This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utahns can ring in the new year with group hikes at three state parks.
Park staff will lead the hikes on Jan. 1 and discuss the parks' histories and natural features. Utah State Parks are asking hikers to bring plenty of food and snacks, dress appropriately for the weather and watch the three parks' websites and Facebook pages for cancellation notices in case of inclement weather.
Dogs on leashes are welcome on all the hikes. Hot drinks will be provided at the end of the Antelope Island State Park hikes.
The hikes are:
Antelope Island State Park
Option 1 • Frary Gravesite Interpretive Trail. It's an easy 1-mile loop with mild elevation gain. Meet at the Frary Gravesite Interpretive Trail parking lot at 12:45 p.m. The parking lot is about 7 miles down the East Side Road heading toward Fielding Garr Ranch and is at least a 20-minute drive after you have passed the park entrance.
Option 2 • Mulberry Grove Trail Hike. This trail is a moderate 4-mile round trip with almost no elevation gain. The Mulberry Grove is not open to the public during the year, so this is a rare chance to see the historic Mulberry Orchard that supported early island inhabitants' silk production efforts. The meeting also is at 12:45 p.m. at the Frary Gravesite Interpretive Trail parking lot.
Option 3 • North Side of Buffalo Point Trail. This is a moderate-to-strenuous, 2-mile loop hike with 350 feet of elevation gain in the first half-mile. The trail loops around a high point on the island and provides great vistas. Bison are often on this trail. Meet at 12:45 p.m. at the Bridger Bay Campground at Site No. 14. It is at least a 15-minute drive from the park entrance.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Ponderosa GPS History Hike • This is a moderate, 1 ½-mile round trip hike over beautiful burnished sandscapes — and maybe snow — to a grove of ancient ponderosa trees. Meet at 10:45 a.m. at the visitors center.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Bighorn Overlook Trail • This is a moderate, 3-mile round trip overlooking the red sandstone vistas of the park. Meet at 12:45 p.m. at the visitors center.
Twitter: @natecarlisle