Feel that urge to get in the great outdoors?

There is, indeed, at this time of year, an urge to get outdoors, stretch the muscles and shake off the cold-weather blues.

This would include stepping into a pair of hiking shoes or settling down on the padded seat of a bike and moving out, whether it be on dirt, asphalt or a trail through the woods.

A study by Outdoor Industry Foundations conducted in 2003 listed hiking, biking and camping as the most popular, affordable and easily accessible activities.

It also found that 33 percent of Americans 16 and older hike each year, and that outdoor recreation participation is highest in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Montana.

Among the lower 48, Utah ranks 21st in participation per capita in riding on paved roads, 4th for riding on dirt roads and 5th for riding single track.

The Outdoor Industry Study lists 495,545 participants for paved riding, which includes everything from riding around the neighborhood to cross-country touring; 428,406 for dirt road riding, which would include everything from pristine forests to city open spaces; and 382,049 for single track, which is most prevalent among those living out West.

There are a number of mountain-biking opportunities in Utah. Many of the travel regions have published books showing some of the most popular riding areas. The cycling guides, along with an Outdoor Utah Vacation Guide, are available through the Utah Travel Council, Salt Lake Visitors and Convention Bureau, and welcome centers and travel bureaus in the various communities around the state.

Considering the number of hiking opportunities, it's easy to see why people in Utah like to hike.

Many communities are now, in fact, incorporating hiking/biking trails within their master plans.

For the more active hikers, the list of opportunities is limitless. There are a number of books pointing out hiking opportunities. Information includes trail heads, distance, elevation changes, description of the area and points of interest.

Along the eastern benches of the Wasatch Front is the Bonneville Shoreline Trail that stretches 90-mile from Ogden to Spanish Fork, and is popular with cyclists, hikers and walkers.