Soldier Hollow at Wasatch Mountain State Park
Midway, Utah435-654-1071
Nestled above the picturesque town of Midway and resting in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains lies Soldier Hollow at Wasatch Mountain State Park, venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Soldier Hollow served as the busiest venue during the Olympic Winter Games hosting 18 events, including six for biathlon, 10 for cross-country skiing, and two for the skiing portions of Nordic combined. The venue was approximately 45 miles from the Olympic Village and downtown Salt Lake City. Soldier Hollow hosts a variety of activities throughout fall, spring, and summer as well.
More than 16 miles of trails wind through the trees and hills surrounding Soldier Hollow. The trail system provides for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for athletes of every ability, from novice to the experienced athlete. Visitors are welcome to try their cross-country skiing and snowshoeing skills on the world-class Soldier Hollow ski course when Olympic events are not taking place.
A full-service rustic, pine day lodge offers ski rentals, souvenir and logo items, accessories, and food and beverages. Massive, weathered trestle beams are a grand feature of the lodge interior, as are the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which provide spectacular views of the Wasatch Mountains, Heber Valley, and the cross-country trail system. The lodge can be reserved for festive occasions year-round.
Wasatch Mountain State Park also serves as a trailhead for the Wasatch Mountain Snowmobile Complex, which boasts 75-miles of groomed trails and open play areas. Other amenities include a shooting range, spectator stands, snow making equipment and parking.
Rock Cliff Nature Center at Jordanelle State Park
Francis, Utah435-783-3030
Tucked away between the quaint farming areas of Francis and Heber City, Rock Cliff Recreation Area rests where the cold waters of the Provo River run into Jordanelle Reservoir. Wooden walkways wind through delicate wetland areas, in the shade of tall cottonwood trees. Year-round tent camping and day-use access are available. Rock Cliff Nature Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year including nature printing workshops, star parties, and raptor watch programs. Throughout winter, park naturalists lead Winter Tracking Programs each Saturday. Visitors are invited to follow animal tracks to find out who's out roaming during winter. Visitors may bring their own or reserve a pair of showshoes for the program. When its waters freeze, Jordanelle Reservoir is also a popular location for ice fishing.
