February is my least favorite month in Utah; it’s cold, snowy, icy, and the inversion is at its worst. While it’s tempting to bury my head under a quilt until the month is over, February is actually the perfect month for some Utah adventures. Here are a few suggestions.
- Bundle up and head to Midway Ice Castles.
Midway Ice Castles/Facebook This man-made wonder in Midway is something you just shouldn’t miss. The air up there is usually much cleaner than in the Salt Lake Valley, and the ice castles are truly spectacular. You’ll need tickets in advance, so make sure to visit the company’s website first. Click here for more information.
- Catch a performance with the Utah Symphony
Utah Symphony/Facebook The Utah Symphony’s season is in full swing in February, and you’ll find eight performances scheduled this month. Get cozy in your seat at Abravanel and enjoy some world-class music. Visit the symphony’s website for performance times and ticket information.
- Take in the splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park.
James Marvin Phelps February is one of the lowest visitation months at this popular national park, but it’s hard to imagine missing this view. There’s just something about the way the hoodoos look with a dusting of snow - it gives them a whole new dimension. During snowy months, you can still hike in the canyon, but you’ll want to bring snowshoes or Yaktrax. For information and directions, visit the park’s website.
- Go sledding at Gorgoza Park.
Gorgoza Park/Facebook Gorgoza Park is located near Jeremy Ranch. You’ll find several tubing lanes here, along with two towing lifts so you don’t have to climb the hill. Plan to spend an entire, glorious day here playing in the snow. Click here for more information.
- Soak in the hot springs at Meadow Hot Springs
Bryant Olsen/flickr Head to Fillmore for a nice, long soak in 100-degree water. These hot springs are located on private property, but the owner makes them available to the public. Please wear a swimsuit and pack out your trash with you so that all Utahns can continue to enjoy this wonderful place. Click here for more information.
- Go skiing at Snowbasin.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook With all our recent snow, now is the perfect time to go skiing. Try the less-crowded and seriously underrated Snowbasin Resort in the Ogden Valley. The views here are gorgeous, and you’ll get that same fluffy, Utah powder - without the crowds. Visit Snowbasin’s website for more information.
- Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls
Greg Willis/flickr Calf Creek Falls is located near the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (and the new Bears Ears National Monument). During winter months, this gorgeous waterfall is much less crowded than in summer months, and it’s just as beautiful. Click here for more information.
- Say hello to the bald eagles at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge/Facebook During the month of February, you’ll find plenty of bald eagles at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City. In fact, February 11th is Bald Eagle Day, with crafts, tours, films and exhibits, all highlighting America’s most iconic and majestic bird. Click here for more information.
- See an independent movie.
Tydence Davis/flickr After the crowds from Sundance leave, Utah still has a vibrant indie movie scene. Get yourself a treat (Broadway Centre Cinemas has some delicious imported chocolate, fresh baked pizza and popcorn with real butter) and watch a movie that has fewer computer-generated explosions and more character development. Check out the Salt Lake Film Society’s website to see what’s playing this month.
- Get up close and personal with a few hundred elk at Hardware Ranch.
Hardware Ranch/Facebook The Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area is home to as many as 500 elk during the winter months. The elk feeding program helps the animals get through the winter, and gives Utahns a way to see them up close. You’ll take a hay ride out to the herd, and get a chance to say hello. Elk viewing is over at the end of February, so plan your visit soon! Check out the website for more details.
- Snuggle into a cozy table with a great view at Log Haven.
Management/TripAdvisor When the snow is falling outside, there’s nothing better than a cozy table in a log restaurant. Make your reservations at Log Haven for dinner this month - it’s like a winter wonderland there in February. Click here for more information.
- Book a mini vacation in St. George
Inn at Entrada/Facebook St. George is usually much warmer and less polluted than northern Utah in February. Head down there for some sunshine, golf and fresh air. You might consider a stay at the Inn At Entrada, which has several options for couples or families. Click here for more information.
What is your favorite thing to do in February?
Midway Ice Castles/Facebook
This man-made wonder in Midway is something you just shouldn’t miss. The air up there is usually much cleaner than in the Salt Lake Valley, and the ice castles are truly spectacular. You’ll need tickets in advance, so make sure to visit the company’s website first. Click here for more information.
Utah Symphony/Facebook
The Utah Symphony’s season is in full swing in February, and you’ll find eight performances scheduled this month. Get cozy in your seat at Abravanel and enjoy some world-class music. Visit the symphony’s website for performance times and ticket information.
James Marvin Phelps
February is one of the lowest visitation months at this popular national park, but it’s hard to imagine missing this view. There’s just something about the way the hoodoos look with a dusting of snow - it gives them a whole new dimension. During snowy months, you can still hike in the canyon, but you’ll want to bring snowshoes or Yaktrax. For information and directions, visit the park’s website.
Gorgoza Park/Facebook
Gorgoza Park is located near Jeremy Ranch. You’ll find several tubing lanes here, along with two towing lifts so you don’t have to climb the hill. Plan to spend an entire, glorious day here playing in the snow. Click here for more information.
Bryant Olsen/flickr
Head to Fillmore for a nice, long soak in 100-degree water. These hot springs are located on private property, but the owner makes them available to the public. Please wear a swimsuit and pack out your trash with you so that all Utahns can continue to enjoy this wonderful place. Click here for more information.
Snowbasin Resort/Facebook
With all our recent snow, now is the perfect time to go skiing. Try the less-crowded and seriously underrated Snowbasin Resort in the Ogden Valley. The views here are gorgeous, and you’ll get that same fluffy, Utah powder - without the crowds. Visit Snowbasin’s website for more information.
Greg Willis/flickr
Calf Creek Falls is located near the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (and the new Bears Ears National Monument). During winter months, this gorgeous waterfall is much less crowded than in summer months, and it’s just as beautiful. Click here for more information.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge/Facebook
During the month of February, you’ll find plenty of bald eagles at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City. In fact, February 11th is Bald Eagle Day, with crafts, tours, films and exhibits, all highlighting America’s most iconic and majestic bird. Click here for more information.
Tydence Davis/flickr
After the crowds from Sundance leave, Utah still has a vibrant indie movie scene. Get yourself a treat (Broadway Centre Cinemas has some delicious imported chocolate, fresh baked pizza and popcorn with real butter) and watch a movie that has fewer computer-generated explosions and more character development. Check out the Salt Lake Film Society’s website to see what’s playing this month.
Hardware Ranch/Facebook
The Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area is home to as many as 500 elk during the winter months. The elk feeding program helps the animals get through the winter, and gives Utahns a way to see them up close. You’ll take a hay ride out to the herd, and get a chance to say hello. Elk viewing is over at the end of February, so plan your visit soon! Check out the website for more details.
Management/TripAdvisor
When the snow is falling outside, there’s nothing better than a cozy table in a log restaurant. Make your reservations at Log Haven for dinner this month - it’s like a winter wonderland there in February. Click here for more information.
Inn at Entrada/Facebook
St. George is usually much warmer and less polluted than northern Utah in February. Head down there for some sunshine, golf and fresh air. You might consider a stay at the Inn At Entrada, which has several options for couples or families. Click here for more information.
For your 2017 bucket list, read our article with 17 things every Utah should do before they die.
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