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SALT LAKE CITY — It's Aug. 1, and that means it's "801 Day" in Utah. It's an unofficial holiday that dates back to when the state received its area code in the late 1940s.
Today, the holiday focuses more on the Wasatch Front, as Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties retained the area code while the rest of the state was moved to the 435 area code in the 1990s because of the state's population growth.
Some businesses celebrate the day with special products or discounts. For example, Utah's Hogle Zoo offers a deal where visitors can purchase tickets for $8.01 while it opens at 8:01 a.m., 59 minutes earlier than usual.
But to celebrate the holiday this year, the staff of KSL.com came together to list a few of our favorite outdoor spots within the 801. These are some of the parks, trails and other outdoor locations that make the region so special.
Adams Canyon (Davis County)
This is a classic Davis County hike. Adams Canyon is a 3.8-mile venture that can take a few hours to complete, but it's well worth it for those who do. Hikers are not only treated to tremendous views of the distant valley and the Great Salt Lake to the west but also a 40-foot waterfall at the end of the trail after a few stream crossings.
Its trailhead is located near Oak Hills Drive and U.S. 89 in Layton.
Allen Park (Salt Lake County)
As one of Salt Lake City's newest and oldest parks, Allen Park (1328 E. Allen Park Drive in Salt Lake City) is difficult to describe.
It dates back to 1931, when George Allen, a one-time president of a Utah zoological society, built a home on the land and used the property to store unique animals and the statues he made with his favorite literary quotes. He also built several tiny homes on the property that students, professors and artists lived in for some time.
Though weathered over time, its buildings and sculptures still exist today after Salt Lake City purchased the land and turned it into a public park four years ago. It's not just art and history — Allen Park is also perhaps the only place in the valley where, if you arrive at the right time, you can find peacocks and turkeys mingling near the opening gate, while deer munch on flowers further into the park.
Antelope Island (Davis County)
Speaking of wildlife viewing, there's plenty of wildlife to check out at Antelope Island State Park.
The Great Salt Lake island received its name in 1845 when explorer John C. Fremont came across several antelope on his second expedition to the lake. However, it's mostly known today for its 500-700 bison that were reintroduced to the region in the 1890s.
It's also home to many hiking, biking, boating, archery and camping opportunities — all of which is likely why Antelope Island remains the most-visited state park along the Wasatch Front and one of Utah's most-visited state parks overall.
Visiting will cost you, though. The entrance fee is $15 for a vehicle of up to eight people, $5 for motorcycles and $3 for bicycles and pedestrians.
Bell Canyon (Salt Lake County)
One of the more popular hikes in Salt Lake County, Bell Canyon offers plenty of scenic water-related adventures.
The canyon has three trailheads in Sandy. All three lead to the Bell Canyon Reservoir via about 0.5-0.7-mile hikes. The reservoir offers a gorgeous view of the Wasatch Mountains above the canyon's forest, but many hikers go beyond it to the waterfalls and another reservoir higher up into the canyon.
The full out-and-back hike to Lower Falls is nearly 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,515 feet, according to All Trails. The upper reservoir is located just above the waterfall.
Indian Trail (Weber County)
Weber County's Indian Trail offers a unique link back in time. At a little more than 4 miles one way, the path is rich with nature and geology and lots of history. It follows the route that the Shoshone Tribe used to travel between the valley and Ogden Canyon.
The trail — popular for running and walking — can be accessed by the 22nd Sreet Trailhead at Ogden's eastern end.
Lake Mary Trail (Salt Lake County)
Every trail in Utah's mountains is worth exploring, but the Lake Mary Trail Big Cottonwood Canyon is a gem of its own. Located in Brighton, the 2.3-mile out-and-back trail features about 800 feet of elevation toward Lake Mary, according to AllTrails.
The lake is a popular fishing spot, but the journey also features stunning canyon views. This year's "801 Day" falls within the canyon's peak wildflower season — an added bonus.
Nebo Loop (Utah County)
The 35-mile Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway is full of breathtaking vistas that showcase the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and make for a great drive, ride or run through nature. It's a great place to view wildflowers in the summer and an even more popular place to view fall foliage once the colors change.
There are two ways to explore this space. One is reaching Nebo Loop Road from Payson, while the other is taking state Route 132 not far from I-15 Exit 225 in Nephi.
Provo River Trail (Utah County)
The Provo River Trail is another Utah County treasure. Whether it's walking, running or biking, the 15.2-mile Provo River Trail links the shores of Utah Lake to Provo Canyon in the mountains with many neighborhoods in between — all while traveling alongside the Provo River.
It even passes right through the county's cherished Bridal Veil Falls on its way to Vivian Park in the canyon. However, the trail will soon travel beyond the 801. The Utah Department of Transportation is overseeing a project to add 3.5 miles to the trail in the canyon, linking it to Deer Creek Reservoir and the Heber Valley.
Waterfall Canyon (Weber County)
About 2.4 miles out and back with an elevation gain of over 1,100 feet, Waterfall Canyon can be a little difficult at points — but it also comes with a payoff in the form of a 200-foot waterfall that makes it such a beloved hike.
The canyon can be accessed by the 29th Street Trailhead at Ogden's eastern end.
