Treasure chest: Utah is a cornucopia of exciting outdoor sites

Lake Powell, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Flaming Gorge.

All well-known. All popular attractions. All in Utah.

The big four are among the state's most visited wonders.

But then there are Fisher Towers, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, San Francisco Mountain, Waterpocket Fold, Peak-A-Boo Gulch, Jarvie Historical Ranch, Black Dragon Canyon, Valley of the Gods and Crystal Ball Cave.

Certainly not as well-known. Certainly not as frequently visited. But, again, all in Utah.

Utah is, indeed, a treasure chest of natural wonders that some people are well aware of, but many more that they are not so familiar with.

Some of those lesser-known sites include:

In Salt Lake County: There's the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which will someday stretch from Idaho to Nephi, roughly 280 miles. It runs along the eastern bench of the valley. The trail follows closely the shoreline of old Lake Bonneville, which once covered most of Utah.

The trail is open to hiking, biking and running, and offers spectacular views of the valley. About 100 miles of the trail have been completed. The most improved section, consisting mostly of dirt and paved pathways, runs from Farmington to Parleys Canyon.

In Grand County: there is one of the state's more well-know rock-art panels — Newspaper Rock south of Moab. But there are a number of rock-art sites closer to town, including the Golf Course Rock Art, which is only 4 miles from town, and the Kane Creek Site, which is about 3 miles from town.

A backdrop for many Hollywood movies is Fisher Tower, located east of Moab. There is a popular hike — 2.2 miles — leading to this landmark site along the Colorado River.

In Washington County: There's Zion National Park, which tends to grab most of the headlines. Kolob Canyons near the northern border of the park is no less spectacular but draws far less traffic. The rugged sandstone canyons come with a very unique geological history and beautiful formations. The entrance to the canyons is south of Cedar City.

Inside the park, there is a 14.5-mile hike that takes visitors to Kolob Arch, the largest natural arch in the world. It spans 310 feet.