When I imagine the perfect picnic or stroll around a park, I have images of a place like Fairmont…read morePark. Large, shady trees, ample space for the kids or pups to run and play and varied areas for groups to congregate. This one has it all! I attended a gathering here and had a delightful time. There's a spacious parking lot, so if you're coming in via car, you can park and walk in. You'll cross a darling little stream over a tiny bridge and come up on a large pavilion. In fact, there are several pavilions scattered throughout that you can reserve for your group event. There are a few different playgrounds, a skate park, bathrooms and an impressive off-leash dog park on the south end. We spent most of our time at the dog park letting the pups run and play. It's a remarkable use of space-right up against an area that would likely not be very usable otherwise, but it's been turned into the perfect area to throw a ball for your four legged kiddos. It's got shade, seating, water fountains and a few climbing features to keep the pups engaged. This is definitely a park that I look forward to returning to.

I discovered this park from a group of friends that play Pickleball, so I've been coming every…read moreother Saturday or so and so far, this is my favorite park to come play. Unlike many other courts, each court here is actually separate from each other and there is plenty of space in between each one. There is also a really cool system to determine who is up next when you out your rackets up. Which is just a simple wheel/arrow that can be turned to identify the group that is up next. The courts and nets are also all well maintained

This park is okay. There is only one area, no separate area for small dogs. I have small dogs who…read moredon't appreciate the attention of big dogs who want to play so I really missed having an area just for them. There are obstacles / training tools as well as nice seating in the shade. There is an entrance at each end of the park. Make sure you have your poop bags handy. One dispenser was completely empty and that's of course where we needed the bags to be when our dogs did their business. We only stopped here for a four-legged break while traveling across the state. If I were to come back I would try to find another park that had separate areas for big and small dogs.

This park continues to be a favorite for us. While we've moved away, we visited again over Labor…read moreDay weekend and found most things to be the same. While some complain about the size of the park, it is more than large enough for dogs to have a good run. It is narrow, but we've never experienced over crowding at the park. We favor the park for it's grass over wood chips design. Unfortunately, a lot of the grass has died off leaving larger patches of dirt than what existed previously. Though it isn't a huge problem, I imagine it's prone to muddy messes, more so than it would be with a full lawn.

The Great Salt Lake is certainly unique and worth seeing, especially if it's your first visit. The…read morescenery is stark and memorable, but the park itself is fairly limited, making it more of a quick sightseeing stop than a destination where you'll spend the day. The day-use fee is $10 per vehicle, and really only gets you a view of the Lake and access to the visitor center. It's a bit smelly, and there are lots of gnats and big spiders (who eat the gnats) around the Lake viewing area. They also have a pontoon boat ride that leaves every hour on the hour, but I don't know the specifics as to what it costs and where it goes.

Gorgeous view of the water and mountains but my goodness was this place putrid. The smell almost…read moremade me turn around and leave but I was determined to at least visit since it was on my travel list as a stop. Once you get to the sand there's a thick layer of dead and living flies. They follow you everywhere and get on everything. The sand has green patches that you don't want to engage with. Entry was $10 and there are boat tours on this lake. Saw some girls get in the water and they screamed the whole time because the water was also covered in flies.

This review is for the dog park side of Galena Hills Park. It's tucked back behind the baseball…read morefields, so if you don't immediately see the dogs frolicking about, that's why. Just follow the signs around the back of the parking lot, then you'll walk a little ways to enter the gate. There are two areas to the park-both are fenced in. The upper area is mostly grass and has a small pavilion where you can sit at a picnic table. The lower area is the water retention basin which is used for free roaming space for the dogs. It's hilly and spacious-perfect for your dog to run out their zoomies. Be aware, there are a lot of weeds and foxtails, so that's a bummer. Out of all the local parks I've been to, this one is probably the least "groomed." If all you want is wide open space and a little bit of a trail, it's pretty good. It's also not usually very crowded.

If you want to do an easier hike or have a solid running trail, this is it! The first .75 miles…read moreuphill was extremely unforgiving. But after that it was quite fun. Some rocks to make you slow down, some grades a bit too steep to run down, and a beautiful view the entire time. It was a solid 4 mile loop by the time I got back. Parking is free and the trail is well maintained. There's a bathroom at the parking area. It's a 1 mile to the T up to the suspension bridge. If you keep going, you'll get to a Little Rock tunnel, then another bridge, and another bridge, and the run back if you're going counter clockwise like I did, is fairly easy there after. There's not a lot of shade so if it's a hot day, definitely bring a hat.

Great hike! It's…read moreabout 2 miles. First time took an hour. 3rd time I am at 40 min non stop. Part of the hike has no shade. So bring your hats and sun screen if it's hot. The views are gorgeous and the bridge is cool! Definitely recommend for beginners

The Butler Fork Trail is just a little spur that starts right off of Highway 190 (Big Cottonwood…read moreCanyon Road) up in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It's most commonly used as the start for a hike of Circle All Peak, Mount Raymond, Gobblers Knob, or as an alternate route to reach Dog Lake (rather than the more common and direct Mill D North Fork trail a bit further up the canyon). The actual Trailhead, located on the north side of the canyon road, hosts enough parking for 15-20 cars. There's a trailhead post and signboard with information about the hike, and a couple of maps. There aren't any other facilities there to speak of, so don't plan on finding a potty or fill up on water. Come prepared. The trail is steep. It's not too rocky, and it's not "stair-stepper" steep, but the dirt path will rise and rise in elevation without relenting. In the first half-mile, you follow Butler Creek, and eventually rise above it before leveling out (a momentary reprieve from the climb) and crossing a footbridge. You resume the climb, and after about a half mile, you reach a fork. Go right (north, turning east) to stay on the Butler Fork Trail and eventually junction with the Desolation Trail, find Dog Lake and see the Butler Fork Trail to its terminus, or go left (west) and you'll officially be on the Mill A Basin Trail headed towards Circle All Peak, Mount Raymond, and Gobblers Knob. By going west on the Mill A Basin Trail you'll also junction with the Desolation Trail. You could make a loop out of the experience, by going either direction at that fork 1/2 mile in, taking that trail to its terminus at the Desolation Trail, and then traversing Desolation back to its junction with the trail you decided not to take back at the fork. A quick measurement on my map puts that option at around 7 miles. A more popular option, however, is to out-and-back, and leave the Butler Fork Trail in favor of the Mill A Basin Trail about at that fork. The most popular hike here is probably the Circle All Peak route. Circle All Peak isn't really a "peak" so much as a bump with a nice view, but let's not quibble over terminology. That view is worth the price of admission. You'll go left (west) at the fork, and then continue straight up the canyon, eventually winding through a series of switchbacks amongst the aspen trees on one side of the canyon wall, until reaching the canyon saddle and continuing on up the other side. Keep your eyes open once you're up on the ridge top, because the trail shoots off to the left for Circle All, and it's easy to miss. If you continue straight, you're headed to Raymond Peak and eventually Gobblers Knob. Take that side trail to the left (south) and you've got 100-150 yards of climbing through the trees before popping out for terrific views. Because of the relentless climb (you gain over 1500ft in elevation) it feels like more than 1.7 miles to this point, but that's what the map says I've not done the hike in Autumn, but I've heard it's tremendous with the aspens and the other foliage turning colors. In June, it was bright green, overflowing with foliage, especially on the lower portions along the creek. There were several flowers in bloom, with many more on their way. I hiked next to a botanist who pointed out the penstemon, wild sweet pea, scarlet gilia, columbine, lupine, larkspur, and I saw a violet-colored wild clematis (?) which I'd not seen elsewhere. Since BCC is free and the parking is free, this is a great way to get some recreation without busting the bank. It's a tremendous hike, no matter what direction you end up going. Just be prepared--pack plenty of water and know that this one is quite strenuous, steep, and will let you know if you're out of shape. Trailhead coordinates: 40.6492, -111.6614

If you're looking for a peaceful, magical, and completely free holiday experience in Utah, the Tree…read moreof Life in Draper City Park is an absolute must-see. This breathtaking willow tree is wrapped in over 1,000 strands of warm white LED lights, creating one of the most beautiful Christmas displays in the entire Salt Lake Valley. The moment you arrive, you're surrounded by a soft golden glow that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. What makes the Tree of Life so special is its simplicity -- it's not a massive park full of displays or a loud commercial event. It's just one stunning tree, lit to perfection, that transforms the quiet park into a serene winter wonderland. Families stroll beneath the branches, couples take romantic photos, and visitors of all ages gather to enjoy the calm, cozy ambiance. The nearby illuminated bridge adds another dreamy touch and makes the whole scene even more picturesque. This spot has quickly become a beloved holiday tradition for many, and after visiting, it's easy to see why. It's peaceful, beautiful, easy to access, and perfect for a short outing that leaves you feeling refreshed and festive. I highly recommend adding the Tree of Life to your holiday bucket list! https://linktr.ee/reessroots

How long have I lived here and never visited the well-loved tree of life? Well, forever, really and…read morethat's a miss on my part. I've heard lots of people talk about this park, especially in the winter when it's all lit up with Christmas lights, and it wasn't until this year that I finally made it out there. The playground looked fun-although I didn't go try it myself. I figured that the parents of the kids playing might not appreciate some rando adult joining in with everyone. But if you have youngsters, or are one yourself, you'll find merriment and joy here. The trees were all lit up beautifully and the star of the show, of course, was mesmerizing. It might not be a multi-hour tour, but it's worth a visit. And it's free, so there's that!

Massive fields. Just, so much grass to run and frolic. It's well use (lots of team sports from…read moreSandy Parks & Rec play here) but in the off time, you can run and run and not leave the grass. I grew up just up the road, so I found my teenage self here plenty of times. Meeting up with the ladies. You know how I be. These days it's more of an attraction for the tennis courts or pavilion. But either way, it's a big park with lots to do. If you like to run, but don't want to map a route around the neighborhood, they do have a nice, paved jogging path around the whole park. You'll probably have to fight with the stroller moms a bit (this is suburbia, after all) but it's a nice alternative to wandering around the 'hoods or bustling on busy roads. A small playground sits near the pavilion and parking area. It's a little tricky to get there. I just used to climb down the hill from Sterling Drive, but that's probably not going to work via the family sedan. From Sterling Drive (accessed quickly from 9400 S.) you can turn east on Plata Way and get to the parking lot by turning left at the park.