All of the sports and outdoors stuff in Utah that we wanted to put in the 2012 Best of the Beehive, but there just was no room left. Maybe next year (as you can tell by these awesome picks, we really had to be selective).

Best bike accessories
SLC Bicycle Co.

This downtown shop stocks tons of spare parts, plus a wide array of helmets, jerseys, car racks, cute little bells and everything else you’ll need. 177 E. 200 South, SLC, 801-746-8366, slcbike.com

Best bags for extra cargo
Lone Peak Packs

No more one-handed rides. Lone Peak makes packs to strap all over your bike (and yourself). We love the h-100 Alta Handlebar Pack which holds 660-cubic inches, $85. lonepeakpacks.com

Best excuse to wear bowling shoes
Bonwood Bowl Leagues

Bonwood is an iconic alley, and their leagues can fit almost any schedule or budget. After the game, grab a beer in the Trophy Room Lounge with your team and discuss strategy. 2500 S. Main St., SLC, 801-487-7758, bonwoodbowl.com

Best flight on a soccer field
Ultimate SLC

Ultimate Frisbee is back, and Ultimate SLC offers chances to play for men and women, young and old. Think football where you can’t run with the ball, but with a Frisbee. Registration is just $25. ultimateslc.org

Best sports/outdoor fun for people disabilities
National Ability Center

NAC exists to give sports and recreation opportunites to people of all ages and abilities, such as the Summit Challenge Bike Ride on Aug. 25 and the Utah Fly Fishing Challenge on Sept. 21–22. 1000 Ability Way, Park City, 435-649-3991, discovernac.org

Best horesback rides
Ruby’s Horseback Adventures


Your chance to retrace the trails and learn the stories of outlaw Butch Cassidy on horseback in beautiful Bryce Canyon. Beginners to advanced riders welcome, family-owned and operated. 26 S. Main St., Bryce Canyon City, 435-834-5341, horserides.net

Best spot for outdoors beginners
Swaner EcoCenter

If you get past the big, scary mountains to Kimball Junction, you’re almost to Swaner EcoCenter and its 1,200 acres of open space filled with natural wonders. Indoors, you’ll find exhibits, a theater and more to help you get acquainted with Mother Nature. 1258 Center Dr., Park City, 435-649-1767, swanerecocenter.org

Best farm to play Clark Kent
Wheeler Farm

When he was Superboy, Clark Kent developed character by doing farm chores, and your kids can, too. Watch the folks at the farm milk cows and the feed animals, but don’t expect them to develop Kryptonian powers. 6351 S. 900 East, SLC, 801-264-2241, wheelerfarm.com

Best place for outdoorsy classes
Utah State University Cooperative Extension

USU’s extension offers classes here in Salt Lake County on watersheds, deserts and  almost everything you can garden in Utah for a steal of a deal. 801-468-3179, extension.usu.edu/saltlake

Click here to see what sports and outdoor activities did make it in our Best of the Beehive.