Ever since I saw my first Western movie, I’ve been mesmerized by the state of Utah. Lonesome cowboys traversing a desolate terrain of towering rock formations and wide valleys, opportunistic vultures circling high up in the sky, flapping saloon doors, deep canyons, amazing national parks and vast cattle ranches—that’s still the image I have of Utah.

While I haven’t yet actually visited Utah, it’s at the very top of my list of “next American states to visit.” It’s the majestic canyon landscapes and limitless outdoor adventures that draw me in.

Cache Valley, Utah Less-Known

Utah is home to a number of extraordinary regions and destinations, one of which is Cache Valley in the far north of the state. Although this is probably one of the less-known regions in this state filled with natural attractions, there is a lot to see and do there—particularly for the avid outdoorspeople among us.

Located about an hour and a half north of Salt Lake City, the fertile Cache Valley’s largest city is Logan, home to two ski resorts and Utah’s oldest still-running restaurant, as well as the residence of the inventor of the bungee-jump tower and many of the world’s scariest thrill rides. This is just to point out the potential adventures that await visitors in Logan and the surrounding Cache Valley.

A Plethora of Outdoor Adventures

A great way to get a sense of the region is by hopping in a car and going for a drive, road tripping being possibly the number one recreational or holiday activity in America. A superb place to go cruisin’ is the 43-mile (69-kilometer) Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway. This extraordinary road—America’s designated scenic byways are always worth it—snakes its way through Logan Canyon, which is regarded as one of the last unspoiled places in the country.

This scenic road passes by breathtaking mile-high limestone rock formations and cliffs, runs through fields filled with wildflowers, and winds along the Logan River toward iconic Bear Lake. Running through Wasatch-Cache National Forest, it is lined with pretty fishing areas, hiking trailheads, rustic picnic spots and campsites.

Logan Canyon is a wonderful place all-year round. In winter, it is crisscrossed by snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, more than 300 miles (500 kilometers) of them, while America’s oldest family-run ski resort—Beaver Mountain—features slopes for skiing and snowboarding. You can also rent snowmobiles and winter gear at Beaver Creek Lodge. In December and January, visitors can go to Hardware Ranch, just south of Logan to take a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride through a herd of about 600 elk that head down from the higher elevations.

It’s impossible to pick the best or most beautiful time of year to visit Logan Canyon and Cache Valley as a whole, but summer is definitely a big contender. From June through August, many species of wildflowers bloom, making the meadows burst out into every color imaginable. Fall is another stunning season in this heavily forested region, the foliage painting the landscapes in the warmest of colors.

Spring through fall is ideal for a wide variety of outdoor activities, ranging from canoeing and fishing, to hiking and mountain biking, to rock climbing and wildlife and bird watching. Particularly horseback riding at Beaver Creek Lodge is an extremely popular thing to do from June to mid-October—this is Utah, after all.

I know I’m looking forward to visiting Logan and Cache Valley. If you are too, you can visit the Visitors Bureau for much more information.