Name: Murray's Haunted Tales Writers Showcase 2026
Start: 2026-10-22
End: 2026-10-22

This casual self-service restaurant is the perfect place for a quick lunch or snack before jumping back on the mountain. Be sure to try the ramen or rice bowls, freshly-made burgers and sandwiches and a large offering of fresh vegetables and gourmet salads and house-made chili. Stop in for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soda and beer. The custom carousel-shaped salad bar serves an abundance of gourmet prepared salads, dressings, local and regional selections and fresh-baked breads. Our signature ramen or rice bowls include your choice of broth and savory protein, such as garlic beef. Other Rendezvous specialties include our fresh grilled burgers, teriyaki chicken sandwiches, foot-long hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Gluten-free options are available. Cafeteria-style seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Rendezvous

The local watering hole. A Snowbird institution. The Tram Club is the center of our local universe. Where else can you rub elbows with ski pros and out-of-town celebrities? Restaurant & Bar Specials Daily and weekly specials. Catch the big game at this sports bar on one of 14 TVs. Serving beer, wine, cocktails and après-ski specials year-round. \*Must be 21 years of age or older to enter the Tram Club.

The Tram Club

Burgers & brats at the Bird. When you see Snowbird's brand-new food trailer located just steps away from the base of the Mid-Gad chairlift in the Creekside Ballpark, you'll cry out 'Gadzooks'! In partnership with Pepsi, Gadzooks provides speedy grab & go lunch and snack options perfect for keeping those Gad Valley powder runs going all day long (why not try out Gadzooks' namesake trail located off the Gad 2 lift). In the spring, layout and enjoy the sun's rays while you enjoy a delicious Big Emma's Pepsi BBQ Burger while skiers and riders zoom on by.

Gadzooks

**The Route**

A fairly short, easy hike in the Suncrest neighborhood, this trail affords spectacular views to both the Salt Lake valley and Utah County.

This out-and-back trail is good for families, bikes, and hikers of all expertise levels. There are hills, but they are navigable by most levels, the trail is wide and more like a jeep track for a good portion of the route, and dogs are welcome. The alien tower is a metal pyramid structure at the top of one of the small peaks, and gives the best views into both sides of the mountain.

**Insider's view:** An excellent hike nearly all-year round. Dogs are allowed.

**Difficulty:** Easy - low technical difficulty and stamina requirements

**Highest point:** 6673 ft

**Lowest point:** 6171 ft

**Best time of year:** Year Round

**Safety information:** The foothills are home to wildlife. Watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, and be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you stay hydrated.

**Roadbook**

Follow the trail to the west and south until it starts to curve back to the east. Take the smaller trail up the hill - look for the metal triangular structure at the top of the hill.

- Start point - Deer Ridge Offleash Dog Trailhead, Deer Ridge Dr, Draper, UT 84020
- Lowest point, 6168 ft - 0 mi
- Highest point, 6673 ft - 1.4 mi
- Alien Tower - Destination - 2.7 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead - best access is by car.

**Parking:** Park on the street at the trailhead.

Alien Tower Trail

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Tram access. Long descent. Vistas. Flowy. **Cons:** None. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Spring, Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** Not Required **Dogs allowed?:** No | **Total Distance:** 8.20 mi (13.20 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** BLUE **Trailhead Elev.:** 10,960 ft (3,341 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** -2,965 ft (-904 m) **Trail Uses:** Biking **Trail type:** One-way/Shuttle |
| --- | --- |

Big Mountain Trail is a newer addition to the mountain bike trails at Snowbird resort. Although the trail is accessible by climbing a number of fire roads or other trails, Snowbird’s tram makes those options seem more like punishment than anything else. This gorgeous, fast, flowy, endless descent is suited for nearly any mountain bike. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the scenery as you descend will leave you in awe. The work Snowbird has put into the trail becomes immediately apparent with rollers on the straightaways and well built ladders over the marshy areas. You'll also encounter the occasional natural, but mellow, rock garden.

Big Mountain Trail Mountain Bike Ride

Located up Big Cottonwood canyon, this trail is a great opportunity to get out on your snowshoes. If you're not looking to go too far, you can also bring a tube or sled and enjoy the hills at the trailhead.

Lake Desolation Mill D North Trail

Experience Alta's finest in cuisine and service, while enjoying magnificent views. Winter: lunch and dinner served daily.“Inviting feeling of home with spectacular views, sumptuous breakfast and gourmet dinner. For those who like to be pampered…, this is the place to stay." Remote and Luxurious Ski Resorts,

The Rustler Lodge Dining Room

Join local guides on trails in and around Snowbird to step into the mountains. A variety of options are available including group hikes (3-4 miles), private tours (4-10 miles based on your preference), and Wellness Wednesdays (1-2 miles focused on mindfulness). Advanced reservations are required for all guided hikes. We recommend bringing a long-sleeved layer, a hat, good hiking or athletic shoes, sunscreen and a backpack with a bottle of water and snacks.

Guided Hikes at Snowbird

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Trees, vistas, long season **Cons:** Flat trail, often busy. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Spring, Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** Not Required **Dogs allowed?:** Yes | **Total Distance:** 7.70 mi (12.39 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 5,151 ft (1,570 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 1,159 ft (353 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back/Loop |
| --- | --- |

The Mueller Park Trail offers a great change in pace from most of the mountain bike rides in the Salt Lake City area. It’s low elevation keeps it open late season, but the thick tree cover keeps it cool during the summer. The trail is not technical or challenging, which makes it a great trail for the family. Although there is parking at the trailhead itself, it’s limited enough that you may want to park on the street at the entrance to the park. From there it’s a quick pedal until you see the trailhead on a bridge over the stream. Soon you’ll be climbing through deep pines that lead into an abundance of plant life that is rarely seen in this area. The trail drops deep into draws that are full of poplar, cottonwoods, aspens, ferns, and undergrowth. Then it winds through pines, cuts through scrub oak, and swings you out and across the grass covered ridges, only to repeat the process over and over again.

Mueller Park Trail Mountain Bike Ride to Big Rock

The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control operates 44 State Liquor and Wine Stores and over 100 package agencies or contract stores across the state. State liquor and wine stores carry a full line of liqueurs, wines, spirits, and some full strength beers.

Utah State Liquor Store #40

Visit Salt Lake

Salt Lake is the place where the Wasatch mountain peaks frame city streets. Sure, Salt Lake's famed for our winter powder ([four legendary ski resorts](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/) just 30 minutes from downtown), but that's just one season's story. Summer brings families [hiking through wildflower meadows](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/) before cooling off at a Jazz game or the Gateway fountains. Autumn paints our mountain canyons in gold, perfect for morning strolls that end at local coffee shops. Spring? That's when you might spot baby bison on Antelope Island before heading to the Eccles Theater for a Broadway show. Our soaring Wasatch Mountains rise dramatically from downtown Salt Lake, creating a place where every day offers both natural wonders and urban energy. And while we sit perfectly between the [national parks](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/state-national-parks/) with Yellowstone's geysers and Utah's red rock country, the real magic happens right here, where everyone can [discover the history](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/about-salt-lake/) of the city as they find their own rhythm between mountain adventure and city life.

Sports Salt Lake

Writers Showcase: October 15, 20266:00PM at the Murray Museum (4872 S. Poplar Street)This years Haunted Tales theme is The Haunted Mansion; Not all who enter find their way out1st-12th grade students are invited to test their creative writing abilities by writing a frightening tale about an abandoned haunted mansion. Is it a vampire's hideout? A house full of ghostly visitors? Or could it just be old pipes? No one knows for certain. But one thing is certain: not everyone who enters finds their way out... Get your pencils ready because we're just dying to read the tales you conjure for the old mansion!Participants and families are invited to the showcase and awards. Participants are encouraged to read their entry aloud at the showcase. Costumes encouraged!This calendar listing is brought to you by NowPlayingUtah.com, Utah's one-stop, online website for arts and entertainment events, powered by the Utah Cultural Alliance.

Murray's Haunted Tales Writers Showcase 2026

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