We should all grab the leash and regularly hit the trails with Fido but judging from the robust turnout at this weekend’s Bark at the Basin at Snowbasin we need a tad more nudging.

I get that people need events to motivate them. You want to trim down and get in shape by running, you look for marathons to enter and train for. I can’t seem to kayak unless I hear of a Whitewater Club meetup. A dog, however, needs no excuse. Bark at the Basin, therefore, was more for us than them.

Canines of all shapes, sizes and breeds eagerly bounded around for a gorgeous day in the mountains. What’s not to love about cool breezes, fresh air, gourmet treats, exercise and new butts to sniff?

The $25 registration fee benefitted Best Friends Animal Society and all participants collected a super cool T-shirt modeled after one of the original Snowbasin Resort logos, a water bowl with a fresh-baked dog biscuit that smelled good enough for human consumption and a bar of soap shaped like a dinosaur (Sinclair Oil’s mascot). There were only a smattering of loyal sponsors at the inaugural event but no matter. The true attraction was the shaded singletrack loop to the north of the resort. Twice around made it a 5k and the water buckets at the end added the perfect cooldown.

The bands for Snowbasin’s Sunday Blues, Brews and BBQ didn’t start playing until after 2 p.m. so we made a day of it, Takoda and I. This was my first visit of the summer and as I sipped on a homemade blackberry lemonade ‘shaker’ I wondered what took me so long. Snowbasin is killer day trip to beat the heat of Ogden and Salt Lake Valley’s. They have loads of dog friendly biking and hiking trails, disc golf, weekly live music and amazing food.

Perhaps you need an event to motivate you?

The Wildflower Trailfest for women bikers and runners is this Thursday. If you didn’t register early, however, the price is a bit steep- $100- but includes massages, dinner, raffle, and the event.

Other motivators:

July 31- Blue Moon Viewing. See the first Blue Moon in 3 years from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. at Needles Lodge. Gondola rides are free for season pass holders or $10 and food will be available. Telescopes will be provided by the Ogden Astronomical society.

Sunday Brunch at Needles, Midweek Bike Races on Wed., guided bike rides on Saturday and Blues, Brews and BBQ on Sundays.