Au Naturel

Nearby Reservoirs stateparks.utah.gov/parks/

For a refreshing dip, head to Deer Creek, Jordanelle, Echo, and Rockport. “Rockapulco” (Rockport) usually has the warmest temps, while Jordanelle is the coldest—but also deepest and most scenic—and boasts the Aqua x Zone (435.962.9663, aquaxzone.com), an inflatable watersports Wibit.

Bloods Lake, Bonanza Flat Park at the new lot on Guardsman Pass (one mile east of the old pullout) for an easy-ish, 1.7-mile hike to the small, clean lake. County leash laws are in effect.

Smith and Morehouse Reservoir, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Oakley, 435.783.4338, fs.usda.gov/uwcnfA long reservoir with calm waters, gorgeous views, fishing, and the occasional rope swing left by locals.

Silver Mountain Sports Club & Spa, 1526 W Ute Blvd, Park City, 435.575.0350, silvermountainspa.com

Revel in two heated lap pools, a 65-foot waterslide, a lazy river, and indoor/outdoor hot tubs.

Nearby Aquatic Adventures

Homestead Crater, 700 North Homestead Dr, Midway, 435.657.3840, homesteadresort.com

Venture into a 55-foot-tall, 10,000-year-old limestone dome for a plunge in geothermal waters. Swim, SCUBA, snorkel, soak, or practice paddleboard yoga.

Wasatch Aquatic Center, 200 East 800 South, Heber, 435.654.3450, wasatch.edu/aquatic

This indoor facility recently added a leisure pool with slides and features to the existing lap and therapy pools, plus an outdoor splash pad.Looking for another way to cool off, here are some tips for where to drop a line and get a post-river bite for yourself. It’s not hard to get hooked on fly-fishing: the peace of watching a fly floating on the surface of a gently swirling eddy, the thrill of the catch (and release) when silver flashes and your line goes tight, and the pure enjoyment of being one with nature standing in a crystalline river.

MIDDLE GROUND

The Middle Provo River is one of Utah’s finest blue-ribbon fisheries, stretching from Jordanelle to Deer Creek Reservoirs. Great public access is only a 15-minute drive from Park City. Take UT-224 out of Park City to US Hwy 40 East, travel nine miles, and turn right at the light at River Road. Two fisherman’s access areas are right there (one on the right, one on the left) with parking, portable restrooms, and lots of other fishers to swap tales with. You’ll catch brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout on this beautiful, braided section of river, with lots of easy spots to fish from shore or by shallow wading (depending on water flow). Flies and lures only. Best bets: PMDs, caddis in the evenings, and grasshoppers in late summer.

FARM-TO-TABLE EATS

You’d be happy simply lounging on the deck of the restored, 80-year-old ranch house of Back 40 Ranch House Grill, taking in the beautiful, pastoral views of the Heber/Midway Valley while sipping nothing but the water from their own artesian aquifer, but … with so many farm-to-table, locally sourced ingredients, you’d be remiss if you didn’t order, say, the smoked jalapeño cheddar burger made with beef from the Circle Bar Ranch two pastures away and artisan cheddar from nearby Heber Valley Cheese. Wash it back with a local cold brew from the full bar menu. 1223 US Hwy 40, Heber City, 435.654.3070, back40utah.com 

GET YOUR FEET WET

Each summer Monday evening at 5 p.m. (until Labor Day), Jans Mountain Outfitters hosts free, beginner fly-casting lessons at the ponds at lower Deer Valley (next to the gazebo). You don’t need a reservation, but call ahead and let them know you’re coming so they can bring enough rods (bring your own if you have one). Typically, you’ll end up with a group of 8 to 10 new anglers perfecting their “10 o’clock, 2 o’clock” casting technique. Then, book a guided trip with the fine folks at Jans or Trout Bum 2 for a true fly-fishing experience on a local river. Jans Mountain Outfitters, 1600 Park Ave, 435.649.4949, jans.com; Trout Bum 2, 4343 Hwy 224, 435.658.1166, troutbum2.com.

WHET YOUR APPETITE

After learning how to cast more beautifully than Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It, reward yourself with a light, lovely repast at Deer Valley Grocery Café. Sit on the outside deck and check out the duckies and stand-up paddleboarders floating by. Mouthwatering faves are the BLT with maple bacon, tomato, artisan greens, and tarragon aioli on toasted nine-grain bread or the open-face albacore tuna melt with local cumin-spiced cheddar, vine-ripened tomato, and cracked grain mustard on sprouted wheat berry bread. DVGC also carries a plethora of gourmet to-go items if you want to pack a picnic. 2250 Deer Valley Dr, 435.615.2400, deervalley.com

WADE “THE WEBE”

Image: Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (cc by 4.0)Known as an “urban fishery” since the Weber River runs parallel to I-84 and I-80, a lot of the Weber is private access only, but anglers can enjoy several nice stretches of tailwater with lots of brown trout and mountain whitefish. Try the Creamery Lane access in Coalville (20 minutes from Park City). From I-80 east, take exit 162. Travel west on Icy Springs Road (SR-280) for 0.2 miles. Turn left and travel south on the frontage road that parallels I-80 for approximately 1.3 miles. Cross over Hobson Lane and continue traveling south on the frontage road for an additional 1.4 miles to reach this access point. Flies and lures only. Best bet: caddis.

SWEET FAMILY FUN

The iconic, family-friendly Taggart’s Grill is located in a log house nestled in a beautiful canyon between Morgan and Henefer. Summer grounds are lovely with wandering peacocks and, well, if you didn’t see any fish on your own expedition, a koi pond. Warning: no kids under 16 on the patio due to rattlesnake danger! How’s that for adventure? Taggart’s doesn’t take reservations, so expect a bit of a well-worth-it wait. Try the creamy chicken mushroom artichoke soup, the red chili poppers stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeño sauce, or the shrimp scampi primavera. Save room for the decadent selection of swoon-worthy, homemade desserts. 1105 Taggart Lane, Morgan, 801.829.3837, taggartsgrill.com

Before You Go

License to Fish - Anyone older than 12 must purchase a license to fish in Utah. Purchase one at any of our local fly-fishing shops, Walmart, by downloading the Utah Hunting and Fishing NICUSA app, or online at wildlife.utah.gov. Nonresident three-day license, $24; Utah residents, $16.

Fishing Buddies - Join High Country Fly Fishers (highcountryflyfishers.com), the local chapter of the national Trout Unlimited organization, and be privy to monthly activities including fly-tying classes, guest speakers, women’s-only events, group fishing outings, social hours, conservation activities, and more.

Support a Cause - The 5,000-member-strong Utah Stream Access Coalition works to “promote and assist in all aspects of securing and maintaining public access to Utah’s public waters and streambeds per Utah law.” In other words, if someone builds a McMansion streamside, fishers should still be able to respectfully and politely fish the water in the middle of the stream (without infringing on the private property owner’s turf). (utahstreamaccess.org)

Looking to stay dry - here are some Farmer's Markets that will keep you busy and your tummy full.

DOWNTOWN SALT LAKE FARMERS’ MARKET - Saturdays at the Downtown Salt Lake Farmers Market is the oldest and the largest. Local only farmers and producers offer the freshest local fruits and vegetables as well as a wide variety of grass-fed meats, eggs, dairy, honey, flowers… It’s a busy crowd, so for less stress and first dibs on the good stuff, arrive early, and even better, come on two-wheels and take advantage of their bike valet services. Accepts DUFB. Saturdays, Now – October 19, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Historic Pioneer Park, SLC.

LIBERTY PARK MARKET - The Liberty Park Farmers Market helps support local farms and businesses by bringing fresh local produce directly to the Liberty Wells community. A smaller more intimate market experience, offering a handful of fresh produce vendors, eggs and honey, as well as arts and craft vendors. Accepts DUFB. Fridays, Now – October, 4 pm., until dusk, Liberty Park, SLC.

SUGAR HOUSE FARMERS’ MARKET - Going since 2010, the Sugar House Farmers Market has been meeting up at Fairmont Park, with a handful of local food, artists, and fresh produce vendors. It is laid back and casual, a stage with live entertainment is set up for those to walk by or gather around to enjoy. This market is a little hidden gem in the heart of a quickly developing area, so opt for taking the S-Line or Parley’s Trail instead of driving and make an evening out of it. Wednesdays, July -September, 5 p.m. -8 p.m., Fairmont Park, 1040 E Sugarmont Dr., Sugar House.

SUNNYVALE FARMERS’ MARKET - The Sunnyvale Farmers Market is backed by New Roots of Salt Lake City – a subsidiary program of the IRC or International Rescue Committee. Participating farmers gain access to land and are then able to sell their produce at the Sunnyvale Farmers Market. Specializing in ethnic crops, many locally grown vegetables (bean leaves, amaranth, red and daikon radishes, lambsquarter, solanum and pumpkin shoots) are impossible to find at conventional markets and are highly desirable to those who love them. The market also includes a food pantry, free kids lunch and activities, music and is a safe gathering space for all. Saturdays from 12 – 2 p.m. Sunnyvale Park, 4013 S. 700 West, SLC.

WHEELER FARM FARMERS’ MARKET - Sunday mornings are even better if you get out to the Historical Wheeler Farm and peruse their open market. They’ve got a variety of local vendors, food trucks and artisans, and another big draw—lots of open space to park, stroll, picnic, take a peek inside the barn, touch a pig’s wet snout or take a tractor ride. Very kid friendly. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 6351 S. 900 East, Murray.

PARK SILLY MARKET - The Park Silly Market comes out of hibernation on Sunday, June 2nd. More than 200,000 people are expected to join in the madness this summer as local vendors transform Main Street into an event space. Make room for the lasso-throwing stilt walkers, revelers should be pleased to know that their environmental impact will be minimized through a rigid recycling program and food scraps donated to lucky pigs in Kamas. Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Main Street, Park City. 

PETERSON FARM MARKET - With a farm established by Farmer Luke Peterson’s Great Great Grandfather and planted in 1871, Food Truck Friday welcomes you to visit the farm and fuel up with dinner provided by a variety of mobile food vendors. While you’re there, the Peterson Market partners up with other Utah growers and food artisans, allowing you to shop and support local commerce. Food Truck Friday starts at 5 p.m., the Peterson Farm Market is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and til 9 p.m. on Fridays. 11887 South 4000 West, Riverton.