Urban Almanac

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How To Identify Utah Fall Leaves

How To Identify Utah Fall Leaves

Primetine leaf-peeping is hitting earlier this year, peeps. The colors of Utah fall foliage are unmatched. But do you know what trees make up the brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red?

Terina RiaTerina RiaSep 15, 2025
Facts About Utah Animals in Winter

Facts About Utah Animals in Winter

I’m ashamed to say, it was only last year when I learned that hibernation doesn’t mean animals sleep all winter (cartoons lied to us). While sleep is involved, of course, hibernation is animals conserving energy through minimal activity, slowed metabolism, and lowered heart rates. Here are some of the animals you may encounter during Utah’s colder months.

Terina RiaTerina RiaFeb 19, 2025
Everyone in Utah Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive

Everyone in Utah Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive

The Energy Loop, one of the best scenic drives in Utah, actually consists of two forks. From Fairview, you'll travel along State Highway 31 to the junction of State Highway 264. From there, the byway forks. You can continue along State Highway 264 to Scofield, then on to Colton. Or, head south through the Manti-La Sal National Forest along State Highway 31 until you reach Huntington.

Only In UtahOnly In UtahOct 29, 2024
Utah's Nocturnal Animals

Utah's Nocturnal Animals

Whether or not you believe in ghost stories, there are many creatures in Utah that go bump in the night; namely, nocturnal animals. Here are some of the animals that emerge when the sun goes

Terina RiaTerina RiaOct 8, 2024
Which Utah Towns Are the Most East Coast?

Which Utah Towns Are the Most East Coast?

Recently, we got an email from a reader from Maryland, who is missing the trees of the east coast. They wanted ideas for some quick tree getaways, without necessarily having to ski, hike, or camp in the mountains. While we may not have the dense forests of the east coast, we do have quaint mountain towns that give off that quintessential charm.

Terina RiaTerina RiaSep 17, 2024
The 2024 Fall Migrating Birds

The 2024 Fall Migrating Birds

August to October is peak migration time. Birding in the fall is a much different experience than birding in the spring. For one, it’s non-mating season so the birds don’t have their bright-colored plumage (feathers) — making it a bit difficult to ID them. They’re also not as chatty. But one major payoff for this time of year is the sheer number of birds. Millions of them take a pit stop at the Great Salt Lake during the fall migration as they head south for the winter. Here are a few to look out for.

Terina RiaTerina RiaAug 6, 2024
Where Do Utah Fruits Come from?

Where Do Utah Fruits Come from?

If you recently strolled through a local farmers market, you might have been struck by the abundance of fruit on display. But have you ever wondered where it all comes from?

Terina RiaTerina RiaJul 16, 2024
A Newbie’s Guide to Birding in Salt Lake

A Newbie’s Guide to Birding in Salt Lake

Why birding? It might sound like a rebrand of sitting outside staring into space, but it’s not! I recently got into bird watching when a family of finches made a home on my balcony.

Ivana MartinezIvana MartinezMay 28, 2024
Rattlesnake Safety Tips for Spring Hiking

Rattlesnake Safety Tips for Spring Hiking

Despite a snowstorm in May (typical Salt Lake), we’re ready to get outside for spring hiking. One thing to note: Rattlesnakes like warm weather and hiking trails, too. In fact, the majority of human and rattlesnake encounters in the state happen along the Wasatch Front. Here’s what you should know to keep yourself and your dogs safe.

Terina RiaTerina RiaMay 7, 2024

The Power of the Wilson's Phalarope

Hundreds of migrating bird species depend on the shrinking Great Salt Lake for survival, including the Wilson’s phalarope. Environmental advocates hope to get this adorable shorebird on the Endangered Species Act as a potential solution to bolster the lake’s water levels. But will saving one bird be enough to save the GSL?

Terina RiaTerina RiaApr 16, 2024

The Bugs of Antelope Island

Antelope Island is a Utah state park that expands over 28,000 acres. It’s the largest island in the Great Salt Lake with truly spectacular views. Many flock there during the warmer months to see prong-horn antelopes and bison but beware of the bugs. Here, we rank the creepy crawlies of Antelope Island on how annoying they are.

Terina RiaTerina RiaApr 9, 2024

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