Photo by Thomas J. Story

Go camping with the West’s original outdoor stove

This sturdy, incredibly versatile cast-iron pot, prized as far back as colonial times, traveled West with the pioneers and explorers and was indispensable to cowboys on the range. It’s still used constantly in campsites and kitchens across the country, and is especially beloved in Utah, where, as a reflection of proud pioneer history, it’s the state symbol. (There’s even a Utah State Cooking Pot website.) To soak up the spirit of Dutch oven cooking, take it with you next time you hit the trail—and try one of our favorite Dutch oven recipes:

• Sausage and bean Dutch-oven stew
• Dutch-oven braised beef and summer vegetables
• Dutch-oven peach cobbler

You can also check out one of the many World Championship Dutch Oven Cook-Offs, most of them in the West (plenty in Utah). Or sign up to compete!