It is well known that Utah is full of beautiful sights. Among them are Arches National Park in Moab, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef in Torrey and even a place called Hovenweep in Blanding.

While these sights are fun and free, they are a long drive from the Ogden area. However, there are plenty of amazing things to see in our own Ogden Canyon. Now that the weather is getting warmer, the canyon is a perfect (and cheap) place to go explore.

Pineview Reservoir is in the Ogden Canyon just up U.S. 39, east of Ogden. Many who have grown up in the area have probably been there a few times.

A fun and cheap thing to do at the reservoir is fishing. According to Utah.com Pineview has a blend of fish, including trophy-sized tiger muskies. There are also smallmouth bass crappies, perch and bullhead catfish and even trout. The Ogden River below the reservoir offers trout fishing as well.

Similarly, the South Fork is a popular fly-fishing stream. If you decide to go fishing, make sure you get a license!

Because the reservoir is in a small valley ringed by mountains, wind is minimal. This makes for perfect conditions for water skiing and wakeboarding. However, because most people don’t have motor boats, it’s easy to go to the Outdoor Program Rental Center on campus. They have stand-up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, rafts, inner tubes and other miscellaneous items you may need on your reservoir adventure.

Going to Pineview doesn’t mean you have to get in the water. The beaches that line the water are perfect for picnics. You can head up, take your shoes off and put your feet in the sand and clay while enjoying a delicious snack. Watching others play on the water can be just as fun as doing it yourself, especially if they are doing cool tricks.

The reservoir isn’t the only part of the canyon to be enjoyed. Simply driving and soaking in the beautiful scenery is an adventure in itself. It’s a great experience being close to the rocks of the mountains, seeing the beautiful trees and plants, as well as seeing some wildlife here and there. There are places all along the winding road for drivers to step out of the car to stretch and admire the outdoors.

When looking for cheap fun, you don’t have to look far from the Ogden area. The canyon has a lot to offer, so finding an adventure will be easy for anyone.