Name: 2026 MTNA Piano Competition
Start: 2026-10-15
End: 2026-10-17

**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

A medium-length family friendly hike with beautiful lake view.

This well trafficked hike is a must. While the trail shown here is a great loop, it can be adjusted for any level of hiking - it can be shortened to an out and back to just see the beautiful Lake Mary, or it can be lengthened to take in Mary, Martha, Catherine, Dog, and Twin Lakes. Many families and groups of all types on the Lake Mary trail section, but the link between Mary and Twin is less crowded. It's recommended to avoid weekends and holidays, if possible, as this is a popular hike. Spring hiking can be difficult as the snow still sometimes covers the trail even as late as June.

**Local's recommendation:** This is a good summer or fall hike - the temperatures at this elevation in Big Cottonwood Canyon is 10-20 degrees cooler than the Salt Lake valley.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 9675 ft

**Lowest point:** 8766 ft

**Best time of year:** May - October

**Safety information:** Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and extra snacks. There are steep parts, so a walking pole is helpful. Swimming and dogs are not permitted anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed area.

**Roadbook**

From the parking lot at Brighton Resort, follow the signs for the Lake Mary trail. The trail is well signed all the way up, and if you choose to take the loop to Twin Lakes Reservoir, it is also well marked.

- Start point - 8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121 - 0 mi
- Highest point, 9675 ft - 1.7 mi
- Lowest point, 8766 ft - 4.6 mi
- Lake Mary - Destination - 4.7 mi

**How to Get There**

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

**Parking:** Parking at Brighton Resort near the trailhead is free outside of the ski season.

Lake Mary to Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop Trail

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Huge vistas. Long ride. Fast descents. **Cons:** Often busy. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** Not Required **Dogs allowed?:** No | **Total Distance:** 11.40 mi (18.35 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 9,732 ft (2,966 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 850 ft (259 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** One-way/Shuttle |
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The Wasatch Crest Mountain Bike Trail near Salt Lake City is consistently ranked among Utah's top mountain bike trails, but it also easily measures up against as one of the America's best mountain bike rides. You won’t get very far down the trail before you realize why.

Wasatch Crest Mountain Bike Trail

Discover peak shopping at Junction Commons! Find a mountaintop full of savings from over 50 popular brand name designer stores including Michael Kors, Coach Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Nike, Adidas or Under Armour. Explore outdoor adventure stores like Columbia Factory, Boardriders, Buckle, Eddie Bauer, Merrell, Pearl iZUMi Factory, Oakley Vault, Sun & Ski Sports, Vans and Volcom.

Plus now you can grab a quick bite to eat at Chipotle Mexican Grill or Jersey Mike's Sub.

Savings worth the drive only 15 minutes from the Salt Lake Valley!

Only 15 minutes from the Salt Lake Valley!

Junction Commons

Alta Ski Resort has a 5km Nordic Ski track that runs a loop between the Albion and Wildcat base areas. Get cross-country and snowshoe gear from the Albion Alta Ski Shop.

Alta's Nordic Ski Track

1.75 mi/2.8 km one-way — This hike starts at Brighton Resort, 15 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Follow the signs west of the general store for the meadow path to Silver Lake.When you reach Silver Lake, continue to the right along the north shore. About halfway around the lake, on the northwest side, the trail splits; take the right-hand fork. When the trail splits again, follow the posted signs for a gradual climb to Lake Solitude, a tiny lake in a tree-lined bowl. Take along a picnic and a camera.

Silver Lake/Lake Solitude

A playful spin on the classic red sauce pizza joint, Disco Pizza is a mountain side go-to spot with signature and staple house-made pizzas, pastas and classic American-Italian comfort food. Featuring curated cold beers and handmade milkshakes with favorites made new. Meet you at the milkshake bar.

Disco Pizza

Just steps from the Sunrise Gondola, Après Pendry is a centrally located lobby lounge and bar where a European-inspired take on mountainside socializing comes alive. Come for handcrafted coffee and cocktails, an array of beer & wine, shareable comfort food, and a cozy, yet contemporary slopeside setting with indoor and outdoor seating, roaring fireplace, live music and a bustling bar. Open daily for afternoon and evening libations and food.

Apres Pendry

Explore the rich history of skiing in the Intermountain Region. Discover how this rugged landscape became a global hub for winter sports with the hard work and dedication of early pioneers.

#### Included in these Attractions Passes:

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Alf Engen Ski Museum

Padel is the fastest growing sport in the world! Making its target Olympic debut in 2032 Played by 35 million around the world, padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport globally. It combines elements of tennis and pickleball on a smaller enclosed court, making it easy to learn and incredibly fun. Now it is arriving in Utah, and your child can be among the first to learn and master this exciting new sport at Padel Park. Junior High to High School athletes.

Padel Park

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

The MTNA National Competitions are some of the most successful and prestigious student classical music competitions in the country. Each year, thousands of students compete for top prizes and national recognition. The purpose of the Music Teachers National Association Performance competitions is to provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence. UMTA proudly hosts the state round of this competition in the recital hall of Steinway Piano Gallery in Holladay (4644 S. Holladay Blvd). The community is invited to attend these competitions at no cost. Winners of the competition will go on to the Southwest Division competition then Nationals in St. Louis, Missouri at the MTNA national conference. The competitions consist of a Piano Competition and Instrumental Competition each with Junior, Senior, and Young Artist Divisions. Specific times for each division can be found at https://utahmta.org/students/competitions-mtna-competitions/mtna-competitions/ Audience members will please enter and exit quietly between competitors. No audience members under the age of 8. No video or photography permitted.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.

2026 MTNA Piano Competition

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