As the weather cools down and the leaves start changing colors, it’s the perfect time to update your playlist with some fall songs. These 10 songs are your ideal soundtrack for cozying up as autumn settles in.

10. “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star

Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” envelops listeners in a warm, nostalgic embrace that feels perfectly suited to a crisp fall morning. With its ethereal melody and dreamy lyrics, this song is a perfect soundtrack for golden hour, which seems to last just a little longer in autumn. 

9. “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel

Neutral Milk Hotel’s “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” is a timeless piece that while whimsical, carries a deep emotional resonance. Its unique sound and pensive lyrics make it a great addition to any fall playlist, as it pairs well with the changing leaves. 

8. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic hit “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is a quintessential fall tune. Its reflective lyrics and smooth, bluesy rhythm evoke the feeling of sunny fall days and the warm beauty of the season.

7. “Heart of Gold“ by Neil Young 

All of Neil Young’s songs are perfect for any fall playlist, but “Heart of Gold” stands out. The song’s folksy sound is perfect for a drive through the countryside, especially when the trees are adorned in vibrant hues of orange and red. 

6. “These Days” by Nico

Nico’s “These Days” is a poignant ballad that captures the essence of fall perfectly. The song’s minimalistic arrangement and Nico’s haunting vocals create a contemplative atmosphere that mirrors the season’s inherent nostalgia and introspection. This song will make you reflect on everything you’ve done in the past year, and fall is the perfect time for that kind of reflection. 

5. “Flowers in Your Hair“ by The Lumineers

Although this song is criminally short, The Lumineers’ “Flowers in Your Hair” has a gentle, autumnal charm. Its sweet melody and earnest lyrics convey a sense of simplicity and warmth, making it a great addition to a fall-themed playlist.

4. “New Slang” by The Shins

With its melodic hooks and reflective lyrics, “New Slang” by The Shins is a fitting choice for the fall season. This song is perfect for soaking in those last few warm afternoons before the season changes and you have to start driving with the windows up. 

3. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” is a classic fall favorite. Its reflective lyrics and gentle acoustic arrangement capture the essence of change and reflection that autumn embodies. The song’s melancholic yet hopeful tone resonates deeply as the season gets colder and darker.

2. “I Remember Everything” (feat. Kacey Musgraves) by Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan’s “I Remember Everything,” featuring Kacey Musgraves, is a moving ballad that fits seamlessly into the fall season. Its reflective lyrics and poignant delivery evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection, aligning perfectly with the themes of change and memory that autumn often brings. 

1. “Motion Sickness“ by Phoebe Bridgers

“Motion Sickness” is Phoebe Bridger’s most streamed song, and for good reason. “Motion Sickness” is the perfect choice for a fall playlist, with its haunting melodies and raw lyrics. This song’s introspective lyrics have made it the perfect autumnal song since its release in 2017.

As the leaves fall and the temperatures drop, these songs provide a perfect soundtrack to the season’s warm atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment in a bookstore or taking a drive through the vibrant canyons, these songs will help you fully embrace the cozy, reflective spirit of autumn.

j.heaton@dailyutahchronicle.com

@jansenheaton1

The post Falling Notes: The Autumn Soundtrack first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

A recent Minnesota Department of Health study into telehealth showed widespread benefits for patients and providers, prompting changes to telehealth in Minnesota. 

The Minnesota State Legislature requested this recent telehealth study from the Minnesota Department of Health to research the overall impact of the 2021 Telehealth Act across the state.

Telehealth is a technology service that offers immediate healthcare to patients without going to the doctor’s office. Telehealth is usually offered through video chats like Zoom. 

The study found that telehealth expands access to care easier and faster without increasing healthcare costs. Additionally, the study found that most Minnesotans are satisfied with telehealth care and telehealth only fell short when technical issues occurred. 

Besides the benefits, the Minnesota Department of Health study recommended ensuring telehealth is more equitable in the future, especially for those lacking digital literacy and access to technology.  

The research

The studies looked into the impacts of telehealth on patients and healthcare providers.

Tyler Winkelman, former inaugural president of the Minnesota Electronic Health Record Consortium, said for the telehealth study, the Consortium gathered data from 11 health systems throughout the state to gain a diverse overview of who is using telehealth and why. 

“This is a way to generate findings that are useful for policy while sort of keeping all of the health information private with each of the health systems,” Winkelman said. 

Paul Drawz, a former president of the Minnesota Electronic Health Record Consortium, said they receive data from healthcare centers by sending codes requesting data, ensuring that patients’ privacy is maintained. Drawz added that the data comes back in counts, such as how many people used telehealth in a specific city. 

“We can write one set of code, extend it out to the sites, and they send us back results,” Drawz said. “We never send us information on an individual. We only get results.”

Some of the 11 healthcare systems within the telehealth study include Fairview Health Services and Allina Health. 

Winkelman said the Consortium’s data collection and consolidation started during the COVID-19 pandemic and has gained more funding to increase system efficiency since. Instead of taking up to 12 months to collect information, Winkelman said it now takes around a couple of months for the Consortium’s data gathering. 

“It’s still a lot of people, power and time,” Winkelman said. “But it’s much faster than when we first started because of some of these infrastructure investments by the state health department.”

Stephanie Devitt, founder of consulting company SDK Communications, said SDK has a few different roles in the project like interviewing patients and providers or helping the Minnesota Department of Health organize the report. Devitt said they interviewed 92 patients for about 30 to 40 minutes each about their experiences with telehealth. 

Devitt said SDK aimed to understand how large healthcare systems integrated telehealth post-pandemic versus how community-based providers used telehealth to serve smaller communities impacted by health inequalities. 

“Those types of things are what we were trying to understand from providers,” Devitt said. “When do you encourage telehealth? When do you allow it? When do you not encourage it? On the patient side, we just wanted to understand their preferences and the impacts of telehealth and health equity.”

Devitt said SDK found that telehealth helped some patients overcome transportation barriers, stress with going to the doctor in person and avoiding stigma in some communities about being seen at certain clinics.

“We talked to a Federally Qualified Health Center who serves a population where there’s a lot of stigma around mental health and people they knew needed help were refusing,” Devitt said. “So it became available by telehealth and they didn’t have to be seen walking in the clinic.”

Devitt added SDK found telehealth helped some people find care providers that matched their racial identity, which can help create a more comforting environment. Additionally, Devitt said many people taking care of elderly loved ones appreciate telehealth because it allows them to join appointments virtually. 

Winkelman said it is important to recognize that healthcare systems like Fairview and others do not typically interact with public health departments to improve patient care on such a large scale. 

“This is a good example of healthcare systems and public health collaborating to, ultimately, hopefully lead to better policies for patients,” Winkelman said. 

Devitt said SDK worked with a variety of clients throughout this study to understand how the differences in access to digital devices influence people’s ability to connect with resources, including telehealth. Ensuring people have access to digital healthcare goes deeper than broadband, it means having the financial ability to have digital healthcare access. 

“We’ve learned a lot through our work about how important telehealth is to helping people get access to care that they otherwise wouldn’t get,” Devitt said. 

The impact of telehealth

Associate Director of Mental Health at Boynton Health Cecilia Bloomquist said when she started her career in the psychotherapy field in 2012, telehealth was not widespread until COVID-19. 

“The accessibility is incredible,” Bloomquist said. “Because you can expand so many options there. It’s been quite amazing to see this shift.”

Drawz said he noticed an increase in telehealth use from 2015 to 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend. Drawz said it was not until then that many healthcare providers saw telehealth as a valid way to provide quick and widespread care.

Bloomquist said Boynton offers telehealth and in-person care for students. Boynton’s primary care team treats a variety of conditions via telehealth alongside mental health therapy and counseling options, group therapy, affinity groups, and psychiatry services, Bloomquist added. 

“We actually think about this more case by case,” Bloomquist said. “Providers are making recommendations according to what the person is dealing with and what they have available.”

Drawz said the report shows that telehealth care provides the same quality care as an in-person visit for most individuals. Telehealth can be an accessible option for people who can not physically go to the doctor’s office. 

“Some people just can’t get out of their home,” Drawz said. “We do have to pay attention to digital literacy. Not all communities have access to broadband. And so it’s important to keep those things in mind as we advocate for telehealth.”

Bloomquist said she believes telehealth is a highly accessible option for students and providers alike because of its flexibility for busy schedules. 

“People really appreciate the opportunity to work in this hybrid model,” Bloomquist said. “It does help providers.”

Devitt said the question for the state legislature is whether telehealth expansion provisions remain and where changes need to be made post-pandemic. Devitt added it is important to be cognizant of how the different types of healthcare insurance — Medicare, Medicaid or commercial insurance — will be also influenced by the federal government’s decisions on telehealth, not just the state’s. 

“One of the things that’s going to matter a lot is whether or not telehealth is reimbursable in the metro area after the start of the year at the federal level,” Devitt said. “That’s something in addition going on that just will influence how providers make their choices.”

At first, Gophers’ quarterback Max Brosmer was short of the goal line.

Then the call was overturned.

Brosmer took the snap and lunged into center Greg Johnson, but USC’s defense stopped the initial push. A second effort and some help from his teammates allowed Brosmer to break the plane and score the go-ahead touchdown putting Minnesota ahead 24-17 in the fourth quarter.

Freshman defensive back Koi Perich sealed the victory with an interception on the goal line that sent fans to rush the field.

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Fleck told Perich he would develop on the field and this type of game was what Fleck envisioned for the freshman.

“(Perich) always thinks he’s getting an interception,” Fleck said. “He’d be all 11 if he could … I give him a lot of credit. He could have went a lot of different places. Again, we’re not the highest bidder, but he loves the state of Minnesota.”

Perich said when the fans hoisted him up after the game on the field, it was one of the coolest moments of his life.

Momentum shifted with 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter.

USC drove into the Gophers territory and Gophers defensive lineman Jah Joyner flew around the edge, slashing at USC quarterback Miller Moss’ arm, causing the ball to float in the air right to Gophers linebacker Devon Williams for an interception.

Joyner said he thought the offensive tackle moved early and wanted a false start but did not get the call.

“I thought it was a good move by me. I knew I could beat him off the edge all day,” Joyner said. “So, (I was) able to get my hand up and deflect the pass.”

After a holding penalty pushed the Gophers back, a defensive pass interference reignited the drive, making it first-and-goal. A read option saw Brosmer keep it for the first time this season and walk into the end zone for a touchdown, tying the game at 17.

An intentional grounding penalty helped Minnesota stop the Trojans and send the Gophers’ offense back onto the field.

Minnesota’s drive was jump-started after USC linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold body-slammed Perich into the turf, causing a penalty.

Brosmer found Le’Meke Brockington for 22 yards on the drive’s first play. The Gophers then turned to running back Darius Taylor to run the clock to the two-minute timeout.

The Gophers rushed four times reaching the half-yard line, but were stuffed on third-and-goal.

Brosmer made his way into the end zone for his third rushing touchdown of the night after a lengthy review.

“Putting the fate of the team on the back of the o-line and what they did the whole game was absolutely incredible,” Brosmer said.

The Gophers quarterback said it was the first time he scored three rushing touchdowns and there was a lot of weight on both sides of him under the pile.

Moss launched a deep pass over the middle, and shades of Penn State’s Sean Clifford’s last-second interception to Jordan Howden in 2019 showed as Perich skied into the air to seal the win.

Saturday’s win played out like a game of cat and mouse that saw both teams take the lead and give it away. The Gophers played most of their games against Power Four teams from behind this season.

After back-to-back punts to start the game, Minnesota played smash-mouth football, rushing on seven of the eight plays leading to the opening score of the game, a Dragan Kesich field goal. Minnesota’s first points came from the Serbian Hammer four times this season.

USC responded with a methodical 15-play, 75-yard drive, manipulating the Gophers’ defense. Moss found USC wide receiver Duce Robinson wide-open in the end zone for a touchdown to give the Trojans the lead.

Taylor dominated Minnesota’s third drive, including a 40-yard burst down the sideline where a defender pulled his facemask and outran a safety to the edge. The ground game was too much for the Trojans, and Brosmer punched it in via the brotherly shove, 10-7 Minnesota.

Perich, coming off a 60-yard punt return against Michigan, forced the first fumble of his career and Ethan Robinson recovered, handing the ball back to Minnesota.

Taylor fumbled, giving it right back to USC, which led to USC’s Michael Lantz drilling a 54-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 as time expired in the half.

The Gophers scored 14 straight points in the second half to seal their first Big Ten win of the season, snapping a six-game losing streak in conference play.

Taylor finished the game with 200 all-purpose yards. He rushed for 144 yards on 25 carries and caught five passes for 56 yards.

“Tonight, my o-line was doing a great job. My tight ends were getting up to that second level,” Taylor said. “If that happens and we’re clicking on all cylinders, I can just be me and make those plays for the team.”

The last time Minnesota beat a top 15 AP-ranked team was No. 14 Wisconsin in 2021 and, coincidentally, the last time the Gophers stormed Huntington Bank Stadium.

Last week, Sept. 26-28, the Salt Palace Convention Center opened its doors to thousands of pop culture enthusiasts.

FanX has been a Utah Staple since it began in 2013. Widely known as one of the largest pop culture conventions across the nation, Salt Lake was booming with characters from all over.

Walking around the convention center, there’s so much to see and do. Many people get pulled in by the celebrities and activities to partake in. While this was true for me, I was fascinated by the many faces in the vendor hall. I had to stop and chat to find out more.

Moe Smith – Artek Moe

From the corners of West Valley, Utah, Moe Smith brought Artek to FanX. His first ever Comic Con, it was interesting to speak to him about his journey and how he got here.

“I’ve only been doing this for a couple of months … I missed all the big deadlines so I did some investigation and eventually [a spot] opened up,” Smith said. “I got in here halfway through yesterday so the Con was already moving and I was just setting up.”

Smith defines himself as an abstract crosshatch artist, using the fusion of art and technology for his pieces. Looking through his work, I feel that Tim Burton inspires his style. It’s fantastical and random, which exudes the right energy FanX and other comic cons need.

“The vibe [of FanX] has pretty much been the same. The artists’ side of things has been growing and growing and growing,” Smith said. “It just feels bigger, but it feels the same.”

Bernard K. Finnigin – Author

From Idaho Falls, Bernard K. Finnigin brought his Halloween-inspired set-up for the weekend. As an equal Halloween enthusiast, I was instantly drawn to his stand.

Finnigin’s writing takes inspiration from science fiction, aliens, adventure and especially Halloween. We spoke about his first novel, “When Halloween Was Green,” the process of which had been ongoing since 2008. The story follows haunted house actors who become heroes to save Halloween.

“We need more Halloween. Everyone else has gotten to save the world … we [Halloween lovers] have our own particular skills,” Finnigin said.

Sarah Eriksen – Author

Sarah Eriksen is an author from Ogden, Utah. “The Chaos Guardian Series” and “Treacherous Havens” were some of the works she had on display. When talking with her, she explained that her writing process includes inspiration from D&Dand video games. Each story has quest-like attributes as you follow the characters through battle.

Eriksen talked about her book “Chaotic Haunts” and the process of writing it. When gathering inspiration, she explained that she spoke to her friends, who are D&D enthusiasts, about any interesting stories from campaigns they’ve held. One of the things she took from this, was a sword one of her friends created, that fails to pierce through anything.

Each of her stories has an everyday hero, ready to get the job done, no matter the cost. Eriksen’s next book, “The Chaos Sentinel,” can be yours on Dec. 24.

Mike Maydak – MAYDAK

Mike Maydak creates new worlds inspired by comic book structures and characterizations of steampunk and D&D. At the convention, he had his book “Agnimu Rehpot’s the Curiously Astounding Phenomenal Wander” on display.

First published in 2021, this is an insider’s guide to the world and characters of Agnimu Rehpot — completely made up by Maydak. The book was then followed up by “Yadda Yadda Yadda” which are sketches of other pieces within the world that didn’t make it to the original publication.

He continues creating new characters that can become inspirations for D&D campaigns.

The imaginations of these artists are endless. It was phenomenal to be surrounded by so much creative life in one room.

l.hansen@ustudentmedia.com

@laneypauline_

The post An Insider’s Look at FanX Creative Identities first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Sophomore quarterback Zeon Chriss in his first start for UH on Oct. 4 in Houston, Texas. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

Houston defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 30-19 Friday night in Fort Worth, Texas, their first win against the Horned Frogs since 1992.

The win was much needed for the Cougars after two scoreless outings against Cincinnati and Iowa state.

 “I am proud of their resilience and who they kept fighting, scratching and clawing,” said head coach Willie Fritz “This was a good team win.”

UH’s sophomore quarterback Zeon Chriss got his first start as a Cougar and did not disappoint. Chriss led Houston to an offensive explosion in the first half and was the spark this offense desperately needed. 

Chriss passed for 121 yards in the first half and broke away for a 71-yard touchdown run with 2:18 left before halftime.

Sophomore wide receiver Devan Williams caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Chriss and redshirt freshman running back Re’Shaun Sanford II had a two yard rushing touchdown run for two more Houston touchdowns. The team tallied 260 total yards in the half which propelled the Cougars to a 24-6 halftime lead.

On the defensive side, Junior defensive back A.J. Haulcy made his presence felt as he snagged two balls from TCU’s sophomore quarterback Josh Hoover early. He went on to finish the contest with seven tackles.

Two pass interference penalties capped allowed for a two yard touchdown run for TCU’s freshman running back Jeremy Pane, to give the Horned Frogs the first points of the second half. Houston’s defense stepped up and denied TCU of the two-point conversion which kept the score 24-12.

UH started off the second half with punts on both drives and only had eight yards of total offense with 3:43 left in the third quarter.

On the first play of the following drive, Houston’s senior defensive back Hershey McLaurin forced a fumble and was recovered by junior defensive lineman Carlos Allen.

Houston’s senior quarterback Donovon Smith replaced Chriss who had been dealing with cramps throughout the game. Smith stepped up to the challenge by leading a 14 play, 66 yard drive that resulted in a 27-yard field goal by senior kicker Zack Martin, who was 3/3 on field goals for the night.

The drive consumed 7:27 of the fourth quarter and left the Horned Frogs under two minutes to respond.

Senior outside linebacker Zykeius Strong sacked Hoover which allowed senior linebacker Michael Batton to pick up the fumble. The Cougars won at TCU for the first time in over 30 years, and escaped the scoreless struggles from week four and five.  

Fritz shared that he received several text messages of support, “Loyal Coog faithful were telling me not to lose faith and I appreciate each and every one of you, who still believed in us.”

Now the Cougars will take a week off before heading on the road to face Kansas at the Chief’s Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“Houston finds offensive spark in historic win” was originally posted on The Cougar

I didn’t grow up with American football. I grew up with the original football, or as people here call it: soccer. Everyone around me in the suburbs of Athens, Greece, either watched soccer or basketball.

Megan Park’s second written and directed film, “My Old Ass,” premiered in select theaters on Sept. 13 and was released nationwide on Sept. 27. Park, known to many for her acting role in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” also wrote and directed “The Fallout,” which garnered several awards.

Set in a cranberry farm in rural Ontario, the film unfolds during the summer before Elliott (Maisy Stella, “Nashville”) departs for college in Toronto. On her birthday, Elliott and her two friends — played by Maddie Ziegler (“The Fallout”) and Kerrice Brooks (“The Cypher”) — decide to take mushrooms. During her psychedelic journey, Elliott encounters her 39-year-old self, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza (“Parks and Recreation”).

The unexpected encounter with her older self becomes a turning point for Elliott. The 39-year-old version of her offers advice, helping her navigate the challenges of growing up and moving for college, reconnecting with family and understanding the intricacies of romantic relationships.

The film stands out with its wit and humor, yet also delivers tear-jerking moments. The cast has undeniable chemistry, especially in the sweet, heartfelt scenes between Elliott and her mom, which are sure to resonate with many viewers.

Chad, played by Percy Hynes White (“The Gifted”), is a boy who comes to help Elliott’s father with the farm for the summer. His dynamic with Elliott is electric, and the two actors work well together, adding depth to the film.

The film also uses visual symbolism to deepen its narrative. The cranberry farm, for example, can be seen as a metaphor for both fertility and stagnation. Elliott’s life is “about to begin” as she says, yet she remains stuck in the comfort of her familiar surroundings. 

One notable drawback in the film is the cinematography. While the saturated color palette aims to portray summer, it comes across as overly stylized, reminiscent of a commercial rather than a feature film. The hyper-saturated visuals occasionally feel disconnected from the emotional depth of the story, as if the film is trying too hard to appear aesthetically pleasing without adding any real texture or mood to the narrative.

The soundtrack is also somewhat forgettable. Though there are a few nostalgic needle drops from the early 2000s, the music does not offer any standout moments that leave a lasting impression.

Additionally, there is perhaps one too many boat-riding montages. While these scenes seem intended to highlight Elliott’s connection to her hometown, they feel more like filler and do not significantly add to the film’s depth.

What the film does surprisingly well is its portrayal of queer characters in a refreshingly normal light. The characters’ sexualities are integrated naturally into the story without unnecessary focus or negativity. It is refreshing to see fully developed characters, allowing for more authentic and nuanced representation.

“My Old Ass” is a great blend of wit, emotion and insightful storytelling. While its script is funny, it does not shy away from heartfelt moments. Despite some critiques, the movie shines in its portrayal of genuine relationships and personal growth. It is a must-see for fans of coming-of-age stories.

The post Humor meets sincerity in “My Old Ass” appeared first on Technique.

The No. 11 Ducks (11-2, 3-1 BIG) steamrolled into Friday’s blockbuster against the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions (14-1, 4-0 BIG) — winning 11-straight and their first three conference matches. 

Penn State, boasting the home court advantage, handled the proficient Oregon offense with ease, as the Lions swept (25-19, 25-19, 25-17) to secure their sixth-straight win and fourth in conference play. 

The Nittany Lions’ ability to control the net and prevent Oregon’s explosive tandem of setter Cristin Cline and outside hitter Mimi Colyer proved key on Friday. Cline hit -.167 and Colyer fared the same with her -.130 night. 

If the method by which the offense flows cannot get going, so too is true about the Ducks.

The team offense suffered a similar fate, as Oregon hit .075 for the night, which was far from coach Ulmer’s usual standard. That percentage came as a consequence of the 25 attacking errors the Ducks were responsible for. 

The Nittany Lions pounced on that lack of offense and didn’t give Oregon any chance of solidifying any momentum offensively. Penn State used an electric middle of the first set to put itself ahead for the rest of the match. 

In fact, after the score was tied at nine in the first set, Oregon failed to get within five points of PSU for the rest of the way. 

Defensively, the Ducks allowed the Nittany Lions to hit .284 for the game, with outside hitter Jess Mruzik leading the way with her 16 kills and three blocks on .353 hitting. Her counterpart, Colyer, only managed two kills along with her negative hitting percentage. 

The Penn State effort was dominant and efficient, and the Nittany Lions made their first statement to the national crowd as the country’s No. 3 ranked squad. Oregon clearly still has some kinks to get out of the system as it regards playing in a much tougher conference. 

However, this is only the Ducks’ second loss of the season — with the first coming at the hands of the national No. 1 the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. This was always going to be one of the toughest conference opponents for the Ducks, and having this game away early in the season will help to speed up the process of a new team growing into its best self. 

Tests like this one don’t come often, and even though the Ducks failed, coach Ulmer and his squad have an opportunity to figure out its strengths and weaknesses against one of the nation’s best rosters.

Students at the University of Utah are treated to some of the best camping in the country.  With breathtaking landscapes only a short drive away, Utah’s outdoor adventures are something all students should get to experience. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway or an extended backcountry trek, Utah’s diverse deserts, mountains, and forests offer the perfect escape for nature lovers of all experience levels.

Northern Utah Adventures

While southern Utah’s iconic national parks often steal the spotlight, northern Utah has plenty to offer as well. Since the University is located in the northern part of the state, the trips below are perfect for students looking to stay close to home while still enjoying a great outdoor adventure.

Just 30 minutes from campus, Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon offer well-maintained campsites with flat tent spots, fire pits and bathrooms with running water. Ideal for a convenient escape, these canyons are most popular among students in the fall.

About an hour and a half from campus, the Uintas feature stunning alpine lakes, dense forests, and meadows. Campgrounds such as Mirror Lake and Trial Lake provide flat tent spots, fire rings and vault toilets. A 4×4 is useful for more remote sites.

Located over an hour south along the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Payson Lakes offers easy access and beautiful mountain views. The campground features flat tent spots, picnic tables, fire pits and vault toilets, making it perfect for a relaxed lake-side getaway.

Southern Utah’s National Parks

While northern Utah offers its own incredible outdoor experiences, the national parks in southern Utah are truly iconic for camping. With stunning red rock formations, unique landscapes and dark skies perfect for stargazing, these parks provide unforgettable adventures. Though a bit further from campus, the trips below are ideal for students willing to venture south for a truly epic outdoor experience.

With its towering cliffs and vibrant canyons, Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Popular trails include the Narrows, Angels Landing and the Watchman.

Arches National Park is famous for its unique sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Popular camping spots include Devils Garden Campground and the primitive backcountry campsites.

Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its otherworldly hoodoos, is a must-see for any visitor to Utah. Popular trails include the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden.

Getting Into Camping in Utah

Discovering how you enjoy camping is a key part of making the most of your outdoor experiences. Taking the time to explore different styles of camping — whether it’s setting up camp in a well-equipped site, trying out backcountry camping or enjoying a weekend at a national park — helps you find what resonates with you. Whether you’re drawn to the peacefulness of a quiet campsite or the thrill of a challenging hike, finding your camping style ensures that each adventure is both rewarding and memorable.

Alta Fairbourne, a senior student and active member of the Utah Rivers Council, grew up immersed in the outdoors. Raised near Hobble Creek Canyon, she has spent much of her life enjoying nature and is an experienced camper.

For Alta, the key to a perfect camping experience is finding a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. She particularly recommends camping on Bureau of Land Management land, which offers serene, less-traveled spots that align perfectly with her desire for solitude and tranquility in nature. 

“I recommend that new campers find a really cool national park in Southern Utah and camp on BLM land,” Fairbourne said. “I usually don’t like to pay for my camping spots, so it’s kind of my favorite thing to set up camp there. It offers a much more wilderness feel compared to many campgrounds that don’t really feel like the wilderness.”

Fairbourne’s experience can guide you on the essential gear to bring for both new and experienced campers. Here’s her advice on the must-have items to make your camping trips more comfortable and enjoyable.

“I recommend starting with the basics like a good tent, sleeping bag and cooking equipment,” she said. “If you are experienced, I definitely recommend canyoneering in southern Utah.”

Some of the gear she recommends for canyoneering is “ropes, ATC — which are like belay devices — harnesses, a good pair of shoes, a backpack with water and definitely a good pair of pants that won’t tear on a down-climb.”

From the convenient and well-maintained campsites in northern Utah’s Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons to the tranquil beauty of Payson Lakes and the iconic wonders of southern Utah’s national parks, there’s an adventure waiting just a short drive away. By exploring different camping styles and finding what resonates with you, you’ll ensure each trip is uniquely rewarding. 

m.valva@dailyutahchronicle.com

 @max_valva

The post Camping in Utah: A Guide to the Beehive State first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Emery Herman knows that sharing is caring.

Fresno State volleyball found that out the hard way on Saturday, as Colorado State beat the Bulldogs in a 3-1 (25-16, 20-25, 25-11, 25-23) victory.

When Malaya Jones demands the attention she does each and every set, Herman’s job is made a lot easier. The graduate setter for the Rams has the luxury of spreading the ball around to each of the Rams’ weapons. 

If the focus is on containing Jones and Kennedy Stanford, Naeemah Weathers or anyone else is just waiting for their opportunity to feast. Really, there’s no wrong answer on where the ball should be set. 

“When I can set anybody and it’s a great option, it makes my life so much easier,” Herman said. “So, shout out to them for doing all that they do and (for) being amazing.”

Herman wasn’t just dominant in her passing game, but across the board. She finished with 46 assists, three service aces, a game-high 12 digs and a team-high two blocks. 

That dominance is a big reason she was named to the Mountain West preseason team, and why CSU was chosen to finish first in the conference. A 4-0 conference start and a nice revenge win against the Bulldogs — who beat the Rams in the MW Championship — goes a long way toward living up to those expectations. 

“We talked about it literally right before the game,” Jones said. “We’re like, ‘Revenge is short, let’s go.’ We just got super excited. We also try not to make it too personal — we just wanted to go out and still do our jobs and not think too much about last year, but also it would be sweet if we could win.”

Business as usual for the Rams’ leading hitter. 

Jones does often lead the box score in kills for the Rams, but she also does so much more. She added nine digs and three service aces to her game-high 20 kills, putting together a complete performance. Those numbers always stick out, but what doesn’t is the attention she draws from the opponent. 

“Malaya and Naeemah are next to each other, so it’s hard to focus on which one you want to send the two blockers to,” coach Emily Kohan said. “Emery does a really nice job of making some decisions.” 

The balanced box score is something that Kohan praised Herman on, for her ability to get everyone on the court involved and going. Weathers tallied 12 kills, Karina Leber finished with 12 and true freshman Maria Brun got in on the action killing nine balls. 

Each time the ball is in the air, Herman has a choice to make. Sometimes that choice comes while the ball floats in the air above her, sometimes she has to be fast on her feet and make those decisions while the ball sits in her hands for just a brief moment. 

“It’s never the same,” Herman said. “Sometimes it’s ball in my hands, sometimes it’s as the person past I already know. But the latest is balls in my hands.”

Keeping the defense off balance and guessing is a pivotal part of CSU’s attack. This allows the offense to spread the opposing defense across the court, and when that happens, the veteran presence that the Rams boast is able to shine through and find those empty spots on the floor. 

The IQ of those veterans is huge. The chemistry they’ve been able to build over several years playing with each other has been huge. That isn’t just privy to the offense, however, it translates over to CSU’s ability to play defense as well. 

“If you serve tougher, it helps your block have less decision to make, which helps your defense play behind it,” Kohan said. “It’s this big chain reaction. Our whole offseason, we focused on point scoring which is serving, blocking and defense.”

As CSU looks forward with heavy expectations hanging above it, a sense of pride comes along with reaching the heights the Rams are supposed to. 

In the third set, CSU showed truly how high it could fly. A 25-11 third-set victory over the defending MW Champions, is the expectation. 

“We kind of talk about: it’s our standard,” Jones said. “We should be serving that aggressively, we should be executing at a high level because we know we can, and we should show it. So we have to keep it as closest to that (third set), it’s not going to happen every time, but as closest to that as we possibly can.”

The undefeated start to MW play is a stark contrast to the way CSU opened up the season. In each of her first two seasons, Kohan has brought in a gauntlet of teams for the Rams to play. 

That might not translate to winning in the moment, but the games in conference count for much more than the others, and her philosophy has been working out pretty well.

“We knew going into that non-conference that it probably wasn’t going to be undefeated,” Kohan said. “But we played every team really tough. … Proud of the way that we were able to stay confident and not let it get us rattled and know that it was going to hopefully still keep paying off as the season progresses.”

Reach Damon Cook at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @dwcook2001.

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