outdoor adventures

Trails are continually being developed toconnect the city and outlying areas, mak-ing it convenient and fun to explore.

Home to a dozen pristine golfcourses offering stunning views, southern Utah is a golfer's paradiseand has been called Utah's Golf Capitol. Here, you will find some of thebest courses in the southwestern United States, including a couple rec-

With blue skies, sunshine, and red rocks, the region providesdiverse opportunities for outdoorenthusiasts and high-adventure seek-ers.

Hiking, road and mountain bik-ing, backpacking and climbing are pop-ular all year in and around St. George.

Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the state,

Utah's St. George City provides one of the most unique destinations in the west.

professionaltheater boast-ing a 1920-seatoutdooramphitheater.Resting in theshadow of redsandstonecliffs, Tuacahnis home to"Broadway inthe Desert",

featuring some of Broadway's greatest produc-tions. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visi-tors enjoy some of Utah's most stunning produc-tions. Join us this year for Mary Poppins, StarlightExpress, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Disney'sMulan!

Just 90 minutes north of Las Vegas on I-15and four hours south of Salt Lake City, theSt. George area is a destination you can’tmiss. For more information, visitwww.atozion.com or call 1-800-869-6635.

ognized by GolfDigest. Whetheryou are anadvanced golferor just startingout, the St.George area has acourse to fit yourskill level.

Headingeast, you'll findQuail LakeReservoir andSand HollowState Park. Bothare popular forboating, water-skiing, swim-ming, sailing and camping. Quail Lake also offers great fishing andeight miles of beaches. Sand Hollow boasts access to the SandMountain Dunes which include over 15,000 acres of prime ATV rid-ing.

SnowCanyon StatePark, just a fewmiles north of St.George, boastsdramatic redsandstone cliffs,topped by a man-tle of black lavarock. Whetheryou're experienc-ing the sixteen miles of hiking trails, enjoying the camping andpicnic areas, climbing the red cliffs or exploring the sanddunes, this park is aperfect way to seethe high desert.Horseback trail ridesare available for afun and excitingchange of pace.

For a nightout, visit TuacahnCenter for the Arts, a

A jewel nestled in the southwestern corner of Utah, just 45 minutes north-east of St. George and four hours south of Salt Lake City, Zion is one of themost unique destinations in the west. With majestic sandstone mountains andbreathtaking scenery, the park provides diverse recreation opportunities foroutdoor enthusiasts, high-adventure seekers, and those looking for casualrecreation.

Sitting at thedoorstep to Zion, youwill find the charmingtown of Springdale.With fewer than 600year-round residentsthat host more than 1million overnightguests each year, this town is one of the most hospitable in the country. Thisadventurer's hamlet offers a unique and high-quality assortment of lodging,dining and shopping experiences without ever having to leave the captivatingwalls of Zion Canyon.

Zion National Park;Zion National Park; one ofUtah’s Most Famous Jewels

Entering Zion National Park, you'll find a wonder of cathedral-like spires that cap-ture the imagination and refresh the spirit. Utah's first and most highly visitednational park, Zion's recreation opportunities are abundant. Hiking trails are plen-

tiful and offer a widerange of difficulty,making it possible foranyone to enjoy ahike.

Park access is simpli-fied with a shuttle sys-tem that runs continu-ally every day duringthe busy season. Forvisitors in their ownvehicles, a tripthrough the mile-longZion tunnel is a must.

Zion NationalPark offers anunforgettableadventure andrecreation expe-rience. You will

savor the grandeur of the area and enjoy the many amenities and activitiesoffered. For more information, visit www.atozion.com or call 1-800-869-6635.

www.recreateinutah.com

Spin Geeks’ “Ride The Gap” and Cedar Breaks Lodge

An Ideal BlendSpin Geeks, based in St. George, Utah organizes nine differ-

ent rides each year in the Southern Utah and Mesquite,

Nevada area. For

the past three years

we've participated

with numerous

friends in some of

these rides. New to

us this year (but certainly not new to Spin Geeks) we added

an event called "Ride The Gap"- starting in Parowan, a beauti-

ful community situ-

ated in the heart of

scenic Southern

Utah.

The race organiz-

ers did a tremen-

dous job in select-

ing this route. The

first 35 miles were

an exhilarat-

ing, fast paced

false flat. The

Gap itself has

an intriguing

history behind

it involving

Native

American peo-

ple, Spanish

Exporers and

19th Century

Outdoor Adventures Volume 8, Edition 1

Pioneers. Having lived in Utah most of

my life, it was great to find something new

to learn about. We even drove back to

the Gap in our car to spend more time

learning its history and shooting pictures.

Along with us came several good cycling

friends. We all stayed at Cedar Breaks

Lodge at Brian Head Resort; just a few

miles from the start of the race/ride up

scenic byway 143. Cedar Breaks Lodge

is the perfect place to stay before and

after this event. Our room had its own

fully stocked cooking & eating facilities

along with two bathrooms, two bedrooms

and a living room. There is also an onsite

restaurant, The Double Black Diamond

Steakhouse as well as several other great

choices of places to eat. The pool area is

truly fabulous; with floor to ceiling win-

dows throughout and two large Jacuzzis

to soothe sore muscles as well as an

onsite day spa to massage away those

aches after a long ride.

Spin Geeks, as always, lived up to its rep-

utation of a well organized ride once again; with a well-marked

course, friendly volunteers and well-stocked aid stations. We

look forward to trying another Spin Geeks ride; maybe Desperado

Dual or Watchman 100. For more information check these web-

sites: www.spingeeks.com www.cedarbreakslodge.com


Monticello, UtahBase Camp for Beauty

Monticello Utah is located in the center of some of

the most beautiful places in the western USA. The number

of exciting sites to visit is overwhelming for a brief stay but

if one sets aside a few days, he or she will not be disap-

pointed with their visit.

Monticello is the closest community to Canyonlands

National Park. Arches National Park is 60 miles north;

Mesa Verde National Park is 70 miles to the east.

Monument

Valley is 75

miles south and

to get there you

will drive past

the Goosenecks

of the San Juan,

Bluff Utah,

Butler Wash, Arch

Canyon, and many other

incredible places to see

and visit. Lake Powell

is easily accessible for a

day trip.

There are also many

activities to enjoy such

as high mountain fishing


on the Abajo and La Sal Mountains, ATV trail complexes

which provide opportunities for riders of all skill levels.

You can stay low in the canyon country or see the sights

from 10,000 feet elevation. Mountain biking, hiking, camp-

ing, and hunting; even horseback rides and pack trips can

be arranged with competent local guides.

Indian ruins abound, historical sites are every-

where and the beauty of the area is unparalleled. You can

see dozens of deer and turkeys each evening while you are

playing the championship 18-hole golf course.

Maybe the most attractive feature of the community is the summer climate. It rarely gets over 90 degrees with

an average July temperature of 87 degrees. Most summer

evenings require a light jacket. The elevation is just over

7,000 ft. so the air is crisp and clear and a golf ball flies for-

ever.

The travel motto of the State of Utah is "Life Elevated"

and no place more aptly exemplifies that statement than

Monticello, the gateway to the four corners. Come and

visit….you will want to come back again…..to see the stuff

you missed.


he word "lodge" can relate any number of

things, from a bare bones cabin to what

Gouldings Lodge would call standard,

excellence. Planted in the center of

Hollywood's picturesque American Wild

West, Gouldings Lodge is located in

Monument Valley, Utah.

From John Wayne to Nicolas Cage,

Hollywood knows only one place when it

comes to the backdrop of a classic western

film.

More than 50 movies have been

filmed in Monument Valley. Movies

such as: Back to the Future III, Forest

Gump, Wild Wild West, Thelma and

Louise, National Lampoon’s Vacation,

Con Air and Mission Impossible II - just

to name a few. Many of the Actors and Actresses stayed in Goulding’s

Lodge while they were in the area filming.

John Wayne was in so many movies filmed

in the area, he had his own cabin at the

Goulding’s Lodge. It’s located behind the

museum. You’ll have to stop by the museum

for the rest of the story.

Each room at Gouldings looks out at this

timeless setting and takes you back to anoth-

er world. To better absorb the mystical her-

itage of Monument Valley, take one of the

tours the Lodge offers or take advantage of one of their famous cook-outs.

When visiting Gouldings, you won't have to think twice if you left

something at home. Gouldings is well-equipped with a car wash, laundro-

mat, gas, groceries, restaurants, and an air strip (in case you need a place

to land your private jet!).

Museums, multi-media presentations, and crafts will keep the whole

family busy and begging for more. If you want a chance to just relax,

enjoy the breeze of your room's private balcony or take a dip in one of the

Lodge's indoor pools.

For more information about Gouldings Lodge in Monument Valley,

Utah call 435-727-3231 or check-out their website at

www.gouldings.com.

GOULDINGS LODGEIn the Heart of the Wild West

Scan here with yoursmart phone to go tothe Gouldings Lodge

website


Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab’s Adventure Headquartershas been ranked # 1 by TripAdvisor for 5 consecutiveyears, receiving the 2012 Certificate of ExcellenceAward for highest praise from travelers. Red CliffsLodge was again selected Best of State in 2012.Best of State recognizes and rewards businesses,organizations and individuals for “Excelling andSurpassing All Else,” in the quality of their prod-ucts, services, operations, and accomplishments. It also encourages creativity in how busi-nesses, organizations, and individuals differentiate themselves from their competition.

Red Cliffs Lodge has 110 rooms and cabins featuring private patios, with a pool spa, ten-nis courts, volleyball and horseshoe amenities. They have horseback riding, rafting, moun-tain biking, and four wheeling.

Red Cliffs Lodge is a 100 year old working ranch on the banks of the Colorado River,and offers horse rides along the Castle Creekand Castle Rock on trails made famous byJohn Wayne movies. Regular daily ridesvary according to seasons. May 1 to Oct. 14 there are two rides daily leaving at 8:30a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Oct 15 to Nov. 15 and March 15 to April 30 there is one ride a dayleaving at 10:00 a.m.

Red Cliffs Lodge has a Conference Center and three other rooms for groups,making it a perfect location for Corporate Retreats, Small Business Meetings,


Moab’s AdventureHeadquarters

ExecutiveOutings,Team build-ing, andreunions.Red CliffsLodge has afull-servicemeeting cen-ter with state of the art media equipment including 12’screen, PowerPoint capabilities, VHS/DVD, Satellite TVand DSL Internet connections. There is a privatelobby for registration and check-in, a grand stage withpiano and podium and full catering services in the din-ing room.

In April 2006 Red Cliffs Lodge planted its firstSyrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines. Red

Cliffs Lodgehas Utah’sfirst andlargest win-ery, and hasa tastingroom, toursof the win-ery lineproduction,

crushing of the grapes, winery deck tour, and wineryholding tanks and barrel tour. The winery’s upper levelfeatures a 4,000 square foot hospitality area and ahuge adjacent deck overlooking the Colorado Riverand this area can be reserved for seminars, privatetastings, weddings and parties. Daily tours areoffered and include tasting available in the main roomof the lodge.

Red Cliffs Lodge has a museum on site featuring100 years of cowboy and movie heritage. The ranchsite is available for making movies and commercials.Red Cliffs Lodge is in Moab, call 435-259-2002, tollfree 866-812-2002, and redcliffslodge.com for moreinforma-tion andto makereserva-tions.

Moab Century Tour,September 20-22

More than Just a RideIt is no wonder road cyclists have been attending the MoabCentury Tour for years. Benefiting cancer research and sur-vivorship programs, this fully supported route offers a ride forevery cyclist's resume. Wonderful routes on roads with minimaltraffic, inspiring scenery of the Moab Valley into the aspen-linedLa Sal Mountains and wide open spaces of Dead Horse PointState Park plus the noble offering of riding for a cause toucheseach rider in a deeply personal way,

Moab Century Tour participants choose from three routes. TheMetric Century over the La Sal Loop is 65 miles with 5350' ele-vation change, featuring a section of road known as "The BigNasty". This small but mighty section gains 3,000 feet in onlyseven miles to offer a level of accomplishment rarely felt atother century rides. The rewards are immeasurable with oneof the most breath taking views imaginable. It is followed by theexhilarating "Blue Streak" descent down a windy mountain road


before you do it, you're going to get just as much out of it as theperson you're doing it for, if not more."

This weekend event is rounded out by warm up and recov-ery rides Friday afternoon and Sunday morning so thosetraveling to Moab can enjoy a weekend of cycling. Theevent also boasts celebrity speakers and unique vendorswho offer choices to enhance your healthy lifestyle. "Thereis no such thing as a quick fix that will last," says vendorThomas Golding, "only true lifestyle modifications make fora lasting change." And change is what it is all about.

Current cancer diagnosis hits 1 in 3women, and a stunning 1 in 2 formen. Lifestyle changes of diet andexercise can cut your risks up to60%, as well as cut risks for highblood pressure, diabetes and otherlife threatening diseases.

A little social spinning, a lot ofclimbing, a wonderful descent, anincredible opportunity to rub shoul-ders with cycling celebrities and alittle education all sums up theevent in one of the most astonish-ing place on earth. Moab Century

Tour caps at 1,200 riders and registration closes early so ridersare encouraged to visit SkinnyTireEvents.com or call435.260.8889 to ensure their spot. Non-participants are wel-come and encouraged to visit the vendors at Aarchway Inn whooffer products and services to enhance health and wellness.

into wild west iconic formations of the red rock buttes of CastleValley. Cyclists choosing the hundred mile option with 3000' ele-vation change travel the Moab Canyon Trail to Dead Horse PointState Park taking in views from the earth'sedge overlooking the Colorado river twothousand feet below. This route lets yousoak in the wide open spaces of this west-ern landscape leaving you breathless andinspired. The third choice for cyclists is theeasier, gentler route known as the RiverPortal. Riding past towering sandstonecliffs with Ancient Puebloan petroglyphssprinkled with rock climbing enthusiastshanging from above, this 40mile route has a scant 200'elevation change and isideal for families, CruiserBikes and kids.

But perhaps it's not the ridethat brings these cyclistsback. Speak with a few ofthese friendly, brightly clad roadies and you'll begin to hear anunusual word being used to describe this astounding cyclingevent; Inspiration. It seems that the accomplishments of con-quering the metric century with "the Big Nasty" or the 100 mileMoab Century Tour, is overpowering, but the lasting take-awayseems to come back to the shoulder-to-shoulder, tire-to-tire,story-to-story experience of the riders themselves.

That's what brings Betsy Pollak back. It's a shared knowledgethat everyone is in it together, all pullingfor the greater good to raise funds forcancer research and survivorship pro-grams. After her sister was diagnosed,Betsy wanted to do something for herthat was meaningful. In roughly sixmonths, Betsy has raised close to$15,000 for cancer research, discoveringalong the way that it gave her as muchreward and satisfaction as she hadhoped it would for her sister. "Really Ican't tell you what a deeply moving expe-rience it has been in ways we totally did-n't except," she shares. "First of all,you're making a statement to this personyou love; you're saying I care enoughabout you to try to do something for you.And it's very healing for both of you;that's the thing you don't understand


In High Adventure, Knowledge is Key

Have you ever

rented an ATV and the

rentsl company just

basically says ‘sign

here and here now go

have fun’? Then you

roamed around the

area backtracking

much of the time

thinking haven't I seen

this rock a hundred

times before. As we sat in the RZR in the parking lot we

were pretty sure we would have none of that Coyote and

Roadrunner business. Our guide from High Point Hummer

and ATV Rental in Moab spent a good 20 minutes going

over a well-drawn map pointing out every possible route

and side routes available for us to explore. He also pointed

out little, out of the way, destinations and the difficulty of

each. So with all this in-depth info tucked

neatly in our heads, we headed out onto the

trails to take adventure into our own hands.

The ATV trails transverse around

hills and up smooth surfaces of slick rock

and crunches through beds of gravel and

whips through tracks of sand. At times we

were like NASCAR screaming around sandy

corners and flying over divots in the road.

Other times we carefully picked our way up

the steep rock sides and around edges of

cliffs. We stopped and explored a tunnel and embedded

dinosaur remains. We witnessed stunning views at the

edge of overhangs and climbed rocky bluffs. We spent

four hours of endless new roads and still were not able to

see all that was mapped out for us. It was an afternoon

well spent.

Being so well taken care of on our ATV escapade,


we headed back to High Point

Hummer the next day to be

escorted on a Canyoneering

experience. Nick and Andy,

our guides for the day,

explained that they were tak-

ing us to a new destination, Kane Springs. We began our hike seeing a rock wall full of petroglyphs that told a life story of a

Freemont Indian. From there we skirted along the canyon wall to our rappelling location,

a 165 foot drop to the canyon floor.

At the bottom of the cliff, Kane Creek meandered through Cottonwood

trees and wild flowers. Cactuses bloomed with spring flowers scenting the air with their

light fragrance. Signs of beavers littered the ground near the creek with felled trees and

scattered wood chips. The area was a mixture of desert sand cliffs and green foliage

nourished by the small creek.

As we walked along the canyon trail our knowledgeable guides had a

plethora of information about the

area and the wildlife around us.

They were able to point out plants,

and tell history of the area; they

pointed out more petroglyphs and

mountain bike trails along the

cliffs.

I felt

like I

was

on an

episode of

Nature on

PBS-Moab

Style.

As we

left Moab,

later that

day, we left

with more

drops of

knowledge

in our bucket

of life and a

sense of

well-being

for time well

spent.


Deadhorse Point by MoonlightA Road Cyclist’s Dream Come True!

by A. Jorgensen

Six O'clock, dinner time after a long drive and a busy

day, perfect time to… go on a 2700 ft climb bike ride. Yup, it

makes perfect sense. We pulled into the parking lot at the bot-

tom of Ut 313 right below Dead Horse Point and rushed to get

our gear on and bikes ready. Why such a rush?

Moonshadows in Moab bike ride was already started

and we needed to manage to climb to the top of the ridge to

partake of the Moonshadow's Café at sunset. Since it was a

café that only appears one night a year for two hours, we did

not want to miss it.

In the beginning the bluffs strained to touch the sky

soaring above us as we scrambled up the road. Each bend in

the road produced another stretch of climb, I felt like the little

engine who could with its mantra running through my head, "I

think I can, I think I can". The imposing bluffs in the beginning

began to shrink as we ascended up the mountain. The aid sta-

tion near mile 14 represented the end of the hard climb, the last

10 miles was just rolling hills to Dead Horse Point.

As we pulled into the parking lot, Moonshadow's Café

was all set up beckoning us to come and partake. Gourmet

soup and full sandwiches greeted us as we sat down for a small

respite. Of course, the food was good but the view was awe-

inspiring. The plateau has a narrow neck of land which juts out

overlooking the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.

Dead Horse Point was a natural corral for Cowboys to round up

wild horses; with its 2000ft drop there was nowhere for the hors-

es to go. The neck of land lords over the basin below which

Nature has secured has her canvas to carve and manipulate

into unique valleys and rises as her own special masterpiece.

With the sun setting the red cliffs of Canyonlands shone vibrant

with need as they reach for the last rays of the sun.

With the moon taking over we are fully revived both

physically and mentally; we hop on our bikes and head back

down the mountain. How to describe serenity? Open road, wind

blowing through your hair, crickets singing their greetings as

you pass, nighttime has begun and it embraces you with every

fiber of its being. Of course there is the part where holding your

breath comes into play as you race down the steep inclines and

scream around the corners. But it is all good in the end when

you pull into the bottom parking lot with a thought of accom-

plishment settling into your bones of an adventured well

achieved.

To get more information on the Moonshadows Ride

and other rides organized by Skinny Tires, look up Skinny Tire

Events at www.skinnytireevents.com or call 435-259-3193.

Come July 4, 5 & 6, you can

experience a lot of fun in Logan, Utah

at the Cache Valley Cruise-In car

show. The 31st annual Cache Valley

Cruise-in is Utah's largest 3-day auto-

motive event. Besides enjoying a fan-

tastic display of classic cars from

every era, you can purchase tickets

and take your chance at winning the

annual raffle of a collectible car in

pristine condition! This year the give-

away car is a 1969 Dodge Super Bee.

Everything to do with the car show is

based out of the Cache County

Fairgrounds. For more information and

a complete schedule of events go to

www.cachevalleycruisein.com.

Besides enjoying the car show,

start some new family traditions by par-

ticipating in a generous mix of activities

linked to the car show or having a fun

adventure meandering around the sur-

rounding Cache Valley area. Cache

Valley is a great place for a long week-

end or a family vacation!

Here are just a few of the things I

suggest you consider trying: First, my

personal favorite is the sights and

sounds of the incredibly awesome Main

Street Car Parade Saturday evening.

Second, is the Thursday poker


Cache Valley Cruise-In 2013R.T. Vincent

Most everyone loves to see a neat classic car, and who

wouldn't enjoy seeing the beautiful countryside like

we have here in Northern Utah known as Cache

Valley? What do the scenic beauty of Cache Valley

and classic cars have in common? A lot of fun things

your family can enjoy!

run, which is associated with the car show. Answering trivia ques-

tions and playing roadside games provides entertainment and chal-

lenge for the whole family as you travel up Logan Canyon to Bear

Lake where you'll get lunch and walk the car show at the Garden

City Park. Going for a short drive to get a fresh Bear Lake Raspberry

milk shake is a must! There are a number of local restaurants that

serve them.

Third, you could go for a nature hike on the Limber Pine Trail

at the summit of Logan Canyon. A limber pine tree hundreds of

years old is the highlight of the trail, which is just over a mile in

length, loops, is an easy walk, and is perfect for children. Also while

in the Bear Lake area, you could go exploring the Minnetonka Cave

which is just north of Garden City.

Fourth are the great Logan restaurants. Make it a point to eat

lunch at the old train station called Café Sabor. My choice for din-

ner is The Bluebird Restaurant, a fascinating 1920's style place on

Main Street complete with ice cream and candy counters, is a great

place for dinner.

My fifth suggestion is to visit the American West Heritage

Center, which is a pioneer-era working farm. Here history comes to

life in a Native American encampment, a pioneer settlement, and a

mountain man camp. There are lots of activities for children of

every age.

Sixth, take a drive north of Logan to Richmond and visit

Prestwich Farms factory outlet and a near by ice cream factory (ask

for directions at Prestwich Farms).

Seventh, there are wonderful old parks in Logan with grand

old trees and playgrounds that are great for picnic lunches. Also in

Logan there is the Willow Park animal zoo at the Cache Valley

Fairgrounds and a water park is located across the street from the

car show.

There are many Mormon history sites to visit as well. So circle June

30 on your calendar and plan to attend the 31st annual Cache

Valley Cruise-In!

Alpine,Wyoming

among the West’s topsnowmobiling destinations

Alpine is a beautiful gateway to Yellowstone and GrandTeton National Parks. Located just 36 miles south-west ofJackson Hole, Alpine features affordable accommodations,recreation and restaurants. Alpine also provides visitors with asmall town atmosphere and an abundance of natural resourcesfor every season. Come and experience what Alpine Wyominghas to offer!

With our annual snowfall of 500”, winter sports abound;snowshoeing, ice fishing, down-hill and cross-country skiing arejust a fraction of what is available to the winter visitor here. Inaddition, the quality of our more that 150 miles of groomedsnowmobile trails earned Alpine “Top 5” in the West and “Top3” in Wyoming from Snow West Magazine’s 2002-2003 WinterGuide. Those who want to watch Wyoming’s majestic wildlifecan also visit the Alpine Feed Ground, operated by WyomingGame & Fish, which draws more than one thousand elk fromDecember to April and is accessible right at the edge of town!

Alpine, Wyoming, at an elevation of 5,640’ is nestled againstsurrounding mountains at the convergence of three pristinerivers. The Grey’s, Salt, and Snake Rivers merge into thePalisades Reservoir, which provides incredible vistas and wateractivities for all – boating, jet skiing, fishing, water skiing, and

much more. The Grey’s River area offers over 471,000 acres ofvirgin national forest and summer recreation ranging fromkayaking and white water rafting to camping, fishing, andcountless miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding. For thenaturalist, too, a large wetland and waterfowl viewing area isonly a few minutes’ drive from Alpine.


Beautiful Cache ValleyBeautiful Cache Valley

Bear Lake Monster Polar

Plunge and Cisco Disco is held in

January every year. Anglers wading

waist -deep in the icy water or

fishing through the ice, dip net

for the Bonneville Cisco. Once

the fishing limit has been caught,

the crowds shift to the State Park

Marina where the Monster Polar

Plunge will take place. Costumes are encouraged, families and groups are wel-

come, and every participant gets a sweatshirt!

Over President's Day weekend in February; stop by the Bear Lake

Chocolate Festival and Craft Fair held in Garden City, UT. Handmade crafts and

delicious chocolates make this the perfect winter get away. You can also enjoy

music and dancing at the Snowball Dance in Montpelier, ID that weekend.

What better way to kick off summer

than at the Bear Lake Shake?

Participate in the motorboat Poker run,

enter the sand volleyball tournament,

or bring your camp stove and favorite

recipe for the Dutch-oven cook off!

Family games, and kite flying are also

on the schedule for this event held in

June.

The

Annual Bear

Lake County

Salmon BBQ,

held at the park

in St. Charles,

ID, is just what

your taste buds

have been

waiting for. Fresh Alaskan Salmon barbe-

qued over hot apple wood flames is the

perfect meal on a warm July day.


Events you don't want to miss in theBear Lake Valley!

Bear Lake is forEveryone!

by Phil Patten

If your house is like mine, summer break isless than a week old and the kids are asking, "So - whatare we going to do this year that's fun?" Here is an ideathat worked for my family and me:

A quick phonecall to Angie atBear LakeLodging (435-946-3300) andwe had bookedthe Burgon Cabinfor a weekendget-away. TheBurgon Cabinhas 6 bedrooms,3 full bathroomsand a maximum

During the first weekend in August

come experience Raspberry Days. The

festival is a fun filled 3 days with the

Little Miss Berry Pageant, craft fair,

continuous entertainment, Parade,

Rodeo, 5K run, Pancake Breakfast at

the Garden City Park, dances, and the

event concludes with fireworks on the

Beach.

After the crazy days of sum-

mer, Garden City hosts one of the best

events of the year. Bear Lake Outdoor

Heritage Days is held the weekend fol-

lowing Labor Day. You can expect a

weekend full of fun events including

kids games, fishing derby, a gun raffle,

and Dutch-oven dinner.

Be sure to visit www.bear-

lake.org for a full listing of our calendar

of events including concerts held at the

Allinger Theatre and other community

events.


capacity of 30 people; so we invited 5 other families to join usfor an action-packed vacation to Bear Lake.

The second call I made was to the friendly folks atBear Lake Fun (435-946-3200) where we reserved an RZR-800 for a full day. This off-road machine seats 4 and I knew itwould never sit idle or have an empty seat.

The last call was placed to the Minnetonka Cave tocheck hours and pricing. With our plans in place, we counteddown the days to our Bear Lake trip. Finally it was time, thevan was loaded and we hit I-15 heading north passingLagoon, Willard Bay and Brigham City. From there weclimbed both Sardine and Logan Canyons. Soon theCaribbean Blue water of Bear Lake was in view and we knewthe fun was about to begin. Its intense turquoise water spans20 miles long and 8 miles wide. Bear Lake was formed28,000 years ago by earthquake activity. Its unique aqua-blue color is the result of calcium carbonates suspended inthe lake. Surrounded by traditional ranching country, the lakeis a mecca for sailing, fishing, boating, and other recreation.

With 70,000 acres of turquoise blue water, you feel

as if you have the entire lake to yourself. Water-skiing andwakeboarding are favorite sports on the lake, and swimmingoff sandy beaches is fun for the whole family! Trolling and jig-ging from boats can be done throughout the year for laketrout that have been known to exceed 30lbs.

The wetlands on the north and south ends of thelake are a haven for all types of birds including song birds,sandhill cranes, and Canada geese. The flatlands near thelake host raspberry fields and historic Mormon towns. Themountains to the west are part of the Wasatch-CacheNational Forest and the Caribou National Forest. Fly fishing,hiking, and horse back riding are all popular recreationalactivities in the forests surrounding Bear Lake.

I had been online looking at the pictures of theBurgon Cabin that we'd rented for the weekend and as goodas it looked in pictures; it was nothing like seeing it live. It farexceeded our expectations. The view of Bear Lake from thecabin is 2nd tonone. The cabinwas fully stockedwith everything wewould need forcooking, sleepingand bathing(except food, ofcourse).www.recreateinutah.com

Havingbeen in Moabthe previousweek riding anRZR-800 in sandand on slickrock,I was ready toexperience theATV trails in the forests that cover the mountains around BearLake. I was blown away by how many miles of dirt roads wehad to choose from including the 55 mile Highline trail thatstretches from Beaver Creek in the south to Soda Springs inthe North. After hours of riding and several layers of trail dust,we all agreed that we would need to come back again.

With this group of friends, you know there will besome cycling done before the trip ends. A few of us decided

to ride our bikes from the cabin to theMinnetonka Cave. The next morning, some ofus rode the 50 miles around the perimeter ofBear Lake. It was thrilling to find these newplaces to ride, especially with such magnificentviews around every bend.

Explore America's past and discoverthe stories of the hearty souls who settled thisarea as you travel along the Oregon Trail-BearLake Scenic Byway to the NationalOregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier.Here you will step into the days of the OldWest and the Oregon Trail by taking a onehour 2,000 mile journey on the Oregon Trail -all within the comfort of the trail center.

This is something we'll definitely dowith vacations to come. Next time, we'll staylonger and do more watercraft activities in addi-tion to the biking and ATV'ing.

Come explore Bear Lake today!

Bike Races in the Bear Lake Valley

JUNE: • 22nd: Bear Lake Monster CenturyBike Ride in Montpelier Idaho. Fullysupported 100 mile ride fromMontpelier, Idaho, to the beautiful BearLake and back. 50 mile option as well.Ride hard and reward yourself with anamazing Hamburger and Hot Dog bar-b-que at the finish line.• 29th: Bear Lake Monster Cross - a75-mile dirt road bike race and ridebased in Laketown

JULY:" 27th: Mountain Tropic Tri, Triathlonat Bear Lake State Park, Garden City,Ut.

SEPTEMBER:• 7th: LOTOJA - Logan to JacksonBicycle Race - (801) 546-0090, (801)546-0090, or call the Greater Bear LakeValley Chamber of Commerce at (208)847-0067.• 14th: Bear Lake Brawl Triathlon,Half 70+/Long course (801) 335-4940.• 21st: Bear Lake Brawl Triathlon,Short/Sprint, Intermediate/Olympic(801) 335-4940.

Welcome to the Uinta Basin, where you can experience all Utah has

to offer in one place.

Dinosaurland, Vernal, Utah is the only place in the world where you

can view and even touch over 1,500 dinosaur bones all in their original resting

place. Dinosaur National Monument Quarry and Visitor center recently

reopened in 2011 and are eagerly awaiting the hundreds of thousands of visi-

tors that will enter the park in the coming months. Dinosaur bones are not all

that you can see and do in the monument. Plan a picnic at the Green River or

Split Mountain. Hitch onto the camper or load up the tent, there are plenty of

camping spots available for a night under the stars. Enjoy a quiet hike on the

"Sound of Silence" trail or Scream and Holler as you experience white water

rafting down the Green River! Exploring the monument on foot will allow you to

view massive arches and rarely seen petroglyphs. Don't forget to stop by

"Josie's Cabin" located in Cub Creek, If you love stories from the Wild West,

this is one that you will want to read about.

Dinosaurs are not all Uintah County has to offer…camping, hiking,

biking, boating, swimming, rafting, petroglyphs, museums and so much more

are what makes this area loved by those that live here and vacation here.

Vernal is home to 3 State Parks. The Utah Field House of Natural

History Dinosaur Museum, Steinaker and Red Fleet Reservoir State Parks. You

can have your boat launched and ready for a day on the water in less than 20

minutes from down town. Don't have a boat? Don't let this stop you, Steinaker

is home of the "Vernal Beach" enjoy a day building sand castles, swimming, or

playing on the swim dock. There are lots of picnic tables, camp sites, and

pavilions. Red Fleet has been referred too as the "Little Lake Powell" with its

gorgeous scenery and huge red cliffs. Don't forget to watch out for Dinosaur

Tracks as you play and explore the land around the lake. The Field House

museum is a hands on experience where visitors can learn more about the his-

Experience Utah inDinosaurland…


Top 10 things to do inDinosaurland

Play like a Paleontologist - Better make sure you have your Dinosaur Hunting

License, cause there's so much dinosaur tracking to do in North eastern Utah's-

Dinosaurland. For starters there's Dinosaur National Monument Quarry, Utah State

Field House Museum, Dinosaur Gardens, and Red Fleet State Park dinosaur tracks.

Stop by the BLM office and find out where you can do a bit of digging for fossils

yourself!

Take it to the Gorge - Whether you like to boat, fish, bike or

hike, make your way up the Flaming Gorge-Uinta's National

Scenic Byway. Stop by Red Canyon Overlook, drive the sheep

Creek Canyon Loop, and get a good look inside the Flaming

Gorge Dam. Rough it or live it up. Either way, make sure you

leave time for some serious star gazing.

Picture This!! - Dinosaurland is home to Nine Mile Canyon-the

longest corridor of Fremont Indian petroglyphs (carving in rock)

tory of the area, view rocks in the mineral room, watch a movie about the fossils that are found in the area, and coming in the fall of 2012

you will be able to view paleontologists as they work on newly discovered fossils from the observation window in the new curatorial facility.

If you really want to ride world-class trails…you came to the right place. You can pick your pleasure: Slick Rock, Alpine Forests, or Desert

Canyons. We have it all. When the summer months bring sizzling temperatures to the valleys below, biking in the Uinta's is at its best, with

small crowds and GREAT trails. Bike Magazine proclaimed that the Vernal network of trails "Better than Moab?"

Dinosaurland is about rivers. After all, a river is what created the "Wall of Bones." Rafting the Green and Yampa rivers is one of the best

ways to see the area. Rather through the Gates of Lodore, Split Mountain, or Flaming Gorge Dam, this will be an experience you will not for-

get. Your heart will race from the exhilarating whitewater rapids. You will view wild life and scenery only seen by those that travel the area by

rafft.

So, Welcome! We hope you enjoy your experiences here!! Get out and play in Dinosaurland, Vernal Utah. You'll want to stay forev-

er…THE DINOSAURS DID!


and pictographs (printing on rocks) in the world. If that isn't enough,

explore Dry Fork Canyon, Jones Hole, Echo Park, and you'll discover

even more of these ancient wonders. Some over 200 feet high!

Run the River - Easy or Wild-a river trip down Dinosaurland's Green

or Yampa Rivers is a thrill you'll never forget. Make it the perfect family

vacation-or scream for extreme adventure. Whatever your choice, our

guides and outfitters can get you and your family down the river in style.

Take a Hike or Bike! - Trail, trails, trails, and more trails. In

Dinosaurland, you can cruise through mountain meadows, blaze across

high desert canyons, or climb alpine forests. Need another reason to head

northeast? BIKE magazine commented "Better than Moab?" . When the sum-

mer months bring sizzling temperatures to the valleys below, biking in the

Uinta's is at its best, with small crowds and GREAT trails.

Hook a Worm - Catch record-breaking trout at Flaming Gorge. Fly-Fish at

Jones Hole. Cast a line into our 600 lakes and rivers. The bottom line is-

Dinosaurland is the Fisherman's Reel Deal.

Stir-Up the Wild West! - From rodeos to pow wows, from outlaw trail rides to

professional bull riding, the Wild West is alive and strong in

Dinosaurland. And so is Western Hospitality! Come join in the

fun as we celebrate our diverse cultures and western heritage.

Nuke a Marshmallow - With so much open space and public

land, it's hard not to find a place to camp in Dinosaurland. Don't

forget to bring the marshmallows and camp fire stories.

Dig up the Past - Shop at John Jarvie's general store where

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid stocked up on supplies.

It's only one of our many historical museums in the local area.

Make sure you visit the Western Heritage, Daughter of the

Utah's Pioneers, and Utah Field House of Natural History-State

Park, for tales of the pioneers, outlaws, and rugged mountain

men of the American's old west.

Get Wet - With 3 State Park reservoirs in Dinosaurland, you

are sure to get wet. Hitch onto the boat or pack your swim bags

for a day on the beach at Steinaker. You can have your boat

launch and gliding across the water in 15 minutes from the cen-

ter of town. There is plenty of water at Red Fleet, Steinaker, and

Starvation for everyone!


For a state that is famous for its slickrock desert country, Utah sure has a lot of

whitewater adventures! Guess that's because the mighty rivers of the Green and

Colorado have spent thousands of years carving their way through the surrounding

rock, resulting in vast canyons of astounding beauty. Where the native rock did not

yield so easily, the rivers churn and tumble their way through, creating turbulent

stretches of whitewater.

For the earliest explorers,

like mountain man,

William Ashley and

explorer, John Wesley

Powell, this whitewater

was often death-defying -

crushing their wooden

boats, dumping precious supplies and giving many a river pioneer the swim of their

lives.

In the early 1900's, river-running techniques

changed and challenging these notorious rapids

became, well, fun. By the 1930's, Utah natives

were navigating rapids with ease, they even looked

forward to it! Soon thereafter they began to take

paying customers along and an industry was born.

Today, whitewater rafting in Utah is a favorite fam-

ily adventure.

Floating the Green


Lower in the state, visitors challenge the mighty rapids of the

Colorado. Here in Flaming Gorge Country, our stretch of the

Green offers so much more. Rather than the muddy waters

of the south, where a bucketful of river water is more sand

than liquid, the upper Green is still clear and cold, still fairly

young from its high mountain sources. It supports diverse

wildlife and a healthy trout population that offers world-

class fishing in addition to its many floating opportunities.

The canyon walls are brightly colored, beautifully contrasting with bright

green box elders and stately ponderosa pine along its banks. Along with the

thousands of trout seen in the crystal clear water, the canyons are home to

herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Mule deer and elk. River otter and

beaver still occupy its banks. The Green River is also one of the west's major

migratory bird routes and thousands of ducks, geese and other waterfowl are

common.

Floating the Green River has become a great adventure for people of all ages.

It is perfect for families, youth groups, or any that want to really experience

one of nature's great wonders. The Green River winds through multi-colored

canyons with towering thousand foot walls, meanders through historic

Browns Park and then gathers its strength at the imposing Gates of Lodore

and tumbles through multiple rapids on its

way to Split Mountain in Dinosaur National

Monument.

Several options exist forthe modern day explorer to

experience any level ofadventure along these

fabled waters.

Flaming Gorge Dam to Colorado

State Line (30 Miles)

This section of the Green River does not

require a permit for private floaters. It is

divided into 3 sections; A, B, and C.

Download a great map of the Green River

at www.flaminggorgecountry.com.

Section A- Dam to Little Hole (7 Miles)

This is the most popular section of the river. The put-in point is

at the base of Flaming Gorge Dam and the take-out point is at

Little Hole. On this section the occasional mild whitewater

allows for easy-going scenic raft trips that can be enjoyed as a

guided float or on your own. Several businesses in the vicinity

of Dutch John rent a variety of rafts, inflatable kayaks and dory

boats. Bring your picnic lunch, camera & watergun and enjoy a

leisurely afternoon on this famous stretch of water!

If this section is floated straight through, it takes about 3

hours. One can easily turn this into an all day adventure if you

want to take your time and enjoy. There are places to pull over

on the banks of the river for picnics, hiking, looking at birds

and other wildlife or seeing or catching the fish from the crys-

tal clear water. Fishing is renown on this section of the river.

Consult the Utah fishing proclamation for regulations. Before

you float check on boating and safety equip-

ment requirements. Please note that no

camping or fires are allowed on this section

of the river.

Section B- Little Hole to Browns

Park, Indian Crossing (9 Miles)

Below Little Hole, adventure takes another

turn - here camping along the river is avail-

able at a multitude of primitive river camp-

sites. Besides one challenging rapid at Red

Creek (which one may choose to portage),

the river here is enjoyed more for its remote

scenic beauty and world-class trout fishing.

If you raft this section straight through you

are looking at about a 5 hour float.

Floating the Green - continued


Section C- Browns Park, Indian

Crossing to Swinging Bridge,

Colorado State Line (14 Miles)

This section is completely in the Browns Park

area. Not a lot of people float this section

unless they are fishing, but it is tranquil,

beautiful and there are no real rapids.

Multiple put-in and take-out points allow for

trips of various lengths. Wildlife abounds

here and part of the float is along a critical

national wildlife refuge for waterfowl.

Camping is allowed on this section of the

river as well and the float time is 6-8 hours.

In the first mile of this section, between

Indian Crossing and Taylor Flat Bridge, is the

John Jarvie Historical Site. It is located on the

left side of the river and is a great place to

stop and spend some time learning about the

rich western history of the area.

Lower Green River- Gates of Lodore

to Split Mountain (47 Miles)

Proceeding downriver through the towering

Gates of Lodore was a test of skill and daring

for early day explorers like John Wesley

Powell on his historic 1869 journey. The fact

that he named one of the rapids - Disaster

Falls - gives one a sense of how well he fared

on this particular stretch. Today, this contin-

ues to be one of the west's great whitewater

adventures. A permit is required for challeng-

ing this section of the river. Several whitewa-

ter rafting outfitters offer multi-day trips through this rugged and

remote area. This is big-time whitewater adventure through a very

scenic area, virtually untouched by modern development.

For those with less time on their hands, the one day rafting trip

through Split Mountain Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument is a

perfect family adventure! This 9 mile float is rich in scenery and has

just enough whitewater to add a little excitement. The knowledgeable

river guides will regal you with tales and a hearty picnic lunch. If you

have never had the thrill of rocketing through some rapids, this is a

highly recommended day trip for persons of all ages and abilities.


Summer in Utah’s “Swiss Alps”Heber Valley Activities

The HeberValleyRailroad - TheHeber ValleyRailroad has

numerous events and specialty excursions, including comedicmystery murder shows, sunset BBQ specials, Raft 'n Rails, ADay Out with Thomas, and the popular NorthPole Christmas Train.

Hiking - From a gentle stroll throughCascade Springs to a strenuous backpackingtrip up Mount Timpanogos, the trails aroundHeber Valley should not be missed. Not matterwhat the preferred intensity level; Heber Valleyhas a hike that will suit even the most particularof outdoor enthusiasts.

Golfing - Five award-winning golf coursesmake their home in Heber Valley: the WasatchMountain Lake and Mountain courses, theSoldier Hollow Gold and Silver courses and Crater Springs atthe Homestead course. Each 18-hole course offers unparal-leled mountain views and delightfully diverse terrain.

Scuba Diving - The Crater at the Homestead Resort houses90-degree mineral water, perfect for scuba diving, snorkelingor a pleasant swim.

Biking - Mountain biking trails stretch into the WasatchRange, offering a variety of terrain for any level of mountainbiker. For those with skinny tires, the wide pavement and mini-mal traffic of Heber Valley roads are a refreshing canvas.

Camping - Campgrounds are available in any direction.Every public campground in the Heber Valley has tent sitesavailable as well as accommodations for car camping. If visi-tors want something even more removed, there are plenty ofhidden spots for a secluded experience.

Fishing - Winding down the middle of Utah's Heber Valleystretches the Provo River-long, deep and brimming at up to3,000 fish per mile. The Provo boasts a placement on the listof the top ten trout streams in the Rocky Mountains, with wildbrown trout measuring 12 to 16 inches and sometimes 20.

Horseback riding - Trails start in the foothills of Heber Valleyand stretch gently up to the meadows of Strawberry Valley,then offer rugged climbing options into the WasatchMountains. Outfitters and guides are available and welcomehorseback riders of any skill level.

Hot air balloon rides - On warm summer mornings, the blueskies over Heber Valley will be dotted with gigantic hot air bal-

loons. Visitors won't want to miss the stunning view of white-capped peaks and rich green fields.

Water activities - Three reservoirs surround the HeberValley: Jordanelle to the north, Deer Creek to the southwest,and Strawberry in the hills to the southeast. Jordanelle andDeer Creek are ideal for boating and watersports, or head up

to Strawberry where predictableafternoon winds make for fantas-tic sailing.

Whether you are looking forunique recreational opportunities,overnight stays, authentic dining,or beautiful views, Heber Valleyprovides an abundance of unfor-gettable experiences for all.

To learn more about HeberValley, please visit: www.gohebervalley.com


Radiant cliffs of two national parks tower to kiss an azure sky. Pristine canyons

are carved deep into the desert sandstone of our nation's largest national monu-

ment. Three state parks and National Scenic Byways 12 and 143 provide unlimit-

ed recreation with breathtaking beauty.

Garfield County is a hiking and backpacking mecca. From Arches Trail in Red

Canyon to the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef or the hidden treasures of Bryce

Canyon National Park, you will transcend time with history and scenic beauty.

Anasazi State Park takes visitors back in time to 1050 A.D. when the Fremont

and Kayenta occupied the area, while Escalante State Park showcases petrified

wood and fossilized dinosaur bones. Huge petrified logs, some pieces nearly

five feet wide, can be seen along the interpretive hiking trails. Sandstone chim-

neys and unique petrified springs called sand pipes, rise skyward from the valley

floor in a surreal setting at Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Bryce Canyon Coun-

try has more than

2,500 miles of ATV

routes on forest and

public lands, offering

exciting experiences

and awesome

scenery. Discover Dixie National Forest, Utah's largest national forest, as it

blankets a third of Bryce

Canyon Country, creating

habitat for plants and wildlife,

and endless recreational

opportunities. Red Canyon,

Panguitch Lake, and Boulder

Mountain offer a wide range

of year round activities that

you simply must experience

for yourself.

Garfield CountyWelcomes You

to the world's largest concentration of scenic attractions in one county

Southwestern Utah's Bryce Canyon Country!


No trip through Garfield County is complete

without paying a visit to Grand Staircase-

Escalante National Monument, a vast wilder-

ness that extends over 1.9 million acres of

sandstone canyons, plateaus, cliffs and

unique rock formations. Grosvenor Arch, Calf

Creek Falls, Devils Garden, The Escalante

River and Hole-In-

The-Rock are must

see attractions in the

area.


For a true western experience, take a

trail ride, pack trip, wagon ride or cat-

tle drive adventure. Watch wranglers

test their skills at rodeos, team rop-

ing, barrel racing, and cowboy action

shoots. Relax and listen to some

cowboy poetry and bring your

appetite for Dutch oven cookouts,

BBQ and chili cookoffs. And don't for-

get your fishing pole. Did you know

that some of Utah's best trout fishing

can be found in Bryce Canyon Coun-

try's mountain lakes, reservoirs and

streams? Our blue ribbon fisheries

provide quality angling experiences surrounded

by spectacular scenery.

Discover Garfield County--The Canyons are call-

ing. You are going to love it here!

For over 20 years we've motored down highway 89 inSouthern Utah on our way to Lake Powell, and twice each trippassed the turn-off to Highway 12 that leads to Bryce Canyon,Kodachrome Basin, and Escalante State Park. A couple of years ago my wife and I celebratedour anniversary with a 3-day trip to Bryce - What a GRAND Idea! The Ponderosa pines of theDixie Nat'l Forest are beautiful on their own, but the majestic rock formations of Bryce Canyonleft me speechless.

We enjoyed 3 days of exhilarating exploring that included mountain biking, hiking, andhorseback riding, as well as plenty of "down time" just enjoying the clean fresh air, surroundingmountains, and beautiful forests. While abundant camping is available, we found Bryce CanyonPines fully loaded with every amenity you could want; restaurant, rv park, motel with swimmingpool, hot tub & cable tv.

On the advice ofa friend, we went horse-back riding with the folksat the Bryce CanyonPines, and were not dis-appointed. They offerseveral different ridesfrom 30 minutes for thebeginners, to a full-day

ride forthe moreadvancedriders.We did a2-hourridethroughthe pinesand twistingred rockcanyons thatincluded oneof ButchCassidy'shideouts. Mywife wouldlike to go back for one ofthe full day trips, but as forme, I'll take a soft-seated 4-wheeler thanks - oh, andsave room for me in thejacuzzi after dinner!

Located just six minutesfrom Bryce Canyon NationalPark on highway 12, call 1-800-89-BRYCE or 1-435-834-5411 or visit their website:brycecanyonmotel.com.

Bryce Canyon Pines

Bryce CanyonPines

800-89-BRYCE


This

vocational desti-

nation includes mountains,

forests, pinnacles, arches, plateaus, and astounding desert landscapes. The

contrast in elevation and terrain makes this area a haven for those seeking soli-

tude or outdoor adventure.

You'll want to reserve several days to begin to immerse yourself in Wayne

County, where you will have the option to explore three different adventure

zones.

The Highlands zone is located in the western section of Wayne County.

Forest, lakes, streams, and open plains are key characteristics of this moun-

tainous zone that is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, wildlife

Welcome to the scenicallydiverse region known as

beautiful

Wayne County, Utahhome of

Capitol Reef NationalPark


viewing and many other outdoor activities. This is a

grand place for exciting summer-time exploration

or serene winter adventures.

Horseback riding options abound in Wayne

County. Riders will enjoy a variety of scenery

including high alpine lakes and forests, historical

and archeological sites and the feeling of the old

west while riding the dusty desert trails.

Boulder Mountain and Thousand Lakes

Mountain offer a variety of trails that reward the

rider with outstanding views of the surrounding

desert while traveling amongst pine and aspen

forests, peaceful lakes and broad open meadows.

Within the Capitol Reef zone is this 70 mile long

national park that is part of the famous water-pocket

fold. Once called "Wayne Wonderland," the park

acquired its name from the great white rock forma-

tions which resemble the U.S. Capitol building and

from the sheer cliffs that presented a barrier to early

travelers. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land of

the Sleeping Rainbow" because of its beautiful con-

trasts, multi-colored sandstone surrounded by ver-

dant riverbanks and arid desert vegetation, all nes-

tled beneath deep blue skies. Early pioneers estab-

lished large orchards within what is now called

Capitol Reef and today the fruit from these orchards

is available for picking by park visitors. The area

was designated as a national monument in 1937 and

reclassified as a national park in 1971. You'll want to

set aside several days to hike trails that lead

through dramatic rock formations, view Native

American writings, hand-pick your own fruit

from historic pioneer orchards, or traverse

the seldom seen recesses of this national

park.

The Eastern High Desert zone includes unique

desert landscapes. The desert landscape of this region,

carved by wind and water, has created numerous

plateaus, canyons and gorges. The narrowest of these

formations are called slot canyons and here you'll find

many waiting for exploration. It's a place where dinosaurs

once roamed, a place with terrain that is similar to the

planet Mars or our very own moon.

This region was once the hide-out for famous out-

laws, and offers access to the western edge of

Canyonlands National Park. Hollywood has recently used

this region again as the back-drop for two new exciting

movies; Disney's John Carter, and 127 Hours.

Come and explore an areawith endless possibilities,

Capitol Reef Country(Wayne County, UT)

Our Secret is Now Yours!


Sevier CountySevier CountyIn the Heart of Central Utah

may very well beUtah’s “best keptUtah’s “best kept

Recreational Secret”Recreational Secret”With over 1,000 miles of trail through nearly a million acres of public

land, the Paiute Trail system allows visitors to get on an ATV, motorcycle or

mountain bike and ride through beautiful red rock canyons or aspen forests

for as far as the

eye can see.

The Paiute Trail traverses three different mountain ranges climbing

to points over 11,000 feet in elevation. And, no matter what your skill

level, the Paiute has something for you to enjoy. Finally, don’t forget

the annual Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree held each September in

Richfield, Utah - a great way to get to meet new friends and enjoy cen-

tral Utah’s trail systems!

For those interested in Native American history, the Fremont Indian


Utah’s Most ExcitingCycling Relay

by RIU Crew

When we tell our friends we’ll be doing Salt to Saint for the third

year in a row, the most common response is a blank stare fol-

lowed by “what’s that?” Most of them have heard of Ragnar (a

running relay made up of a 12-man team taking approx 24-36

hours to run 200+ miles). Salt to Saint is the biking/cycling ver-

sion of this with a few differences. #1 It’s over 400 miles - Salt

Lake City to St. George, Utah. #2 Teams are made up of 2, 4 or

8 members. The next comment we hear after explaining this to

our friends is “you’ve got to be a hard-core cyclist to do that”.

We answer ‘no, not really’. If you put together an 8-person team

like we do, each one only needs to ride about 55 miles broken

into 3 legs. The most difficult part of this race is managing to find

time to sleep and trying to figure out how much to eat.

This is truly a relay race that can be completed by

cyclists of about any ability. So, find your 7 most fun biking bud-

dies, line up a large van or two and maybe we’ll see you about 3

a.m. somewhere south of Richfield on highway 89. For more

information, go to www.salttosaint.com

State Park is sure to pique your interest with artifacts, petro-

glyphs and pictographs that date back hundreds, and some-

times thousands of years. Spend some time at the museum

or better yet, hike through the park and see the amazing his-

torical evidence left behind by the Fremont people. Don’t

forget to ask about the “alien” petroglyph just behind the

museum.

When visiting central Utah, don’t miss Fish Lake. Nestled

in the mountains, Fish Lake is a natural lake that provides

some of the best fishing around. Rainbow, Brown and

Mackinaw trout are plentiful in the lake. After a day on the

lake, enjoy a good meal at one of the restaurants along the

banks, hike the shore line trail, or drive the Fish Lake Scenic

Byway - a path that in the early 1800's was known as the

Fish Lake cutoff of the Old Spanish Trail.

For the more adventurous at heart, be sure to stop by Big

Rock Candy Mountain. Run the river in a raft of kayak, enjoy

rock climbing or even take a ride on the new zip line. Also,

don't forget the Candy Mountain Express bike trail that runs

along the Sevier River.

No matter where you are in Sevier County, be sure to

keep an eye open for the many species of wildlife that are

prevalent in the area. From the trophy elk herds that roam

through the Fishlake National Forest to the ever increasing

population of Bald Eagles that dot the sky, Sevier County is

a wildlife wonderland. Whatever brings you to Sevier

County, its breathtaking beauty and recreational opportuni-

ties are sure to help make it an experience that you, your

family and friends can enjoy. For more information, please

call 1-877-47-EVENT or visit www.visitsevier.com and

remember "What Happens in Sevier County, You Can Share

with Your Friends".

by Mike College

Utah is known for its incredible scenery and wide variety of ways

to enjoy the outdoors. From snowcapped peaks in the North to red rock

canyons in the South, we are blessed with a diversity of options that

should satisfy anyone regardless of interests or skill level. Some of the

very best places to recreate in the entire world can be found in the Grand

Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) located in South Central

Utah. It's not unusual to find people from all over the world xploring this

region.

On a recent trip to the area in late fall, we used Kanab as our

basecamp. Besides the GSENM, other family-friendly activities in the area include the Kaibab National Forest, Jacob Lake,

Lake Powell, North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

• The WaveOne of the most popular destinations in the area is known as The Wave. This is a series of U-shaped sandstone formations

Exploring the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument


near the Utah-

Arizona border

in the Coyote

Buttes area. In

an effort to pre-

serve the area,

the number of

people permitted

to enter this

area is limited to

20 per day. Ten

permits are given

via a lottery system

four months in

advance. The

remaining 10 per-

mits are chosen by

lottery at 9:00 am the morning before the permit is valid. This draw-

ing is done at the GSENM Kanab Visitor's Center. On the day we

entered, there were 72 people vying for the 10 slots. Regardless of

the method you choose, you generally have less than a 25% chance

of winning. We weren't successful but the good news is that there

are many other options in the area.

• Buckskin GulchOne area we've wanted to visit for many years is Buckskin Gulch.

This area is accessed by driving 44 miles east of Kanab on Highway

89 and turning off at the House Rock Valley Road. Buckskin Gulch

is one of the most beautiful and accessible slot canyons anywhere.

There are actually two trailheads that could be used. The first is

Buckskin and the other is called Wire Pass. If you have the ability

to do a shuttle, you can start at the Buckskin trailhead and end at

the Wire Pass trailhead. Total distance between the two is about 5

miles.

If you choose to start at Wire Pass, you will walk through a dry

river bed for about a mile before encountering the narrow slot

canyon. Once in the slot, there are several obstacles to negotiate

but nothing very technical. On the day we were there, we saw fami-

lies with small kids enjoying the hike. At the confluence of the trail

from the Buckskin trailhead, watch for petroglyphs at the base of the

alcove. The turnaround for those who don't want to get completely

wet happens about 2 miles down the slot as you encounter a waist-

deep pool of stagnant water. Be sure to check with the GSENM visi-

tor's center for weather and current condi-

tions. Do not enter this area if rain is in the

forecast as flash floods are common. Due to

the narrowness of the slot and lack of exits,

even a small rainstorm could be dangerous.

Plan on getting muddy. A permit is required

and can be purchased at the trailhead.

• The ToadstoolsJust a few miles east of the House Valley Rock

Road on Highway 89 is an interesting area

known as The Toadstools. This moderate 3

mile roundtrip hike features colorful hoodoos

and weird balanced rocks resembling toad-

stools. There is a nice pit toilet at the parking

lot.

• Cottonwood Road /SkutumpahRoad/Johnson Canyon LoopWe spent the entire day exploring this 140 mile loop but

could have easily spent a week. This dirt road was well

maintained but could prove to be impassable in wet con-

ditions. This drive included multiple slot canyons, two

rivers (Paria and Hackberry Creek), cottonwood trees

(rare in the desert) and colorful rock formations.

Our favorite stops along this route included:

• Lower Hackberry CanyonNot a slot canyon but a narrow canyon carved out by

Hackberry Creek. Plan on getting muddy

on this easy out-and-back hike. Look for

wildly colorful rocks along the creek bed.

When we were there in late fall, the cotton-

wood trees were ablaze with colorful

leaves. Water levels will vary based on

current and recent weather.

• Cottonwood Narrows NorthThis is a non-technical slot canyon that should be fun for

most including small children. It is moderately tricky to

access but very easy once in the canyon proper.

• Grosvenor ArchThis is an easy ¼ mile hike to a spectacular sandstone

double arch named in honor of Gilbert Grosvenor, a for-

mer president of the National Geographic Society.

Other interesting stops along this loop include slot

canyons (Round Valley Draw, Bull Valley Gorge and Lick

Wash) and Kodachrome Basin State Park. These slots

are more technical and not appropriate for small kids.

Plan your trip carefully if exploring this area. Take plenty

of water and make sure your vehicle is in good working

order. Be sure to stop at one of the visitor centers to

learn current road conditions and weather forecasts. The

GSENM Visitor Center in Kanab is located at 318 North

100 East. Visitors’ Centers are also located in

Cannonville, Escalante and Big Water. This is a good

place to get current information on the area.


World Famous Moqui Cave one of the most unique museums in the world.

Moqui Cave, home to thelargest collection of

dinosaur tracks in southernUtah, is a Kane County

landmarkThe word Moqui is an ancient term, now

commonly used to refer to the Hopi tribe of Native

Americans that inhabited the region which now

includes parts of Arizona and Utah.

Moqui Cave features a huge display of

Native American artifacts along with unique fluores-

cent rocks and minerals from around the world. Also on display are a large collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico and more than 1,000

arrowheads. Centuries-old ceremonial pots, jugs, bowls and working tools provide some anthropological clues into the early lives of the Hisatsinom

(Hopi Native Americans).

Visitors will get a taste of more recent history from the collection of records relating to the original United Order and the early day

communal system proposed by the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Moqui Cave has been owned and operated by the Chamberlain family for over 50 years, and Lex and LeeAnne Chamberlain serve as tour

guides for the cave. Their historical accounts and stories are designed to acquaint the entire family with the experience of the ancient inhabitants of this

portion of southern Utah.

The large and inviting southwestern gift

shop features a variety of Native American jewel-

ry, rugs, arts, crafts, games for the kids and more.

Moqui Cave is located on scenic

Highway 89, just 5.5 miles north of Kanab, and

less than one mile from Best Friends Animal

Sanctuary.

The museum and gift shop are open dur-

ing the summer season from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Monday-Saturday. The large parking area can eas-

ily accommodate RV’s or buses. For more infor-

mation call 435-644-8525 or visit

www.moquicave.com.


"20 Years - Still Chasing the Moon" is the theme and

Antelope Island State Park will be the venue for the 20th

Annual Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride to be held on July

19th at 10:00 PM. We are celebrating 20 Years; 15,898 Riders;

and 331,172 miles of bike riding. This popular non-competi-

tive bike ride is held in the light of the full moon and is open

to participants of all ages. This 20th ride starts at a new loca-

tion at the Event Field at White Rock Bay! If participants are

wearing their wristbands it will be smooth driving to the White

Rock Bay parking area. The half way point of the ride is the

historic Fielding Garr Ranch where refreshments are served

until midnight. The entire new route is twenty-four miles on

an asphalt road. Event Planner, Neka Roundy, says "The pop-

ularity of this ride offers an opportunity to celebrate 20 years

at a larger parking location and to have exciting entertainment

before the ride begins".

To celebrate "20

Years- Still Chasing the

Moon" we will have three

shows performed by 50/50

Bike and Skate, BMX

Freestyle. The new parking

and starting area will allow

for this entertainment. The

Endless Summer Band will

provide fun entertainment at

the Ranch House.

Prizes will still be

awarded to participants who

choose to dress up or deco-

rate their bike. Judging will

be at 9:30 pm on the stage at

White Rock Bay. "Costumes

and bike decorations have

really been fun over the

years. Perhaps someone has

been to all 20 rides. We

would like to know about

that.", says Roundy.

Also new this year,

ride participants can simply drive straight through to the park-

ing area at White Rock Bay. T-shirts will be given to regis-

tered riders wearing wristbands at the parking location. Will-

Call will be located there also. Wear your wristband to the

ride.

Registration for the bike ride is on-line at http://davis-

countyutah.gov/go/moonlight

On-line registration will only be available through

noon on July 12th. There will be no on-site registration.

Registration is $25 per rider. Registration includes a collec-

tor's t-shirt, park entry, and refreshments (served at the

Ranch until midnight). As a reminder, we require riders to

use a working headlight and taillight. Helmets are mandatory

also. Lights and helmets will be available for sale at the ride.

Proceeds from this event go to Friends of Antelope

Island for projects that 'enhance the visitor experience' on

Antelope Island. Antelope by

Moonlight Bike Ride is spon-

sored by Davis County

Community & Economic

Development, Davis County

Planning, Chevron, The

Biker's Edge, Davis County

Health Department, NOW 97.9

FM, Friends of Antelope

Island, A Company Portable

Restrooms, KUED, Young

Automotive Group, and

Antelope Island State Park.

Syracuse City businesses

encourage all those that par-

ticipate in the ride to frequent

Syracuse City shops, services

and restaurants on their way

to this great event.

For more information con-

tact Davis County, 801-451-

3286 or email neka@davis-

countyutah.gov

www.DavisCountyUtah.gov

Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride"20 Years- Still Chasing the Moon"


A transformation happened just over twoyears ago in Eastern Utah. The Collegeof Eastern Utah, which had served thearea since 1937, merged with UtahState University to create an educationalpowerhouse with more than 200 yearscombined experience in Eastern Utah.

Today, Utah State University- College ofEastern Utah provides educationalopportunities to more than 2,000 stu-dents in Price and Blanding. Dedicated totransforming lives, USU Eastern takes students where they wantto be. Through exciting programs, personal attention and an atti-tude different than any institution in Utah, USU Eastern providesopportunities for students to transform.

USU Eastern may be best known for its academic programs. FromNursing to Cosmetology to Psychology, students can study any-thing they want and enter into one of 19 bachelor's programs ortransfer anywhere in the country.

USU Eastern is a residential campus. Students move from hometo be a part of something special and get a real college experi-ence. Coupled with the lowest tuition in the state of Utah and you


can see that it is an educated deci-sion.

Students excel at USU Eastern.CNN Money recently released a listof the top two-year colleges in thecountry when it comes to transferand success among graduated. USUEastern ranked No. 3 in the nation.Students, who find USU Eastern,find a path to transformation.

Student involvement is a big part of the student experience.One of 10 new freshmen at USU Eastern is involved in aleadership position in student government. The Serving UtahNetwork (SUN) Center is one of the largest per capita studentservice organizations of its kind anywhere in the country.

USU Eastern is committed to helping students transform theirlives. Come to campus for a visit and see why students arecoming to see USU Eastern is the other side of Utah for theother side of them.

For more information visit eastern.usu.eduFor campus tours call 1-888-202-8783

USUEastern:

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