Just below the Nordic center is Rocky Mountain Outfitters, which offers horseback riding opportunities on trails in the area. As Kohler noted, "More and more horse owners are discovering this area and the riding opportunities that are here."

Not five minutes away is the Homestead, one of Utah's oldest and most established resorts. The hot springs are still there, along with the Homestead's geothermal crater, which is a natural pool offering both swimming and diving opportunities. The Homestead Golf Course is also among the top-rated courses in the state.

Mountain biking is yet another activity that doesn't get its full recognition.

There are, said Kohler, "Lots of opportunities to bike and hike within the county. One of the newer trails leaves from Soldier Hollow and goes along the west side of Deer Creek all the way to the dam. Someday it will connect with the trail system in Provo Canyon."

Daniels Summit Lodge, jumping off point to Strawberry Valley, is the trailhead for a spider web of hiking and biking trails, which in the winter become popular snowmobile trails. Strawberry Valley is, in fact, one of the more popular snowmobile areas because of the good snow, rolling terrain and endless powder fields. Biking, four-wheel and snowmobile rentals are available at the lodge, along with accommodations, a store and restaurant.

On the outskirts of town there is a small airport, where visitors can make reservations for glider flights over the Heber Valley, which include spectacular views of the back side of Mount Timpanogos.

Consensus is, of course, that the best part of all of this activity is convenience. From the heart of the quite town of Heber, a full range of activities is close by.

---

Wasatch County

Well known: Swiss Days, Strawberry Reservoir, golf

Unknown: Soldier Hollow, hiking, biking, equestrian

Contact: 435-654-3666

www.hebervalleycc.org

Next week: Emery County

---

E-mail: grass@desnews.com