That might make 2008 a good time to explore some of Utah's 43 state parks which offer visitors living history, museums, hiking trails, scenery, places to ride off-highway vehicles, campgrounds, golf courses, fishing areas, natural history and boating opportunities.

Since all but a remote few are within a few hours drive and a tank of gas or less away from the populous Wasatch Front, the parks help Utahns discover their heritage or simply provide a place to relax in a beautiful setting.

While day-use activities certainly are available, the parks could be even more crowded than normal this year. That means that obtaining reservations well in advance at campgrounds - especially on weekends - is important.

The same holds true when trying to get a golf time at popular courses such as Wasatch Mountain, Soldier Hollow, Palisade or Green River.

For those unfamiliar with Utah State parks or for travelers looking for something new to do at an old favorite, here is a list of 10 possible summer vacations:

Antelope Island

The largest island on the Great Salt Lake is also one of Utah's best parks. Visiting the Fielding Garr Ranch offers a chance to see one of Utah's oldest buildings and to learn about the state's ranching tradition. Consider taking a 3 1/2 -mile hike to the top of 6,596-foot Frary Peak for panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake, the Wasatch Front and the Great Basin. There are hiking, horseback riding and mountain bike trails at the lower ends of the island, nice beaches and a campground. Cool off with a salty dip in the lake. Bicyclists and roller bladers will enjoy riding the 7 1/2 -mile long causeway. And, of course, there is wildlife watching for bison and birds with good interpretation available at the visitor center.

If you do one thing: Visit the Fielding Garr Ranch.

East Canyon State Park

The addition of yurts, which include places to sleep indoors and outside barbecues and picnic tables, make this water-oriented park a bit different than some of the others. While the south end campgrounds will be closed most of the summer for reconstruction, new camping facilities in the main marina near park headquarters provide a good place to enjoy boating, swimming and fishing.

If you do one thing: Enjoy a cozy night inside a yurt.

Goblin Valley

Though spring and fall might be better times to visit this park, filled with goblin-like sandstone formations, those who brave the summer temperatures might consider planning a camping trip when the moon is full and taking an eerie walk through the valley under the moonlight. Grownups can become children again by organizing a game of hide-and-seek with their kids.

If you do one thing: Take an hour-long hike to remote corners of the valley.

Palisade

Located in Sanpete County, this park combines one of Utah's most underrated 18-hole golf courses with a small 70-acre reservoir where motor boats are not allowed. Small sandy beaches and lots of shade make this an ideal place to launch a canoe, rowboat or swim and camp in a scenic, cool spot.

If you do one thing: Enjoy the views of surrounding Sanpete County while playing golf.

Uinta Basin

Combine a visit to the four state parks in the Uinta Basin - Starvation near Duchesne and Red Fleet, Steinaker and the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in and near Vernal. Consider camping, boating, fishing or swimming at one of the three reservoirs. Take a boat or personal watercraft from the ramp to the dinosaur tracks in the sandstone at Red Fleet Reservoir and take several hours to explore the wonderful exhibits at the relatively new natural history museum which interprets the area's rich dinosaur traditions. Though not state parks, golfers might also try courses in Vernal and Roosevelt.

If you do one thing: Visit the new museum, a huge improvement over the old building that features state-of-the-art interpretation.

Snow Canyon

While this park can get hot in the summer, a paved bicycle trail that runs both through the middle of the canyon and along the rim makes it a great place for an early morning or sunset ride. Add camping and hiking to the mix, if you like.

If you do one thing: Take your bicycle and enjoy a trip on the paved trail at both the bottom and top of the canyon.

Wasatch-Summit counties

Get a camping spot at Deer Creek, Jordanelle or Rockport State Parks, all reservoir areas with modern facilities close to boating, fishing and swimming opportunities. Then make a golf reservation at Wasatch Mountain State Park or Soldier Hollow. Take the kids to the Rock Cliff Nature Center for a boardwalk hike and learning experience at Jordanelle State Park.

If you do one thing: Take advantage of the primitive tent camping area at Rock Cliff recreation area at Jordanelle State Park.

Sand Hollow

One of Utah's newest facilities provides a scenic place to swim, boat and fish as well as developed and primitive camping facilities. Add to that the chance to enjoy an ATV ride on the nearby sand dune or some fishing and boating variety at nearby Quail Creek State Park and it would be easy to spend a week here. Remember that Zion National Park is also a short drive away.

If you do one thing: Enjoy a primitive camping experience as close as possible to the reservoir.

Coral and Pink Sand Dunes

This beautiful area of shifting pink sand dunes ranks among the most popular off-highway vehicle riding areas in Utah. Add to that some areas closed to motorized vehicles where kids can enjoy playing in the sand and a popular camping area and this is a great place for a trip.

If you do one thing: Have your kids "bury" you in the sand.

Kodachrome Basin

Many rank this park, along with Dead Horse Point, as Utah's most scenic and its campground may be the state's best public facility. Those who don't like camping can rent a cabin in the heart of the scenic park from a concessionaire that also offers horseback riding. This is also a good place to base a longer trip that could include stops at Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and Anasazi State Park.

If you do one thing: Take one of the several marked hiking trails near the campground.

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* TOM WHARTON can be contacted at wharton@sltrib.com. His phone number is 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.

State parks information

* The Utah State Parks Web site at www.stateparks.utah.gov offers online reservations for golf and camping as well as information on what there is to see and do at all 43 parks.

* To make camping reservations, call 801-322-3770 inside the Salt Lake Valley or 800-322-3770 outside the valley.