Melissa McNay

Melissa McNay Unique Experiences and Epic Stays in Utah and Beyond. Hike more, worry less! UGC Creator

Vernal weekend trip 🦕✨We hadn’t been to Vernal in 3 years and knew it was time to make a trip back to revisit a few favo...
05/04/2026

Vernal weekend trip 🦕✨

We hadn’t been to Vernal in 3 years and knew it was time to make a trip back to revisit a few favorites and check out some new places too

We stayed at the Dinosaur Inn & Suites and packed the weekend with so many fun hikes, stops and good food!

Friday:
Moonshine Arch- 1.5 miles rt (📸 5)
Quarry Exhibit Hall (📸13)
Fossil Discovery Trail (1.8 miles, easy)(📸14)
Explored Dinosaur National Monument- Harper’s Corner Trail (📸1-4)
Dinner at El Sombrero

Saturday
Spoofs Coffee (drive-through stop ☕️)
Jones Hole Trail (8 miles, moderate) (📸 6-11)
McConkie Ranch – Main Panel Trail (0.9 miles RT)
Dinner at Antica Forma

Sunday
Scenic drive home with stops at:
Red Canyon Overlook (📸 15-16)
Canyon Rim Overlook
West Greens Lake Nature Trail (📸 18)
Sheep Creek Overlook (📸 17)

Such a fun mix of hikes, views, and a cute moment with a deer (📸 12) we will never forget. Have you been to Vernal?



Utah Scenic Stops Worth the Drive 👇📌Save and share to who you're going with 🌟 📍Heber City•Wasatch Mountain State Park- 2...
04/29/2026

Utah Scenic Stops Worth the Drive 👇

📌Save and share to who you're going with 🌟

📍Heber City
•Wasatch Mountain State Park- 23,000 acre preserve provides fishing, hiking, picnic tables, camping, golfing, and mountain biking.
•Horseback riding with Rocky Mountain Outfitters
•Soak in the geothermal hot spring at Homestead Crater
•Walk the boardwalks at Cascade Springs
•Spend time at Deer Creek Reservoir for paddleboarding or boating
•Ride the Heber Valley Railroad for a scenic train experience through the valley

📍Maple Canyon
A hidden gem known for its unique rock formations and a popular spot for rock climbers
•Box Canyon- short hike into a narrow canyon with towering rock walls
• Maple Canyon Arch- natural rock arch tucked into the canyon (great photo stop)

📍Zion Canyon Hot Springs
😌 32 geothermal hot spring pools
🌎 16 globally inspired hot springs
🔥 Natural hot springs ranging from 88–104°F
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly freshwater pool
🥶 Cold plunge pools
🔥 Barrel saunas & fire pits
🍹 Adults-only (21+) area with full-service bar
🍕 On-site food & drinks
🛁 Locker rooms, showers & changing area

📍Bear Lake
Famous for its turquoise-blue water often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies"
•Explore Minnetonka Cave (888-step cave tour)
•Try the famous raspberry shakes at LaBeau's Drive-In
•Rent bikes and explore the town
•Spend time at the beach- go SUP, Kayaking or ride a Sea-Doos

📍Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
One of Utah’s most beautiful drives, with alpine lakes, mountain views, and endless pull-off photo spots.
•Provo River Falls
•Bald Mountain Pass Overlook
•Trial Lake or Pass Lake for picnic, fishing or relaxing by the water.

📍Park City
A historic mountain town blending luxury and year-round adventure full of shops and restaurants.
•Utah Olympic Park- Summer bobsled rides, Ziplining, and free history museum
•Park City Mountain Resort- Ride the Alpine Slide or Mountain Coaster
•Drive the scenic Guardsman Pass and/or go hiking at Jupiter Peak
•Walk main street and browse the shops or eat at one of the restaurants

Where you heading to first?

04/29/2026

One of the easiest, most rewarding hikes near SLC and it looks so pretty flowing with fresh snow ❄️ The snow is melting FAST already. I didn’t use spikes- the trail is packed down, plus wet and muddy in some spots.

📍Gloria Falls- Little Cottonwood Canyon
🥾 2.3 miles rated moderate
🏔 Elevation Gain- 544 ft
🚻 Bathrooms available
👎 No Dogs allowed
🚮 Please leave no trace when exploring the outdoors

Have you seen Gloria Falls with snow? It's one of my favorites 😍


Address

Morgan, UT

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