A PARENT'S GUIDE F O R A L L A G E S .
DISCOVER UTAH SPRING 2020
Arches... Out of � PARK glamping in utah state parks
Mountain Biking Roundup DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM
O R T H O PA ED I C I N J U RY C L I N I C
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR Monique Beeley COPY EDITOR Katie Mullaly, Distillation INK ART DIRECTOR Michelle Rayner CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Edmonds, Maegan Lengel, and Kya Schwab
ON THE COVER
Looking Glass Arch PHOTO BY Monique Beeley
We want to hear from you. Send your rants, raves, and story ideas to Mo@DiscoverUtahMagazine.com Advertising inquires for Discover Utah Kids and DiscoverUtahMagazine.com can be sent to info@DiscoverUtahMagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS - Never miss an issue again. Get this quarterly magazine delivered directly to your mailbox for $15 annually. Go to DiscoverUtahMagazine.com to sign up!! Connect with us @DiscoverUtahKids Discover Utah Kids is published quarterly by Discover Utah Magazine, LLC. P.O. Box 2336, Park City, UT. 435-640-6549 © 2020 by Discover Utah Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
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24 30
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contents spring
8
8
Arches ...
24 Explore Your Backyard
Out of the Park
Glamping in Utah State Parks
12 Guided Adventure
28 Educational
Bluff
16 Health
30 The 2020 Summer Camp Roundup
19 Map 20 Spring Mountain Biking Roundup
Backcountry Basics
33 Events
12 adventure is waiting.
DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 5
LETTER FROM THE
PUBLISHER
Spring is a time of excitement in our house. For me it’s the anticipation and planning of
our spring and summer outdoor adventures, for my daughter it’s the beginning of the countdown to the long-awaited summer break. As the snow melts and the days start getting longer, our calendars become filled with adventures in the southern part of our state. Spring in the desert is truly magnificent; the temps are cooler, the stark landscapes come alive and become vibrantly colorful as the desert bloom begins. Hopefully there is a date or two on your calendar for desert adventuring. If not, let the following pages inspire you to make it happen. Whether it’s mountain biking, hiking, or a guided canyoneering trip, we’ve got you covered. Check out our mountain biking round-up on page 8 for some lesser-known spring mountain biking destinations. Or, why not introduce the family to a new adventure with a guided canyoneering trip (page 12), or go for a hike or two to discover some natural bridges and arches (outside of the Arches National Park) in Moab.
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Camping with your kids should be a rite of passage here in Utah, it really is the best way to unplug and reconnect. If this has been on your list, but you are not sure of the where or how to begin, go directly to page 24 and give Glamping a try at one of Utah’s state parks. The word is out… our amazing state is now a top travel destination. Add to that the increase in our state’s population and…boom...we now have LOTS of people out recreating in our backyard. Now, more than ever before we need to be good stewards of this land we love, and we must teach our children to protect and respect our epic landscapes. In 2020 we are going to be shouting this message from mountain tops and trailheads. Each issue will incorporate some of the Seven Leave No Trace Principles which are: Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, and Be Considerate of Other Visitors. I challenge each of you to make these principles commonplace in your outdoor recreation pursuits so that we can continue to enjoy these truly magical places.
As we float through this land, What you must understand Is that you may seem strange to them too.
Different’s not weird,
Or a thing to be feared. It only means not just like you.
Learn more at www.LandofChildrensBooks.com
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DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 7
Arches... Out of � PARK
(Arches National Park that is…) BY MONIQUE BEELEY
8 DISCOVER UTAH KIDS
Utah is blessed with some of the best and most iconic landscapes in the United States, if not the whole world.
Every year, millions of people travel from around the globe to capture a glimpse, and just a few insta worthy images of these iconic natural wonders. Last year the visitation to Arches National Park hit an alltime high with nearly 1.7 million visitors flocking to experience firsthand, the extraordinary and massive natural arches that are abundant within the boundaries of this bucket list destination. This park has the largest concentration of natural arches in the world at over 2,000. Yes, the word is out, Utah is a pretty cool destination. And not one of those, been there, done that, on to the next, kind of places. It’s just the opposite. Once you visit, you realize the true depth of experiences that lie within this extraordinary place, and before you leave you are already planning your next visit. We, as Utahans, are pretty darn lucky to live amongst such greatness. If you didn’t already know and it’s not obvious, I’m a huge fan of our state. So much so that I’ve created this magazine with the sole purpose of inspiring my fellow Utahans to get outside, explore, and DISCOVER our truly magnificent backyard with their families. Okay, I should probably reign myself back in and focus on the subject at hand, which is arches, not the Park, but an arch itself. Beginning with the basics. To be considered an arch, the opening through the rock must be at least three feet in diameter across in any direction. While we are getting a bit techy, we better address the difference between an arch and a natural bridge. An Arch is formed within a rock wall or may be free standing and they are usually formed by a weak layer of rock after many, many years of weather and wind erosion. Natural Bridges span high above the ground between canyon walls and are formed by river and stream erosion deep within the canyons. In short, natural bridges are formed by flowing water whereas arches are formed by the weathering process. Now that we know the difference, let’s dive into the good stuff… where to find both of these natural wonders outside of the Park. Let’s begin our journey on the Utah Scenic Byway 279 (aka Potash Road) which is just north of Moab on HWY 191. This 15-mile route follows the Colorado River and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities including camping, rocking climbing, hiking, river access, mountain biking, and OHV trails, as well as rock art panels, dinosaur tracks, and a few epic natural arches. The hikes to Corona/ Bowtie, Longbow, and Jeep Arches are what we will explore.
DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 9
Longbow Arch
Corona Arch
For those highadventure seekers, join Desert Highlights for the Medieval Chamber guided canyoneering adventure that ends with a 100-foot rappel next to Morning Glory.
Looking Glass Arch First up is Longbow Arch. This 2.5-mile (roundtrip) hike is accessed from the Poison Spider trailhead located 5.7 miles from the intersection of HWY 191. Be sure to check out the dinosaur tracks and rock art panel at the beginning of this hike. The hike is fairly easy, but there is one section in the first ½ mile that requires climbing three iron rungs that are mounted into the rock wall. From this point the trail continues to climb for another ¼ mile and then levels out atop the slickrock. The trail is well marked with rock cairns and a few painted white dashes on the slickrock. The arch is located in a side canyon on the right side. Once you are in the canyon, the arch is visible on the left side. Next, just 4 miles further on HWY 279 is the trailhead for the 140-foot tall Corona Arch. The trail is a moderate 3 miles (roundtrip) and has a 2 for 1 bonus of a second arch: Bow Tie. This trail does have a few areas of mild exposure. Just before arriving at the arch there are a couple “obstacle-coarse features” which the kids love. First a section with steps carved into rock and a mounted cable on the side to hold on to, followed by a 10-foot ladder. Both are fairly easy but may require a helping hand with the little ones. Just before arriving at Corona Arch look to your left to see Bow Tie Arch. There is plenty of room at the base of the arch to sit and have a snack while enjoying the amazing scenery. And finally, our last stop along HWY 279, just another .3 miles down the road is Jeep Arch. There is not an official trailhead for this hike, just a pull off on the right side.
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Jeep Arch The trail is a total of 4 miles (roundtrip), has an elevation gain of 800 feet, and is rated moderate. This is more of a primitive trail, with a few trail signs and cairns along the route. The trail begins by walking through a culvert that goes under the railroad and into Culvert Canyon (which is also a great hike). From here it is a consistent gradual climb for the next 1.5 miles. There are a few sections of rock scrambling and moderate exposure along the route. Number Four on our list is Morning Glory Natural Bridge, which spans 243 feet in length and is the sixth longest natural bridge in the U.S. As stated earlier, a natural bridge is formed by moving water, which is one of the main draws here. The 4.5-mile (roundtrip) route weaves in and out of the river making it a favorite for kids. Morning Glory is accessed from The Grandstaff Trailhead which is located 3 miles east of Moab on Utah Scenic Byway 128. For those high-adventure seekers, join Desert Highlights for the Medieval Chamber guided canyoneering adventure that ends with a 100-foot rappel next to Morning Glory. Heading south out of Moab, 22 miles on HWY 191, Looking Glass Arch was a local’s secret for many years, but now both guides and visitors know about this hidden gem. This is not much of a hike because you can drive right up to the base of Looking Glass Rock. This unique and very cool butte actually has two arches and a large alcove. It’s a great place to let the kids explore the slickrock and has some great photo opportunities as
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Morning Glory Natural Bridge well. There are no facilities here so be prepared to pack out all trash and make a bathroom stop at the rest stop 14 miles from Moab along HWY 191. Looking Glass Road (County Road 131) is on your right just past the turn off for La Sal Junction. From here it is 2 miles on a dirt road. If you are looking for easy access, Wilson Arch, is just that. This road side stop is 24 miles south of Moab (2 miles south of Looking Glass Road) on HWY 191. This arch spans 91 feet and is 46 feet high. There is a short but steep hike to the base of arch, which is about .25-mile roundtrip.
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LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE #2 Travel on Durable Surfaces Don’t Bust the Crust
Why is it so important to stay on the trail? The desert is very fragile and covered with Cryptobiotic Crust which is the foundation of all desert plant life. The black, knobby crust that covers the desert surrounding the trails is made up of many living organisms that are vital in maintaining the desert ecosystem. Just one foot print in this crust can take decades to regrow and has lasting efforts on the desert environment. In places where hiking trails are not established, it is best to walk in a sandy wash or on bare rock surfaces. Check out DoitLikeaLocal.com for more sustainability tips visitingUTAH the Moab 11 when DISCOVER KIDS area.
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GUIDED ADVENTURE
BLUFF BY MONIQUE BEELEY
12 DISCOVER UTAH KIDS
“BLUFF…HUH…WHERE IS BLUFF?” was the reaction I got from my sister when I called to invite them on an adventure with us. My reply: “It’s two hours south of Moab, north of Monument Valley, and Bears Ears National Monument.” She replied, “Oh…Bears Ears…yes, I have heard of that area.” The small town of Bluff is located 330 miles south of Salt Lake City, 50 miles north-east of Monument Valley and has a population of about 300. If you haven’t been to this outdoor adventure-hub then you need to put it on your list ASAP. This small town really packs a punch for the outdoor enthusiast. Within a 60-mile radius you will find thousands of archaeological sites, hundreds of miles of trails, three National Monuments (Bears Ears, Hovenweep, Natural Bridges), one Navajo Tribal Park (Monument Valley), two State Parks (Goosenecks, Edge of The Cedars), one National Recreation Area (Glen Canyon), and the San Juan River…just to name a few. Pretty sure with a list like this, Bluff definitely hits the mark for being called a true outdoor adventure destination. As usual, on the morning of a new adventure I was the first one up, tip-toeing around the room trying not to wake anyone up. I quietly made my coffee, grabbed a jacket, and stepped outside to take in my surroundings. We had arrived at the Bluff Dwellings Resort after dark and I was excited to get a full view of the desert oasis that surrounded me. The morning light was just starting to fill the sky. The air was chilly and crisp and the smells of the desert filled head. I had 20 minutes to enjoy my coffee and quickly noticed an aptly appointed comfy chair that afforded me the perfect views of desert landscape, that glowed beautifully in the light of morning sun.
“Good Morning,” I said as I entered the room. “Who is ready for an adventure?” My enthusiasm exuded the dark, quiet room and at this point my tip-toeing had turned into more deliberate movements intended to wake-up everyone in the room. Forty-five minutes later, we walked to the hotel lobby, backpack in hand, to meet our canyoneering guides, Jared and Dallin. After filling out the paperwork and making sure we all had the proper amount of water, food, and clothing for the day, we were each fitted for our canyoneering harness, helmet, and gloves, which we added to our packs. We had a two-hour drive to our canyoneering destination which allowed time for questions about the area and our upcoming adventure. The route took us on the Bicentennial Highway (SR 95) which is also part of the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway that travels into the heart of the Bears Ears National Monument. As we drove, both Jared and Dallin were able to share their wealth of local knowledge about the area. Which is one of the many reasons I always enjoy my time with professional guides. It was 10:00 am when we arrived at our destination, Blarney Canyon. Before starting our journey, Jared gave us the run-down of what to expect for the day. The round-trip route would be a total of five miles, three rappels, and should take about five hours. One by one we followed Jared as he zig-zagged back and forth up the sandstone hill. It was about two miles before we reached our first rappel which dropped us into the slot canyon. The views were incredible as we gained elevation, and once we were above the surrounding bluffs we could see for miles in all directions. The first rappel always feels a bit trepidatious. But after the first few steps down the rappel, that feeling always changes to exhilaration. Watching the group move through this transition DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 13
is inspiring. We had another family on our tour and this was their first time doing anything like this. It was helpful for their kids to watch my ten-year-old daughter, Kya, who was the youngest in the group, cautiously master the first rappel. Next, was a short rappel that dropped us into the vibrantly colorful slot canyon where we were able to practice our down-climbing canyoneering moves. Both Dallin and Jared showed the group the best practices for navigating the narrow and twisted canyon. This part is usually my daughter’s favorite because it’s like a natural playground. By the time we stopped for lunch, we were all hungry and ready to just chill and enjoy our magical surroundings. This break gave me a chance to explore down the canyon a bit. I’m always in search of the perfect photo op. Slot canyons are one of my favorite things to photograph, and the ever-changing light or lack there-of, makes for some truly incredible photos. By the time we reached the third and final rappel, we all felt like seasoned canyoners, and knew the drill; one by one we descended into a cool, dark cavern. This was the deepest section of the canyon and it felt like the temperature had dropped nearly 15 degrees. Thank goodness we all packed an extra layer. From here we
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navigated a couple more down-climbing sections in the shade before we reached the sandy bottom of the canyon. The last 20 minutes back to car were quiet. I’m sure some of group were reflecting on the experience we had just shared, feeling a sense of accomplishment, while the kids were just anxious to get back at the van. Personally, my mind was filled gratitude; gratitude for being able to share this experience with my daughter, my sister, and her daughter. And, gratitude for being able to safely explore such a beautifully rugged place. A place that was created naturally through years of water, wind, and weather carving and sculpting this smooth and narrow canyon.
BluffDwellings.com UtahsCanyonCountry.com BluffUtah.org
Utah State Parks DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 15
— SPONSORED CONTENT —
10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS ACTIVE THIS SUMMER Ah, the great outdoors. A place where children play, discover, and learn plenty of valuable life lessons. At least it used to be that way. But research shows a troubling trend away from play outdoors, with kids spending more than six hours a day in front of a screen, and only an average of seven minutes a day in unstructured outdoor playtime doing things like building forts, climbing trees, or exploring local plants and wildlife. Simultaneously, there is an increase in the number of children suffering from mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. “As a pediatrician, I see how prevalent mental illness is,” says Dr. Cindy Gellner, a board-certified pediatrician at University of Utah Health. “Mental illness seems to be on the rise in children; in fact, one in four children has a mental health diagnosis.” Getting kids outside can have several benefits for overall health and mental wellness (and perhaps help with parents’ sanity too). In addition to physical fitness, outdoor play leads to better school performance, more creativity, lower levels of depression and hyperactivity, better sleep, and the ability to learn how to work and socialize with others, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
How Parents Can Encourage More Outdoor Time
As summer arrives in Utah, here are some ways to keep kids active. 1. Create a “summer bucket list” with activities you want to accomplish that don’t involve screens, such as swimming, hiking, fishing or visits to local parks. 2. Balance screen time with indoor or outdoor play, requiring that kids spend an equal amount of time off screens as they do playing video games, watching shows, or being on social media; use a timer or an app like Zift or Screen Time so kids know when screen time is up. 3. Create a sticker chart where kids can track outdoor play time, and reward them with a special activity like an ice cream date if they hit specific goals. 4. Have outdoor activities readily available and easy for kids to find whenever they go outside to play, such as bicycles, skateboards or scooters, outdoor games, or even something as simple as some shovels and buckets to dig in the mud. 5. Create a small garden in the yard or the windowsill where kids can plant food, plants, or flowers, and watch them grow.
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6. Invite friends over to play and make it a “screen-free” time for everyone. 7. Provide kids with a safe place to play, then let them play together, resolve issues, and be creative without parent involvement. 8. Be willing to go outside with them, especially if you don’t have a safe place they can go outside and play on their own; a parent who is unwilling to take kids outside could prevent outdoor play as much as screens and other distractions. 9. Enroll them in local clubs or sports that allow them to be outside and socialize with others in a structured environment. 10. Learn to be ok with boredom; it’s a great way to encourage kids to use their imagination, so let them figure out how to entertain themselves without a screen.
Staying Safe in the Summer
More outdoor play does come with some risks, so remember these safety tips: • Make sure they wear helmets, reflective clothing, and other safety gear like knee pads and wrist guards while biking, scootering, skateboarding, or on ATVs. • Use sunblock to protect against sunburns and skin damage. • Keep them hydrated with plenty of fluids when they play outdoors, and encouraging them to sit in the shade or go inside to rest if they feel especially hot or fatigued. • Always have adult supervision for children playing in or around the water. • Provide protective eye coverings for activities that involve balls, fists, or fireworks. In addition, parents should know the best place to go if a child does get injured and needs care. For life- or limb-threatening injuries, go to the nearest emergency room. Less serious injuries can often be treated at a place like urgent care or the University of Utah’s Orthopedic Injury Clinic (uofuhealth.org/ injuryclinic), a walk-in clinic with extended weeknight hours to treat things like sprains, dislocations, concussions, strains, fractures, and other orthopedic or sports injuries for children and teens.
The Benefits of Getting Outside
Children who spend time outside have a lower risk of developing mental health disorders in adolescence and adulthood, along with other psychologically restorative benefits that the outdoors provides for kids and teens of all ages. Outdoor play also has a positive impact in other areas of a child’s life. “The most effective tool to help with creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills is playtime,” Gellner says. “It doesn’t matter what kind of play it is—pretend play, physical play, indoors and outdoors. Kids will learn a lot as they use their imaginations.”
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Photo: Adam17 Barker DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM
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Adventures in the Natural World K–7th grade
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15
84
91
Bear Lake
89
30
LOGAN
23
RANDOLPH 16
165
30 Golden Spike National Historice Site
Glamping State Parks PG 24 A-East Canyon D-Fremont Indian B-Goblin Valley E-Kodachrome Basin C-Fred Hayes
GARDEN CITY
BRIGHAM CITY
Mountain Biking PG 20
39
15
Guided Adventure PG 12 OGDEN
Great Salt Lake
84
89
80
MANILA
A
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
SALT LAKE CITY 201
PARK CITY
215
TOOELE
KAMAS Dinosaur National Monument
HEBER CITY 35
196
73
36
191
208
PROVO
Utah Lake
C
40
6
89
96
31
15 28
89
50
29
MANTI
6
CASTLE DALE 100
191
10
FILLMORE
257
D
24
62
95 ve r Ri o or ad
143
Cedar Breaks National Monument
59
Co l
276
95
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Bryce Canyon National Park
E
Natural Bridges National Monument
276 261 San J uan R iver
Lake Powell
BLANDING
95
Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument
89
491
191
SPRINGDALE KANAB
MONTICELLO
ESCALANTE 12
Zion National Park 89
9
211
15
CEDAR CITY
46
12
89
PAROWAN PANGUITCH
18
Canyonlands National Park
TORREY 62
219
MOAB
Capitol Reef National Park
89
14
313
25
BEAVER
56
128
B
21
130
Arches National Park
191
24
24
20
70
GREEN RIVER
70
RICHFIELD
ST. GEORGE
Green
PRICE
6
6
45
191
89
125
40
88
DUCHESNE
68
154
149
VERNAL
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
River
199
50
191
150
80
WENDOVER
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
MEXICAN HAT Monument Valley
Bears Ear National Monument
163
Hovenweep National Monument
BLUFF 191
Four Corners Area
DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 19
Spring Mountain Biking Roundup IF YOU ARE HEADING SOUTH THIS SPRING FOR SOME TWO-WHEELED ADVENTURING, be sure to check out these family-friendly beginner/intermediate trails. Many of these locations offer a “staked-loop” system, which is great for families who may not all ride at the same level. These new and popular trail systems offer multiple shorter loops, each at a different level, so everyone can ride at their own ability and then meet up back at the trailhead. With over 60 miles of trails and more in the works for 2020, CEDAR CITY is quickly becoming a mountain biking destination. The Iron Hills Trail System is located less than a mile off of I-15 (exit 57) and is a stacked loop system that offers eight trails ranging from beginner to advanced. From the Southview Trailhead, our favorite beginner loop is Lichen it /Iron Giant, which is a total of 5 miles. For the intermediate riders the Lichen It/Lava Flow loop is amazing. Both sections are directional trails – Lichen It is uphill mountain biking only and Lava Flow is downhill only. These two options are great for families that have riders of different abilities. Everyone can ride Lichen It together and then choose between the beginner or the intermediate option for the downhill. Or, start with the beginner and then progress to the intermediate. The Southview Trailhead has bathrooms, running water and a bike-repair station. The Three Peaks Trail System is located 10 miles northwest of Cedar City. This 27-mile stacked loop trail system is part of the Three Peaks Recreation Area, where
20 DISCOVER UTAH KIDS
you can picnic, camp, play disk golf, and hike. There are specific areas for both motorized and non-motorized recreation in this 6,000-acre BLM recreation area. The 1.6-mile Practice Loop is a quick and easy ride for beginners and the 4-mile Race Course Loop is a fast a flowy intermediate ride.
Bike Shop – Family Bicycle Outfitters Beyond the Bike – Frontier Homestead State Park or the Cedar City Aquatic Center
PRICE is 120 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and offers some great spring mountain biking opportunities. This area often gets overlooked as a mountain biking destination, but it should be on your list for the spring. The Wood Hill Trail System is 20 miles of trails atop a high desert mesa just north of Price. The trailhead has ample parking, a restroom, and an information kiosk. For the beginner riders, Solis Way to Bill Sandy is an easy 1.2 mile out-and-back option. For the intermediate rider this can be combined with Luke’s Trail for a fast a flowy 9-mile ride.
Bike Shop – Altitude Cycle Beyond the Bike – Desert Wave Pool RICHFIELD is a new player in the mountain bike scene, with the new Pahvant Mountain Trail System. This trail system consists of 10 miles of singletrack trails with an
additional 14 miles coming in 2020. Trails are accessed from the north I-70 interchange in Richfield or at the freeway underpass on 300 North. The 300 North trailhead provides shuttle access via the locals call the “CCC road” to the Hi-Line and Faulty trails. The northern trailhead provides access to the bi-directional Kiln-It trail. This 4.1-mile trail is categorized as intermediate beginner and provides access to all other trails. Kiln-it can be ridden as an out and back or a loop onto the short Hi-Line and 1.9 mile downhill only Cairn-Age trails, considered intermediate difficulty. Cairn-Age also provides access to the downhill only Snake Bite trail consisting of rolling rock gardens and a newly completed jump track. Additional trails such as the bi-directional Faulty, and expert downhill only Juniper Drop trails can be accessed at the top of the Kiln-It trail.
Bike Shop –Jorgensen’s Beyond the Bike – Mystic Hot Springs The small, somewhat sleepy town of GREEN RIVER is a great basecamp for exploring the San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley, and the Green River. This area also has a couple of great mountain biking options to add to their adventure quiver.
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DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 9
The Athena Trail, located in Green River was completed in March 2018. This intermediate 5.5-mile loop is a flowy classic desert ride. The vertical gain is about 600 feet and there are a couple short climbs. The trailhead (no bathrooms) is located less than a mile from the I-70/Green River exit. Goblin Valley State Park is 46 miles southwest of Green River. The Wild Horse Mesa mountain bike trail, located near the campground at the park, is a stacked loop system with 7 miles of beginner/intermediate single-track. The riding is fast, flowy, and offers amazing views of the San Rafael Reef and the Henry Mountains in the distance.
Bike Shop – Currently there are no bike shops in Green River, closest shops are in Moab or Price.
Beyond the Bike – John Wesley Powell River History Museum
3.8-mile loop. Once this combo is mastered, try adding Got Milk? to make the Got Milk and Cookies 5.8-mile loop. Because the trail is called And Cookies sure to pack your favorite cookies to eat on the trail. The Red Fleet Recreation Area is located 11 miles north of Vernal on HWY 191 on the Donkey Flat Road. There are two main parking areas. The first one is less than a mile on the left-hand side and the second is 2.4-miles. Both parking areas provide restrooms. Jazz-Chrome Molly is a fast and flowy 6-mile intermediate loop with 600 feet in elevation gain. For the littles in the family, there is a ¾ mile mellow downhill section starting from the first parking area that makes a great and easy shuttle for the little riders.
Bike Shop – Altitude Cycle Beyond the Bike – Explore Red Fleet State Park, hike the Dinosaur Trackway or play in the water at the Red Fleet Reservoir
VERNAL is a great and lesser known destination for spring mountain biking, and is just a quick 170 miles from Salt Lake City. This area boasts 60+ miles of singletrack desert riding between both the Red Fleet and McCoy Flats areas. Each location offering beginner to advanced riding in a stacked-loop system. McCoy Flats is located 6 miles west of Vernal on HWY 40. Turn left onto the McCoy Flats Road, and then drive 3 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead offers a shaded picnic pavilion and restroom. This is the best area for beginner riders. The Combo Trail is a 1.5-mile (out-and-back) that parallels the road, making for easy turn-a-rounds if necessary. The next step-up would be to combine the Combo Trail with And Cookies to make a
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We have pinpointed all these locales on our MAP on page 19
FREE KIDS MID WEEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL ETIQUETTE
MTB RACES
All of these trails are multi-use, which means you may encounter hikers, horses, as well as other mountain bikers. It is our duty as parents to teach our kids to be responsible and respectful riders and to know the rules on these public trail systems and to be good stewards of the land. Leave No Trace Principle #7 - Be Considerate of Other Visitors, aka… Share the Trail – Mountain bikers ALWAYS yield to horses and hikers, no matter what direction they are riding. Even when you are on a directional trail and you encounter a hiker. The only time this rule does not apply is in a specific mountain biking-only area at resorts or at a mountain bike park. Leave No Trace Principle #2 - Travel on Durable Surfaces – Keep singletrack single, stay on the trail. When yielding to other riders, do your best to move out of their way but be conscious of where you are standing. Especially when riding in the desert as there may be Cryptobiotic soil surrounding the single track. Stay off muddy trails. If your tires are leaving deep ruts and the mud is caking on your tires turn around. Lastly, and one of the Seven Leave No Trace Principles, Dispose of Waste Properly.
- Youth 10 and Younger - Register 4-6pm each - Tuesday Nights
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MTB
XC race night
Back satch Front, Wasatch - Salt Lake Valley, Wa om for a full calendar! - Visit MidWeekMTB.c
For the littles in the family, there is a ¾ mile mellow downhill section ...
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GLAMPING IN UTAH STATE PARKS BY MONIQUE BEELEY
HAVE YOU BEEN WANTING TO INTRODUCE YOUR FAMILY TO CAMPING, but not sure where to start? And every time you start the “shopping list” for camping gear, and then do research on the cost and options, you get quickly overwhelmed with everything that might be needed to personally enjoy those cozy campfire marshmallow roasting and epic starry night images that are plaguing your social media feed. And, to that add the thoughts of the time/money investment in something new that may not even be a fit for your family (chances of this are pretty slim). Yes, all of these thoughts are probably running rampant in your head. Let me redirect you here to the world of “glamping,” which is essentially glam – camping. And fortunately, there are many options throughout Utah that will allow you to test the waters before fully committing to becoming a camping family. Also, don’t let the “glam” in glamping scare you off, thinking this option may come with the “glam” price tag as well. Yes, there are plenty of high-end glamping options, as it’s kind of trendy at the moment, but there are also plenty of affordable choices, which is what we are highlighting here. First, I want to give a little out shout to our truly amazing and world-class Utah State Parks. Did you know that we have 44 parks here in Utah. Many of which rival National
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wanting to explore the park via horseback. The park’s two cabins are called the Bunkhouses, each sleeps five (twin/queen bunkbed + futon), and has air conditioning, a small dining table, refrigerator, outdoor grill, firepit, and picnic table.
> FRED HAYES STATE PARK AT STARVATION, located 115 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, is a great destination for water recreation and beach time. The park, originally named Starvation State Park, was rededicated in 2019 in memory of Fred Hayes, who was the director of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation from 2012 – 2018. Hayes was a true champion of our state parks and recreation throughout Utah. The park offers three cabins, each sleeps six (queen bunk bed plus futon), has air conditioning, a small dining table, refrigerator, microwave, outdoor grill, firepit, and picnic table. Onsite recreation rentals include boats, PWC, water trampoline, and paddleboards.
Parks throughout the country. A few years back, many of these parks started adding something new to their already existing campgrounds. First it was just a few cabins at Palisade State Park in 2009. Then, after seeing the demand for this alternative to traditional camping, they fully jumped into the glamping scene, adding more cabins at more parks and then yurts, teepees, hammocks, Conestoga wagons, and most recently, a replica of a Native American Pithouse. The total number of options now, is 86 in 19 different state parks. Here are some of our favorite Utah State Park glamping destinations:
> FREMONT INDIAN STATE PARK tops the list with the recent addition of a replica of a Native American Pithouse, which we were lucky enough to be the first overnight guests (aka guinea pigs) this past fall. We were not sure quite what to expect, but we were all pleasantly surprised by the amazing craftsmanship and beautifully exposed logs on the interior. The exterior was made of a combination of soil and rocks from the area. An overnight in the Pithouse combined with a day spent exploring the archaeological sites and museum at the park made for a fully-immersive and educational adventure. This park also offers two teepees in the Castle Rock Campground and two cabins in the Sam Stowe Campground. > Next up is, KODACHROME BASIN STATE PARK, located 20 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park. This amazing red rock wonderland is a family-friendly paradise. The park has numerous easy hiking trails and an onsite horseback riding guide service as well – Red Canyon Trail Rides – for those 26 DISCOVER UTAH KIDS
> GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK, located 220 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, is by far one of the top family-friendly destinations in Utah. What kid wouldn’t want to free-roam through the Valley of the Goblins? The park has two yurts, each sleeps six (queen bunk bed plus futon), a small dining table, refrigerator, outdoor grill, firepit, and picnic table. For those looking to step-up their adventure game, this park has an onsite canyoneering guide service – Get into the Wild – that will take your family on a wild adventure through the Goblin’s Lair.
Goblin Valley
> EAST CANYON STATE PARK comes in as the King of the Mountain and offers cabins, yurts, Conestoga wagons, an RV trailer, a hammock camping structure, and‌ it’s only 30 miles from Salt Lake City. The outdoor recreation here centers around the 684-acre reservoir which is a popular spot for boating, fishing, paddling, and swimming. Hiking and mountain biking options can be found nearby on the Mormon Flats trail. To make it easy, we have pinpointed all these destinations on our MAP on page 19. StateParks.utah.gov
See it.
Experience it.
Live it.
BryceCanyonCountry.com/Kids DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 27
E D U C AT I O N A L
Backcountry Basics BY MONIQUE BEELEY
WHAT DOES BACKCOUNTRY MEAN TO YOU? Is it the areas that are only accessible by hiking or backpacking for several miles? Or, must you venture out on remote, super gnarly, highclearance-only dirt roads? By definition, a backcountry area is a geographical region that is isolated, remote, undeveloped, and difficult to access. So the answers to the above questions are yes… but… there are plenty of backcountry areas in Utah that are fairly easy to access. And, thanks to the influence of social media, they are heavily visited by people who may not necessarily have the knowledge, skills, understanding, gear, etc. to be safe. Examples are the many bucket list destinations in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument that are all easily accessed from the Hole in the Rock Road. For some, when they hear that this is a National Monument, they have the expectation you can just show up and there will be signs, well-established trails, hiking details at trailheads, bathrooms, water, and of course, cell service so that you can just google directions in route, if needed. Amenities and infrastructure similar to what you find at Zion National Park… right? Even the well-seasoned adventurer can get themselves into sticky situations in the backcountry because accidents do happen to all of us. The difference is, in these remote areas, your go-to call or easy out is not that easy, and with no cell service the call is more of a shout than an actual call. 28 DISCOVER UTAH KIDS
So be prepared, and make sure your whole family is prepared, not just one member of your group, but everyone. Even the kids should have a basic understanding of what to do if something unfortunate happens. I have had this conversation with my daughter many times, because often it is just the two of us out adventuring, and if something happens to me, she needs to know what to do. I’m hoping that at this point you are not thinking you should just avoid backcountry exploring, but instead, you are thinking about how you can prepare yourself and your family for these types of adventures.
10 Backcountry Basics 1. Know before you go – weather, road
conditions, route, download map, cell service, trailhead amenities (bathroom, water).
2. Check in with a local – visitor center, BLM,
forest service office. Especially if it is your first time visiting the area. This can also be an educational stop for kids to learn more about the area.
3. Follow Leave No Trace Principles – Be
prepared to pack out everything… including in W.A.G bags.
4. Food and Water – Be sure to carry 1 liter of
water per person per 2-hours of hiking. This is the perfect time to have some of your kid's favorite snacks in their packs. Also, have additional food and cold water in the car.
5. Communication – Make sure someone
outside of your group knows your plans and then check in with them when you are back. Cell service is limited so plan ahead.
6. Backpack essentials – sun protection
(sunglasses/sunscreen/lip balm/hat), first-aid, headlamp/flashlight, additional layer of clothing.
7. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Satellite Messenger – Be sure everyone knows how to use it before you leave home.
8. Know your limitations – Turn back if
needed, this is not the time to push limits with your family.
9. Stay together – Be sure to stay within
eyesight or earshot.
10. Have a plan – Talk with your family about
what to do if something happens on the trail. Point out landmarks along the trail and make sure they know how to get back to the car. Before your first trip this spring sign up for the USARA card.
The Utah Search and Rescue Assistance Card (USARA) which launched in 2017, should be added to your list when recreating in Utah. This card provides a one-year individual subscription for $25 and a family for $35. The funds from this program supplement Utah’s Search and Rescue Financial Assistance Program, which is currently funded through surcharges on registered recreational vehicles and boats. The program distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly to counties across the state, but those reimbursements often do not cover the full cost of search and rescue efforts. The expense of Search and Rescue can strain the small tax bases in rural communities like Escalante and Moab. And this lack of funding has forced some counties to back-bill search and rescue victims. Recent studies show that 63% of victims are rescued in a different county than where they reside. For more information on the USARA card go to Secure.Utah.gov/rescue/
HEADING OUT ON A FAMILY ADVENTURE?
P R E H I S TO R I C M U S E U M
START HERE.
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the 2020 summer camp
roundup BY AMANDA EDMONDS
DON’T WAIT UNTIL SUMMER TO SIGN UP! We have compiled a list of 20 camps to help you make this summer one of the best ones ever for your kids!
day camps
MOMENTUM DAY CAMP Do you and your children climb? Do you want to? Momentum Climbing Summer Camp is fun and adventurous! The camp fosters self-discovery and exploration through a variety of activities, both on the climbing wall and off. Momentum Climbing gym has weekly day camps in Millcreek, Sandy, and Lehi for ages 4-16. MomentumClimbing.com NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF UTAH The Natural History Museum has a selection of natural science and STEAM-related summer camps to inspire passion and spark curiosity for the natural world, with engaging activities, experienced leaders, and an unbeatable setting! Camps available for grades K-7. Camps run in week-long full- and half-day formats. NHMU.Utah.edu
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WHEELER FARM Farm Camp Activities include: cow milking, gathering eggs, farm chores, horseback riding, wool spinning, animal grooming, blacksmith demonstrations, historic house tours, gardening, hiking, exploring the woods, wagon rides, arts and crafts, games, and more. All activities center around farm life, then and now. Camp is for ages 6-10. SLCO.org/Wheeler-farm SWANER PRESERVE AND ECOCENTER Swaner Preserve gets kids outside and immersed in nature. There are several themes to choose from. Ages range from grades K-8 and themes include: wetlands, naturalist, and sustainability. SwanerEcoCenter.org OGDEN NATURE CENTER Ogden Nature Center offers nature camps for ages 2-16. Several themes to choose from including: Awesome Amphibians and Reptiles, Strange Nature, Weird Water World, and Caring for Creatures. They have weekday, overnight, and even a family campout on their schedule. Come for one day or stay and play for the whole week. OgdenNatureCenter.org TRACY AVIARY Tracy Aviary offers weeklong camps full or half day for grades K-8. Camps explore curiosity and creativity in the outdoors with active games, fun crafts, and time for free play in nature. Join the experts for an avian adventure Topics include Healthy Habitats, Harmonious Hunters, and Backyard Adventurers. TracyAviary.org RED BUTTE GARDEN Red Butte partners with many local companies offering a variety of camp themes like Junior Naturalists, with NHMU, Full STEAM ahead with Discovery Gateway, as well as offering gardening topics like Green Thumb, Garden Magic, Curious about Critters, Sprouting Chefs, and Herbology 101. Weekly camp sessions available for grade K-6. Multiple themes available for each age group. RedButteGarden.org
UTAH LAKE PADDLE BOARD KIDS CLUB Five-day day camp is for ages 8-18. Campers will learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding while learning the skills to give them the confidence they need to be out on the water. EpicRecreation.net PARK CITY SUP Camp for ages 6 and up introduces kids to this fast-growing, easy-to-learn sport. Topics include proper way to wear a life jacket; how to stay safe on the water; how to properly attach a leash to a paddle board; what fins are, how they work and why boards have them; proper paddle technique; and differences in paddle boards. ParkCitySUP.com KIDS GO FOR GOLD Is your family excited for the Olympics? In this one-week day camp for ages 8 and up, campers will get fit while having fun. Activities include exercise, crafts, athlete meet and greet, and meeting a 2002 Olympic Mascot. KidsgoforGold.com KIMBALL ART CENTER Kimball Art Center has classes for all ages. Many camps to choose from include painting, ceramics and pottery, wheel throwing, visual storytelling, authors and illustrators, mixed media, drawing, glass fusion, stained glass, photography, and photo editing. KimballArtCenter.org
GIRLS ON THE RUN Girls on the Run is a nonprofit girls camp for grades 3-8. GOTR’s emphasis is on self-confidence and life skills. Caring and qualified Girls on the Run coaches lead structured and fun lessons. Girls build confidence and unleash creativity in a safe and inclusive environment. Activities include dynamic discussions, activities, and running games. GirlsontheRun.org
SUMMIT LAND CONSERVANCY Outdoor Explorer Camp Campers ages 7-12 will have a chance to experience unique combinations of structured outdoor recreation adventures and free “nature play” in local open spaces. Children will actively engage in learning ecology, botany, biology, wildlife identification, local history, and other topics outside of the traditional classroom setting. WeSaveLand.org WOODWARD PARK CITY The Woodward summer camps are multi-day programs providing skill progression, recreation and fun lead by their passionate action sports coaches. Camp options include; mountain biking, skateboard, BMX, parkour, cheer, scooter, and digital media. Campers can choose between single sport or multi-sport programs. WoodwardParkCity.com BRIGHTON SKI RESORT DAY CAMPS Summer mountain adventures await for ages 6-16. Kids will spend their weeks exploring, exercising, and learning in the majestic Wasatch Mountains. Camps have a focus on fun and educational activities, and activities including orienteering, geocaching, scavenger hunts, and wildflower hunting. BrightonResort.com DISCOVERUTAHMAGAZINE.COM 31
Overnight camps
CAMP KOSTOPULUS Camp K’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through recreation, and education. Summer Camp is where kids, teens, and adults with disabilities or special medical needs experience a five-day camping adventure. They have several camp types ranging from day camp, overnight and travel trip camps. Activities include ropes course, horse riding, swimming, and fishing. CampK.org YMCA CAMP ROGER Camp Roger has several camps for ages 6-17. Activities include day and overnight camps. From traditional camps and Little Rogers, to equestrian camps for all ages, to even leadership training programs, Camp Roger really does have it all! Some of the activities include biking, arts and crafts, archery, orienteering, and outdoor cooking. YMCAUtah.org ASTRO CAMP Astro Camp has a variety of camps for ages 5-15 including overnight and day camps. Kids experience
the excitement of invention and engineering while learning to work in teams, set goals, and take pride in their accomplishments. Activities include: Mission to Mars, astronaut training, science classes, and experiments. AstrocampUtah.org CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE CFI is a nonprofit organization and when you book a CFI camp you also help them underwrite outdoor education programs for schools and youth. Current camps include Explorer Base Camp, Youth River Skills, and Whitewater Camp. CFI offers river, land, or a combination of overnight summer camps. Activities are river rafting, hiking, and camping. Their guides mix fun and education in the outdoors. CFIMoab.org BIRCH CREEK SERVICE RANCH Birch Creek is for ages 12-15. Their camps provide character-building experiences through ranch work, community service, creative projects, and challenging outdoor activities. Three sessions are available for summer 2020 including Swimming Hole, Mt. Nebo Summit, and Maple Canyon Climbing. ServiceRanch.org
VisitCedarCity.com
Center Stage to Scenic Wonder Navajo Lake - Arika Bauer
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EVENTS
April 10-11
41ST ANNUAL ST. GEORGE ART FESTIVAL Located in the Historic Town Square, this annual event features over 110 artists. Festival highlights include live music and entertainment, children’s craft area, and food vendors. The Historic Town Square also features the St. George Carousel, splash pad, and children’s river/waterfall play area. SgArtFestival.com
may 14-17
22ND ANNUAL GREAT SALT LAKE BIRD FESTIVAL Hosted at the George S. and Dolores Dore’ Eccles Wildlife Education Center at Farmington Bay, along the shore of the Great Salt Lake. Highlights of the festival include over 40 fieldtrip options, student art contests, specific workshops for kids, and vendor booths. GreatSaltLakeBirdFest.com BluffUtah.org
June 13-20
June 19-21
EYES TO THE SKY BALLOON FESTIVAL 25+ balloons take to the sky each morning at 6am., followed by free, tethered balloon rides. Festival highlights include evening balloon glow, craft fair and vendor booths, carnival rides, live music and dancing. EyesToTheSkyBalloonFestival.com
june 26-27
PANGUITCH VALLEY BALLOON RALLY Early morning balloon launch each day followed by all day festivities including live music and entertainment, vendor craft and food booths, inflatable kids play zone, 5K race, and evening balloon glow. PanguitchMainStreet.org
KANAB 150 This epic Sesquicentennial event celebrates the birthday (June 14th, 1870) of this small western-style Utah town. This week-long event kicks off on Saturday, June 13th in full western style with a mock “train robbery & gun flight in the streets,” western dancing, street carnival, and the re-enactment of the “all women town council” and fireworks at midnight. VisitSouthernUtah.com
Salt Lake
St. George
Come Find Your Trail SevierUtah www.
.net
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Tƒ k e t h e R o ƒ d
Less Trƒveled. Wayne County, UT | CapitolReef.org
YOur Bryce canyon national Park
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When the stress of life comes, there’s a special place you can escape to and live out any fantastical adventure you choose. Escape to Heber Valley where you can leave the crowds and get your mountain medicine. We love our valley, our mountains, and want to share it with you.
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Plan your next vacation at: GOHEBERVALLEY.COM
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KANAB, MAGICALLY UNSPOILED
There’s more magic than ever in Kanab this year, as we celebrate the town’s 150th Anniversary. There’ll be events and celebrations throughout 2020, and itineraries to help you explore Kanab’s history and all it has to offer. So anytime is the right time for that family vacation, weekend getaway, or scenic Southern Utah road trip.
For a full list of events – and help planning your trip – go to visitsouthernutah.com
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