As February drags on, more than a few Utahns begin to get severe cases of cabin fever. Television reality shows and legal procedural dramas, board games, quiet nights spent reading and getting out for the occasional movie and dinner start to get old.
One cure is to get outdoors for a morning, a day, a weekend or a week. The state doesn't lack for destinations to enjoy, winter outdoor experiences and weekend getaways.
What's more, if you plan an overnight stay in areas other than ski resorts, chances are winter motel and hotel rates will be in effect, making for a less expensive travel experience.
Here are 10 suggestions for beating the winter blues in Utah:
St. George/Mesquite golf » Worried that your game is getting rusty as snow keeps you away from your favorite Wasatch Front course? Take a weekend trip to southern Utah or Nevada where there are at least 20 beautiful courses for all ability levels available between St. George, Washington County and Mesquite, Nev. Golf packages are available and rounds seldom have to be cancelled because of the weather. For information, visit www.stgeorgeutahgolf.com, www.redrockgolftrail.com, www.golfmesquitenevada.com or www.mesquitegolfpackage.com.
Heber Valley Railroad » This venerable railroad offers some interesting winter packages including a "Tube and Train" combining a ride to Soldier Hollow's 1,000-foot long tow-lift served snow tubing hill, the Soldier Hollow Express, Lakeside Limited and, next Saturday, a Sleigh Bells and Whistle tour combining a horse-drawn sleigh ride and train trip. For information on dates and prices, visit www.hebervalleyrr.org.
Antelope Island State Park » Few scenes in Utah match watching the sun set on the Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island, a wild oasis close to the state's population center. Taking the short drive to the island to enjoy a quick hike, a winter stroll along the beach, a visit to Fielding Garr Ranch or to watch bison, antelope, deer and birds is a great way to beat the winter blues. The Garr Ranch and Visitor Center are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park hours vary. Check out the Web site at www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island.
Cottonwood canyon dining » Sometimes it's too easy for Wasatch Front residents who don't ski to view Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons as only for skiers in the winter. The reality is taking a drive up the canyons on a beautiful winter day is a good way to escape the blues. With everything from "mom and pop" restaurants, ski resort cafes to elegant lodges with top-flight chefs and foods, enjoying a drive for breakfast, lunch or even an early dinner makes for a nice winter escape.
Washington County winter boating/camping/OHV riding » Utah's Dixie is known for its warmer than normal winter temperatures. While the temperature can get below freezing at times, state parks such as Snow Canyon, Sand Hollow and Quail Creek offer great places to enjoy the winter sun, especially for trailer, motor home or camper owners or tent campers with the proper gear. Sand Hollow has a good year-round OHV riding area while boating and fishing is available at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek Reservoirs.
Utah's five national parks » Utah's five national parks -- Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches -- are usually quieter during the winter months. Yet, catch them at just the right time and the weather can be better for hiking than in the hot summer months. Many lodging properties in towns such as Tropic, Moab, Springdale and Torrey offer discounted winter rates and some motels have indoor pools and hot tubs. Seeing the red rock after a snowstorm will not soon be forgotten.
Visit a Great Salt Lake bird refuge » Seeing winter birds, especially bald eagles, at the federal Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge or state-run Farmington Bay, Ogden Bay, Public Shooting Grounds, Salt Creek or Locomotive Springs, is a different experience in the winter. For directions, regulations, driving routes and visitor hours at Bear River, log on to www.fws.gov/bearriver/. Information on the state refuges is available at wildlife.utah.gov.
Fly fishing on the Provo or Green rivers » Some of the best fishing of the year on Utah's most famous trout streams can be enjoyed in the winter. Hire a guide, float the Green below Flaming Gorge in a dory, or simply wade into the cold waters. Pressure often isn't as heavy and techniques vary a bit, but enjoying these two scenic rivers is certainly a good way to experience winter.
Hogle Zoo and Tracy Aviary » These two classic Salt Lake City destinations, long popular with the younger set, take on a quieter and different look in the winter months. Hogle Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For information, visit www.hoglezoo.org. Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the winter. Visit www.tracyaviary.org for details.
Hardware Ranch » Located in Cache Valley in Blacksmith Fork Canyon, this ranch hosts dozens of wintering elk who are fed by the Division of Wildlife Resources. From now through March 15, weather permitting, families can take horse-drawn sleigh rides to enjoy an up-close and personal look at these beautiful animals. Rides are available Fridays and Mondays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They cost $5 for those nine and older and $3 for kids four to eight. Come with cash. No credit cards are accepted.
