• Silver Lake — No list would be complete without the improved Silver Lake Trail just above Silver Lake Flat. This trail takes visitors on a gentle ascent to a shimmering Silver Lake, where hungry trout snatch flies and mosquitoes off the water's surface. It is a great hike through Lone Peak Wilderness and displays a wealth of mining history. I have many fond memories of the fragrances blowing off the hillsides during my midsummer evening hikes. Take the North Fork of American Fork Canyon past Tibble Fork Reservoir toward Granite Flat Campground. Just before the campground a dirt road heads north 3.8 miles to the north side of the reservoir for the trailhead parking.

• Jordan River Parkway —This is a great destination with almost year-round access. Sections of this trail feature an abundance of wildlife viewing, quiet reflection and stunning views. Shared with mountain bikes, skaters and horseback riders this 6.4-mile paved trail is level, great for strollers and walking with little ones. Fishing along the way is warming up with increasing temperatures, and access points exist near the inlet at Utah Lake, near Willow Park, off Highway 73 and the historic bridge at 9600 North.

• Hobble Creek Parkway — Showcasing wildlife and wildflowers, family hikers and bikers now have a fairly new parkway destination near Springville with magnificent views of deer, elk, quail, lizards, squirrels, pheasants, turkeys, hawks and a variety of songbirds. Arrive early in the morning or evening to see wildlife. The trail begins north of the small reservoir at the mouth of the canyon.

• Albion Basin — This is a hike where the trail is the destination. Numerous paths take visitors through spectacular wildflower meadows full of brilliant colors and fragrances. Bring a camera. Hummingbirds and deer frequent this area. Hikers may view remnants of local mining history. Some trails lead to Secret Lake, Lake Catherine and other nearby destinations, offering an extended journey. Trails run through the ski area, and others cross the road to the south-facing slopes. To reach the trailhead, drive 8.3 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon to the upper parking lots of the Alta Ski area. A dirt road opens with campgrounds above, offering another trailhead stop higher up.

• Forest Lake — Forest Lake is a great trail for hikers, mountain bikers, horses and ATV trail riders. This 1.9-mile route heads east from the trailhead, just before reaching Mineral Basin. It passes hillsides full of bluebells in June as it climbs to tranquil Forest Lake. No fish await visitors in this lake, so leave your fishing rod at home, unless you plan on fishing American Fork Creek or Tibble Fork Reservoir. To reach the trailhead, follow the dirt road 4.2 miles east from Tibble Fork Reservoir.

• Battle Creek Falls — This is a great lower elevation hike that takes children on a rugged trail. The destination overlooks magnificent waterfalls, just 0.9 miles from the trailhead. It can be warm, so hike in the morning or early evening. Breather pipes splash bursts of water on little hands, and a small cave provides a great distraction while parents catch their breath. Trail access begins at Kiwanis Park, located at the east end of Battle Creek Road in Pleasant Grove. Follow the trail east into the narrow canyon.

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Brian Brinkerhoff hosts "Backcountry Utah: Utah's Outdoor Radio Magazine," which airs 9-11 a.m. Saturday on AM 630 KTKK, 5-6 p.m. Tuesday afternoons on AM 1340 KTMP and 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday on 1340 KTMP. He is author of "Best Easy Day Hikes: Salt Lake City," published by Falcon Press. For more information, visit his Web site at www.backcountry-magazine.com.