A Guide to Castle Country

So you want to explore Castle Country, that area between Salt Lake and Moab that is a hidden gem.  An area where you can hike, bike, climb, ride ATVs, watch stock car races, walk through quaint a Main Street, buy art, shop, and dine.  All very dog friendly, affordable area and all without the crowds.  If this sounds like your kind of weekend, then Castle Country is perfect for you.   An area that was dubbed a layover between the city and Moab's red rock is so much more than a pitstop.  It's a fantastic place to spend the weekend exploring historic towns with so many recreation opportunities.  So to all my Salt Lake City friends, who want to explore a new part of Utah just two hours south of the city, this post is for you. 

ATV Tour (Nine Mile Canyon, Bruin Point) (DF) Bring your ATV or rent one in the area and spend the day seeing some of Utah's famous varied terrains in one county.  Desert, mountains, plateaus.  Wild horses, 10,000' views, and Indian petroglpyhs.  Ride through 9 mile canyon, the "world's longest art gallery". 

Gordon Creek Waterfall Hike  (DF) A great family and dog friendly hike.  Just 1 mile out to this beautiful waterfall.  Bring a picnic, spend a few hours soaking in the sunshine.  

Mountain Bike Good Water Rim Trail - San Rafael Swell  (DF)  Throw your bike in your car and head out to isolation to see Utah's Little Grand Canyon from two wheels.  Follow a flowy trail along the rim of this canyon in the San Rafael Swell.  Some of the most amazing views I have seen on two wheels, far away from the crowds. 

Mountain Bike the Wood Hill Trail System - Price (DF)  Follow the Wood Hill trails high on the plateau overlooking Price.  From easy to technical, dog walking to mountain biking, there is something here for everyone.  A few minutes from downtown, easy access riding on a great trail system.

Visiting Historic Helper - Shop, dine, wander in Historic Helper.  Learn about the history of this rail town at the museum.  Wander in and out of art galleries.  See the restored gas stations at the ends of Main Street and stroll Park City like sidewalks.  

Desert Thunder Stock Car Races  (Guest Post)  Bring a chair and head to the dirt track to see the stock car races.  There are different races and different divisions.  Spend the day, bring the family and have fun in the stands watching the races. 

Groggs Pinnacle Brewing  - local brewery in a no frills (needs to be updated) spot with great food and great beer.  They only had two of their beers on tap but had other great local offerings.  The sandwich was amazing and prices affordable.  

The Tangerine Eatery (Price)  Sundays are tough in Utah and a lot of spots were closed.  Not only was this open on a Sunday, but we thought the sandwiches and soups were awesome.  While we loved their food and the trendy new atmosphere, the gelato was skippable. 

Happiness Within Coffee Shop (Helper) - This is a quaint coffee shop with awesome baked goods and specialty drinks.  

Balance Rock Eatery (Helper)  Awesome "home cooked" meal at a great price.  Friendly staff, awesome sandwiches, right on Main Street in Helper.