Vagabond Traveler
Exploring Northern Utah, U.S.A
by Mary Emma Allen

A breathtaking sight lay before us as my husband and I stood at the top of Logan Pass and looked northeast toward Bear Lake, spread out like an aquamarine jewel on the Utah/Idaho border. Our cousin, who was our guide, explained that her family has a camp on the lake shore, and spends weekends here, about three hours' drive from Salt Lake City.

Utah Has Long History

Utah's history goes back to the dinosaurs; two of North America's largest dinosaur graveyards are found in the state. Trappers and mountain men passed through this region and spent much time in the Bear Lake area, where some of their summer trading rendezvous took place. In 1847, the Mormons entered the state after an arduous trek west.

Site of 2002 Olympics

The historic aura of Bear Lake still exists and lures one here as it did the Mountain Men in those days when beaver trapping was in its heyday. Now that Utah has been selected as the site of the 2002 Olympics, more people than ever want to discover the appeal of the Beehive State.

Two general routes from Salt Lake City to Bear Lake take the traveler through mountain country...through Ogden Canyon or Logan Canyon. It can be a leisurely one day drive; or you can plan to spend more time and stay over enroute.

Our Day Trip

We started in early morning, winding over mountain roads with scenic vistas. After traversing the Wasatch Range east of Ogden, we wandered through ranching country near the Wyoming border. A herd of antelope caught our attention and provided enjoyment for a quarter of an hour.

We had lunch at a restaurant at Bear Lake. Then the trip from Bear Lake over Logan Pass and its hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery was a great way to return to the Ogden/Salt lake City region. Exploration of Cache Valley around Logan we left for another day, but we enjoyed the sweeping views as we made our way out of the mountains.

Discover Salt Lake City

Leave at least a day in your itinerary for discovering Salt Lake City itself. You actually need longer to do all the sites justice, but if time is limited, you may want to explore the buildings around Temple Square. Guided tours of the area will provide you with much information of historical interest about the Mormons who settled here.

Hiking a Popular Activity

For hikers, there are many places to stretch your legs, from short afternoon hikes to longer backpacking trips. Since time was limited, we opted for the afternoon hike with a friend in the mountains east of Salt Lake City.

Even though we weren't far from the city, we enjoyed the sense of isolation and the extensive views.

Kennecott Copper Mine

While you're in the area, make time to visit the Kennecott Copper Mine, the largest open pit mine in the world. We spent a morning touring this site with our friend and were awed by the huge two-mile diameter hole in the earth. We watched trucks, minuscule in appearance from so far below us, haul ore like ants climbing the routes to the top.

From exhibits and a video at the information center, we learned more about this mining operation and history of Bingham Canyon.

Utah Lures Us Back

Our first week's exploration of Utah provided us with an opportunity to touch only the tip of what the state offers. Since then Utah has lured us back repeatedly to discover new sites and meet new friends.

(c) copyright Mary Emma Allen

Mary Emma Allen writes children's stories as well as travel articles. She has written four books and 10 writing manuals. Learn more about her travels on her Web Site: http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea; E-mail: me.allen@juno.com