Ute Mountain Fire Lookout Tower

The Ute Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, built in 1937, is the last standing fire tower with living quarters in Utah. The views from the tower are amazing! The 360 degree view of  Ashley National Forest and the northeastern slope of the Uinta Mountain range are worth the visit. On a clear day you can even see Wyoming and Colorado.

Directions

From Manila, Utah turn South on UT 44 and drive 13 miles to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. 

Turn Left onto the Loop. Drive 2 miles to FS 221 and travel 1 mile to FS 55. 

Turn left and drive 1.3 miles until you come to the tower. 

Open June - September Fridays and Saturdays 10:30am-4:00pm.
There is an outhouse but no running water.

We suggest you pack a picnic and enjoy a little extra time on the Sheep Creek Geological Loop

Conestoga Ranch at Bear Lake

A few weeks ago our family was invited to go glamping at Conestoga Ranch at Bear Lake in Garden City Utah. Conestoga Ranch is about a 3 hour drive from Salt Lake City.

We stayed in a Conestoga Wagon. Our covered wagon had a comfy king size bed and two bunk beds. 
It was also furnished with bedding, towels, a small safe (the kind you would find in a hotel room), two lantern style flashlights, and two DC converters so you can charge your phone.

The wagons are set up in a wagon circle, in the center is a big fire pit with Adirondack chairs. No need to worry abut bringing matches, firewood, or stuff to roast marshmallows. The employees light the fire for you and they also supply you with a s'mores kit including sticks to roast the marshmallows. If you need extra there is a small shop on site where you can buy more (or anything else you may have forgotten to bring).
Each wagon has it's own picnic table and umbrella which is great for playing games, small crafts with the kids and of course eating.

The resort also has bikes and helmets to rent (free of charge),  a game tent, playground,volleyball net and more!

Unlike the grand tents that have their own in-tent bathroom, the wagons did not have a bathroom. No big deal, the bathrooms are really nice! They even supply shampoo, conditioner and soap. The bathrooms are a very short walk (less than a minute) away. They are located in the main building and are very private. They look like a bathroom you would find in a hotel room.

The picture above is the main building on the bathroom side. There are more bathrooms on the inner side of the barn style building.

We loved the on site restaurant, Campfire Grill.

They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner so need to even worry about packing food. Unless you want to. We loved the dinner, especially the wood fired pizzas. Campfire Grill also has child friendly options that will make both parents and kids happy.

You don't have to be a guest of Conestoga Ranch to dine at the Campfire Grill, so if you are in the area stop by and check it out.

We really loved our stay at Conestoga Ranch and are already dreaming of our next trip there!

Fantasy Canyon

In North Eastern Utah, about an hour outside of Vernal you will find some very unusual geological formations that date back to 38-55 million ago. If you are in North Eastern Utah I recommend that you take a few hours and check out Fantasy Canyon.

During the hot summer months it is best to go early in the morning before the sun is at it's hottest. The trails are easy, it is only about a mile around but wear good shoes. Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water.

You can find more information and directions to Fantasy Canyon here.