Explore Your Backyard

>EXPLORE YOUR back yard GET OUT THERE

NORDIC SKI + SNOWSHOE LOCALES

BY MONIQUE BEELEY

This winter will be a just a bit different than our previous snowy seasons, there will more people heading out in their… and our backyards. This past summer, it was estimated that over 30% of people recreating throughout Utah were newbies to the outdoor recreation scene. This winter we will see many, many folks venturing outside, trying new things, and exploring new places. Before heading out to an unfamiliar area be sure to be prepared. Winter can up the game… of playing in the outdoors. Cold temps, snow, and ice can turn your favorite backyard beginner trail into an expert level expedition. What this means is that we all need to be extra diligent about doing our homework before planning our next adventure so we can have the best possible experiences with our family. Be sure to check out the helpful tips in the Snow Safety (page 20) and Dress for Success (page 22) articles in this issue!!

Here is a roundup of some well-known and lesser-known locales for Nordic adventuring, highlighting both groomed and non-maintained trails. But first let’s cover a few basics of winter trail etiquette

RED CANYON RIM TRAIL

Photo: Ryan Kelly

Winter Trail Etiquette

Know the rules – Recreation areas may have specific rules on whether snowshoers, hikers, dogs, and fat bikes are allowed on groomed trails. Be sure to check those rules prior to arriving at a location. Snowshoers – Stay out of the ski tracks and walk to the side of the trail if possible. Uphill snowshoers have the right of way. Hikers – Don’t posthole. Avoid groomed trails that are soft due to recent grooming or changes in weather. Uphill hikers have the right of way. Cross-country skiers – Know who has the right of way. Skiers traveling downhill always have the right of way. Practice leave no trace – PLEASE, pick up after your dogs. Pack out all your trash, including orange peels and apple cores.

Letters correspond with MAP on page 19

A Dixie National Forest – Cedar City

GROOMED TRAILS Deer Hollow Winter Recreation Area (elevation 9,510’) located 22 miles southeast of Cedar City, is a 1,300-acre non-motorized trail system in the Dixie National Forest. With nearly 37 kilometers (23 miles) of groomed trails, this stacked-loop trail system has something for everyone. There are trails designated for skiers only, mutli-use (snowshoe + ski), and even a dog-friendly loop. The Boulder Trail provides amazing views of Navajo Lake and the lava fields. The season here usually is typically mid-December thru the end of March.

> Fee – None > Facilities – Pit toilet at trailhead > Current Conditions – Cedar City Ranger District, 435-865-3200

B Mirror Lake Scenic Byway –

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest – Kamas

GROOMED TRAILS The Beaver Creek Trail (elevation 7,000-7,500’) is a 6.5mile (one-way) groomed trail that begins at the Yellow Pine trailhead and ends at the Pine Valley trailhead. This trail is groomed twice a week (December 15 – March 15) and follows along the south side of Beaver Creek, passing through conifer and aspen groves. Dogs are allowed

on this trail on odd number days throughout the winter. Pine Valley Beginner Loop (elevation 7,500’) is a 1.5-mile loop that can be accessed from the North Fork parking area. Begin by heading west on the Beaver Creek Trail and look for the orange markers. The trail will head south west, eventually connecting back into the Beaver Creek Trail.

NON-MAINTAINED TRAILS Plantation Trail (elevation 7,600’ – 8,000') is a 1.2-mile (one-way) trail that is accessed from the Shingle Creek Campground, where you will head east for a half-mile on the Beaver Creek Trail.

Norway Flats (elevation 7,600’ – 9,700') is a 7-mile (one-way) trail that begins near Pine Valley trailhead and climbs high into the western Uinta Mountains. The trail is easy to follow and eventually winds its way toward Little Elk Lake and the head of Boulder Creek. Skilled travelers may use this route to access the upper basins and peaks of the High Uinta country.

North Fork Loop (elevation 7,500’ – 7,800') is a 3.5-mile loop that follows a two-track road for most of its length. Begin at the North Fork parking area and cross the highway. Follow the trail as it winds through sage fields, aspen, Lodgepole pine, and the occasional Ponderosa pine. At the crossing of the North Fork Provo River, follow the orange stakes tied to trees.

> Fee – $6 day-use > Facilities – Several pit-toilet and picnic areas available > Current Conditions – Kamas Ranger District (50 East

Center, Kamas), 435-783-4338

C Davis County - Uinta-Wasatch-

Cache National Forest

NON-MAINTAINED TRAILS Farmington Sunset Trail (elevation 5,244’) in Farmington Canyon is a moderate 2.8-mile (one-way) trail that follows Farmington Creek to the Sunset Campground.

Mueller Park to Elephant Rock (elevation 5,230’ – 6,255’) is a moderate 2.85-mile (one-way) trail that traverses across the mountain, keeping the elevation gain manageable. The thick scrub oak provides anchors for the snowpack, so avalanche danger ranks low. This route provides incredible views of the valley.

> Fee – None > Facilities – None > Current Conditions - Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National

Forest, Salt Lake Ranger District, 801-733-2660

D

Weber County - Ogden Valley

GROOMED TRAILS North Fork Park (elevation 5,686’) located in the small town of Liberty in the Ogden Valley, is a 2,400-acre Weber County park that is a great destination for winter recreation. The park offers a stacked-loop trail system of groomed trails for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Both daily and season pass options are available and should be purchased online. Updates for the 20/21 season: Onsite equipment rentals will NOT be available, and passes must be purchased in advance online.

> Fee – Adults - $10 ski / $5 snowshoe. Kids (ages 11-17) $5 ski / $3 snowshoe. Ages 11 and under are

FREE.

> Facilities – Pit-toilet and picnic areas available > Current Conditions – OgdenNordic.com, 801-648-9020

E Wasatch Mountain State Park -

Midway

GROOMED TRAILS Wasatch Mountain State Park (elevation 6,000’) is the perfect venue for the beginner cross-country ski family. They have inexpensive onsite equipment rentals at the Wasatch Mountain Clubhouse. They have a 7.2-mile Nordic ski track with diagonal lanes for skate skiing and cross-county skiers. Trails here are both beginner (flat) and intermediate (hilly), and provide amazing views of the Heber Valley.

> Rentals – Cross country ski package (skis, boots,and poles) $12 per day. Snowshoes: adults $6 / kids $3 > Fee – State Park Day Use Pass - $7 per car (up to 8 people) + $4 per person for groomed trail usage. > Contact – 435-654-4433,

StateParks.Utah.gov/parks/wasatch-mountain

Solider Hollow, a 2002 Olympic venue, is world-class Nordic center where athletes from all over the world have come to train. There are more than 20 miles of groomed trails ranging from beginner to advanced. In addition to the groomed trails, Solider Hollow is home to the Toyota Tubing Hill featuring 1,200-foot-long lanes and mini snowmobiling for ages 4-12.

> Fee – $15 adult / youth $5 (17 & Under) > Rentals – $20 adults / $10 kids (12 and under) for skate-ski or cross-country ski packages > Hours – Open daily 9:00am-4:30pm > Contact – Solider Hollow Day Lodge, 435-654-2002,

SoldierHollow.com

F Flaming Gorge National

Recreation Area - Ashley National Forest

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a 207, 363-acre outdoor playground in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. This National Recreation Area, administered by the Ashley National Forest, provides recreational opportunities year-round. Winter is the off-season here, which means less people and much lower lodging rates. YEAH!

GROOMED TRAILS The Red Canyon Rim Trail (elevation 7,450’) is accessed from the Red Canyon Visitor Center (closed during the winter) or the Red Canyon Lodge. The trail is a total of 7 miles and the section between the visitor center and Red Canyon Lodge is 2 miles (one-way), relatively flat, and provides epic views of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This trailhead has a vault toilet and picnic area. Red Canyon Lodge is open year-round and offers cabin rentals, snowshoe rentals, and a general store.

The Bear Canyon Trail is an easy 3-mile loop that winds through lush Ponderosa pines. The trail is accessed from the Flaming Gorge Lodge on HWY 191. Flaming Gorge Lodge is open year-round and offers lodging, general store, restaurant, and cross-country ski rentals ($15 per day).

The other groomed trails in the area are Elk Park (5.5 miles) and Swett Ranch (7 miles). These trails are FREE and groomed through a public/private partnership with the Ashley National Forest, Red Canyon Lodge, and Flaming Gorge Resort.

> Fee – FREE > Facilities – Pit-toilet and picnic areas available at some trailheads. > Current Conditions – Red Canyon Lodge 435-889-3759, Flaming Gorge Resort - 435-889-3773 > Flaming Gorge/Forest Service Office – Open

Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:00pm, Manila (25 Utah

HWY-35), 435-784-3445, VisitFlamingGorge.com