouldn’t you love to hop on your mountain bike right now? Strap it to your bike rack and head to Moab.
simdude2u/flickr
Nestled in the valley between Ogden and Weber canyons, Ogden Valley is picturesque and full of things to do. Visit the Shooting Star Saloon, Utah’s oldest continually operating bar. Ski at Wolf Mountain, Powder Mountain or Snowbasin.
Soldier Hollow Resort/Facebook
Throw your snowshoes, cross country skis or sleds in the car and head up to Soldier Hollow, where the air is fresh and the snowy recreation opportunities abound.
Chris Kelly/flickr
Play in Park City! The inversion creeps up Parley’s Canyon just a few miles. Once you get past the East Canyon exit, it’s blue skies all the way. Shop, dine, people-watch and ski.
Ken Lund/flickr
How about a round of golf? Perhaps some outlet shopping? Maybe just a stroll around a pretty, sunny, clean town.
Snowbird/Facebook
There’s no inversion at 11,000 feet, but there IS tons of Utah snow.
Diana Robinson/flickr
How about temperatures in the mid-60s and sunshine? Also, very few tourists to crowd the trails and obstruct the gorgeous views.
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