Year Around Outdoor Adventures in
Heber Valley Escape to a world that is exhilarating and refreshing. With the help of Rocky Mountain Outfitters, you will rediscover yourself in the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains.
great time to book your summer trip – www.flyfishinginutah.com
Horseback Riding – RMO has stables on the south slope of the historic Soldier Hollow Valley (one of the venues for the 2002 Winter Olympics). From here their wranglers will take you on a ride you will never forget. Enjoy views of Mount Timpanogos and Deer Creek Reservoir as you step back in time and re-live the old west. RMO offers horseback riding trips all year around so you can take a break from skiing and spend some time in the saddle – www.rockymtwww.rockymtnoutfitters.com/Utah-HorsebackRiding
Santa Sleigh Rides – Fly Fishing – Rocky Mountain Outfitters’ guides are the best in the west! No Fish = No Pay = No Kidding! They will provide you with a blue ribbon experience on both the Provo and Weber Rivers. On the Provo River you will find large numbers of trout. It’s common to see and catch trophy-size fish on the blue rib bon river. Both the Provo and Weber rivers provide fast action and RMO guides ensure your day on the river is special. Now is a
Located at the Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah. Come for a fun horse drawn sleigh ride around the Homestead Resort and end at the North Pole. You will be invited inside to spend some time with Santa, himself in his humble home. Rides are approx. 25-30 minminutes. Group discounts are available. The sleigh seats up to 15 people, kids 3 years and younger are free. You need to book early, space fills up fast. Make sure you bring your camera and enough blankets for your family
Raft and Reins – Come visit us for an enjoyable horseback ride
through the Wasatch Mountains at Soldier Hollow, after the ride take a break and enjoy a fresh prepared deli lunch, followed up with a rafting trip
Park on an ATV. Horse ride is approx. 2 hrs and the ATV ride is approx. 2 hrs – www.rockymtnoutfitters.com/ATV-Horse-Ride The Heber Valley is one of the most beautiful mountain valleys on the Wasatch Back. In addition to these activities, you will also find golfing, water skiing, mountain biking, crater swimming and much more. Make you next family vacation one you won’t forget and come to Heber Valley.
To balance the hard work of gaining a world-class education in one’s chosen field, Utah County’s students will find fun, rewarding activities around every corner. College and professional sporting events provide entertainment year around. In winter, Utah boasts the “Greatest Snow on Earth”. Salt Lake City is a short 30 minute drive from the Provo/Orem area, and all of the 2002 Olympic venues are no more than a 90 minute drive. Nestled at the base of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, Utah County provides its residents and visitors
with opportunities to hike, camp, fish, hunt, or simply to commune with nature in this tranquil setting and is less than a 4hour drive to Utah’s National Parks – Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Capitol Reef and Zion. Join the many thousands of students who have already discovered Utah County’s wide variety of educational choices and the vast array of activities that combine to give each student a remarkable educational experience.
Winter Trails Groomed in Flaming Gorge photos by Mark Wilson
Yes it's cold out there, but here's a good
one can easily follow the groomed path).
reason to get out of the house this weekend
Rental snowshoes are available at Red
-as winter snows blanket the landscape of
Canyon Lodge and XC Ski equipment may be
the mountains, a whole world of winter
rented at nearby Flaming Gorge Resort.
recreation becomes available! Did you know the scenic trails of summer are groomed all
Skiers seeking a longer trail can continue to
winter for snowshoeing, cross country skiing
follow the groomed path as it winds through
and snowmobiling?
the cabins of Red Canyon Lodge and extends around the Greens Lake Campground loop
Red Canyon Recreation
road. From that point, the ungroomed, but well-marked Canyon Rim Trail continues east
Red Canyon Road is located at milepost 3.5
towards Greendale Overlook and Swett
on UT Highway 44, about 11 miles west of
Ranch.
Flaming Gorge Dam. At the end of the road is the spectacular Red Canyon Visitor Center
There is also a snowmobile spur trail, about
and Overlooks. While the Visitor Center is
3 miles long, from Hwy 44 to the Visitor
closed for the season, the Overlook - offer -
Center that is marked by orange diamonds.
ing one of the most beautiful views in the
This trail continues for over 10 miles south
Gorge - is open year-round. The parking area
and eventually connects to the complex of
is accessible to all vehicles and is the trailhead for the scenic Canyon Rim Trail, which wanwanders along the rim of Red Canyon overlooking Lake Flaming Gorge, 1400 feet below. The stretch of trail from Red Canyon Overlook to Red Canyon Lodge (about 2 miles) has been groomed for winter recreation. This non-motorized trail is well marked by blue diamonds (and Red Canyon Overlook - Flaming Gorge Country
Red Canyon Bighorns
snowmobile trails in the Red Cloud Loop area just north of Vernal. XC skiers however, can use this trail as well and make a large loop out of blue and orange diamond marked paths.
Winter Wildlife Abounds One of the great benefits of getting out on Flaming Gorge trails is seeing the huge vari ety of winter wildlife along the way. Herds of Mule Deer and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are a common sight in the Red Canyon Area. This is a special time of year for viewing the bighorns, since several large rams have joined the summer crowd of females and their young. Most trails were laid out along native game trails and users are treated to a large variety of tracks in the
Snowshoeing Fun at Red Canyon Lodge
snow. On a recent outing, tracks of Mule deer, bobcat, cottontail rabbit, bighorn sheep and even a flock of wild turkeys were spotted!
Cozy cabins are a great winter escape at Red Canyon Lodge
If Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, or Snowmobiling in unmarked snow is your passionLeave your track where Dinosaurs once did‌
Dinosaurland-Vernal, Utah The adventure begins in Dinosaurland when the snow starts to fall in early December. Snowshoeing, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snow tubing, hiking, ice skating, scenic drives, and snowmobiling are just a number of the things you will enjoy in Vernal, Utah when the weather is cold, but the beauty and adventure are HOT! Snowshoeing and cross country skiing on hundreds of miles of trails in and around the Ashley
National Forest will allow you views of the Uinta Basin not seen by many. Make your track on the freshuntouched snow while observing
Utah’s Castle Country is where you can experience spectacular scenery on both scenic byways and challenging off-road adventures. San Rafael Swell – was formed millions of years ago by a giant dome of rock inside the earth’s surface. Over time harsh elements have eroded this into a multi-colored sandstone area containing canyons, peaks and plateaus. The San Rafael Swell covers 2,000 square miles creating a paradise for anyone who loves jeeping, mountain biking, ATV riding or hiking. Some of the area’s hot spots include: Buckhorn Wash, The Wedge Overlook (Little Grand Canyon) and The Head of Sinbad. Nine Mile Canyon – is actually about 40 miles long and is one of the west’s best treasures of petroglyphs. This is a perfect fit for families. As you marvel at the rock art you can have some fun making up your own stories to go along with the ancient art that covers the canyon walls. At The North Springs Shooting Complex – you can work on your quick draw skills at the cowboy town action shooting facility. This is a world-class shooting range that offers shooting distances from 100 yards to 1,000 yards. The complex is open year around with outdoor heaters. There are 15 false front buildings in their cowboy town to give you a taste of the old Wild West. They are located 15 miles southwest of Price on highway 10.
Scofield State Park – is located high in the Manti LaSal mountains. Summer is perfect for boating, fishing, mountain biking and hiking. There is a 34-unit campground at Mt. View with boat rental and a boat ramp. In the winter, the park becomes a winter wonderland with snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Huntington State Park – is a 25 acre reservoir with numerous water activities. Its warm water makes it a great place for stand-up paddle boards (you can rent them on site) as well as swimming. There is a slide anchored to the bottom about 150 feet off shore providing hours of fun for the whole family. This is a beautifully landscaped park with a 22-site campground all surrounded with green grass. The city of Green River – is an awesome base camp for your next family adventure. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or you prefer camping, you’re covered. The Green River State Park is nestled in a grove of large Cottonwood Trees along the bank of the Green River. This is a 63 acre park with a 40-unit campground enclosed by a 9-hole golf course that is open year around. There are river guide companies in the city to tailor a river rafting trip to fit the right amount of excitement for your group. From Green River you’re only about a 40 minute drive to Goblin Valley State Park. There are thousands of uniquely shaped hoodoos that you can climb on, through and hide in; creating hours of fun exploration for all ages. From Green River you can plan a multiple day adventure; one day on the river, another day at Goblin Valley and a third day in the Moab area that is only about a 45 minute drive away.
Moab Area
Nestled in a beautiful green valley, beneath 1,000 foot red sandstone cliffs is the picturesque city of Moab. Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, the Colorado River and the beautiful La Sal mountains.
Arches National Park is located 5 miles north of Moab on Highway 191.
There are over 2,000 natural stone arches in the park; the largest concentration anywhere in the world. At the park entrance you will find a visitors’ center that’s open every day of the year except Christmas. You will find available here; fresh drinking water, restrooms, gift store complete with books and maps of the area as well as an orientation film about Arches National Park. The Devil’s Garden Campground is located 18 miles from the park entrance. There are 50 individual sites that cost $20. per night. The campground is open year around. When planning your trip to Arches National Park, make sure you allow yourself enough time to take at least one hike. They range from a .02 mile nature walk to a 7 mile adventure hike with about everything in between.
Moab Area
The Fiery Furnace is a guided hike that is only for visitors 5 years of age and older. A park ranger leads you on a 3 hour hike through some narrow passageways, sandstone fins and in and out of some dead end canyons. Tickets are required and can be purchased at the visitors’ center. This is a moderate to strenuous tour that requires the use of hands and feet as you scramble up and through narrow cracks and along steep ledges. For families with children of all ages, Sand Dune arch is a must! A short walk from the car, you will find a shady canyon with silky soft sand and a great place to beat the heat. Kids can play for hours while parents relax or join in the fun. Even better, bring your sand/beach toys for the little ones. If it’s your first trip to Arches National Park, it’s a no-brainer to take the world-famous hike to Delicate Arch. This is a 3-mile round trip over sandstone with piles of rocks (cairns) marking the trail. The off season, OctoberMarch is a great time to visit here because the crowds are almost non-existent and you don’t have to deal with the summer heat.
Stay Stay With WithUs Us 1.800.831.6622
• • • • • •
Clean, Spacious Rooms & Suites Indoor Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub Free Continental Breakfast Free WI-FI & Business Center Fitness Center Conference & Meeting Space
711 South Main Street
•
Moab, Utah 84532
•
www.moabvalleyinn.com
•
435.259.4419
Moab Area Canyonlands National Park is so large and diverse that it’s naturally carved into three distinct regions.
The Island in the Sky is the closest section to Moab and is the most accessible of the three districts. This area of Canyonlands National Park is a wide, high plateau with mind-boggling views of deep red canyons in every direction you look. The Island in the Sky visitors’ center is 32 miles northwest of Moab on a paved highway. The visitors’ hours vary according to the season. Please check their website www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/hours.htm From the visitors’ center there are 20 miles of paved roads to several viewpoints and trailheads. One of the most popular hikes is to the upheaval dome, a weird moon-like crater with peaks popping out of its center. Inside the Island in the Sky district is the Willow Flat campground. At $10. per site, all sites are on a first come, first serve basis.
Moab Area Dead Horse Point State Park is perhaps Utah’s most spectacular
state park. Legend has it that cowboys chased wild horses onto the peninsula, built a fence across the narrowest part and left the horses there too long without water and they died; hence the name. Parts of both of the movies, Thelma and Louise as well as Mission Impossible 2 were filmed here. The park is open year around but the visitors’ center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Kayenta Campground is located inside the state park. It has 21 sites with electrical hookups, tent pads and sheltered tables. You can walk along the rim towering 2,000 feet above the canyon floor. At the main overlook, there are panoramic views of the Colorado River and its side canyons. There are ten miles of hiking/mountain bike trails running close to the unfenced cliffs’ edge and through some of the meadows on the plateau. None of these trails drop below canyon rim. This state park is located 33 miles northwest of Moab.
Moab Area
The Mighty Colorado River is one of the most
important waterways in the U.S. It starts as a trickle of snowmelt from the Poudre Pass Lake high in the Colorado Rockies. From there it starts its 1450 mile journey through mountain canyons and three major deserts. From Colorado to California, it flows through 33 reservoirs, 990 miles of pipes, 230 miles of tunnels, 188 pumping plants, 345 diversion dams, 50 power plants and 14,590 miles of canals. The river now serves 30 million people, with 70 percent or more of its water siphoned off to irrigate 3.5 million acres of crops. As it passes through Moab, the water is calm; offering numerous recreational opportunities including canoeing, river rafting, kayaking, jet skiing – you define the intensity of the adventure. From calm water rafting to the thrilling rapids of Cataract Canyon, half day, full day, or several days, you are sure to find the perfect river adventure. Moab is an internationally famous mecca for adventure. With opportunities in mountain biking, road biking, river rafting and kayaking, hot air ballooning, zip lining, hummer tours, jeeping, hiking, rappelling, rock climbing, canyoneering, camping, scenic helicopter flights, sky diving, exploring national and state parks – Moab truly has something for everyone!! For more information on these areas or activities contact the Moab Area Travel Council 800-635-6622 or visit us at www.discovermoab.com
FISHLAKE
stocked with rainbow, trout, lake trout and splake
This 2,500 acre lake is one of the premier trout
together with supporting a wild brown trout popula -
fisheries in the state of Utah. Located at an eleva -
tion. The lake is normally frozen from January until
tion of 8,800 feet and with
April when ice fishing is very popular. Lodging,
an average depth of 70
boat launch and guide services are available.
feet, the waters are clear and cold. Fish Lake is
BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN
GOOSEBERRY
This caramel-colored rock formation is world
The Gooseberry area is located east of Salina
famous as popularized by a song written by
along Interstate 70 (exit 63). This scenic area
Haywire Mack and performed by Burl Ives. Modern cabins, rafting, kayaking, biking, brand new zip
includes a number of lakes at elevations of over
lines and access to the Paiute ATV Trail make this
9,000 feet. A few of the lakes include Gates Lake,
mountain a “must visit� for adventurers.
Hamilton Reservoir, Farnsworth Reservoir, and the
CANDY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS
Gooseberry Campground - all of which are con -
Opened in 2005, the Candy Mountain Express bike
nected with a trail system. The area offers a vari -
trail begins at Big Rock Candy Mountain and fol -
ety of trout, both wild and stocked, depending on
lows the Sevier River for 7 miles down the canyon. The bike trail is paved and offers beautiful scenery during a perfect ride for all ages.
the reservoir.
I
n the 1920’s film director, John Ford was introduced to Monument Valley by Harry Goulding. This area soon became picturesque of Hollywood’s Wild West. Since then, Southeastern Utah has been the backdrop for more than 50 Hollywood movies and some of its brightest stars. A few of the most notable movies include, The Searchers starring John Wayne, Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks, Mission Impossible 2 starring Tom Cruise, Back to the Future 3 with Michael J. Fox, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade starring Harrison Ford. Goulding’s Lodge Museum and trading post are in the heart of Monument Valley. Goulding’s Lodge has played host to most of these stars and their production crews. You can still visit John Wayne’s personal cabin. It is located right behind Goulding’s Movie museum.
Inside the museum, you may feel like you’ve taken a step back in time as you explore an old movie set of John Ford and John Wayne’s and sift through their historical movie memorabilia. Monument Valley has a rich Native American History. Goulding’s Lodge offers guided tours in comfortable open air vehicles ensuring you see it all; the Hollywood hotspots, a Navajo rug weaving demonstration and access into some restricted areas with spectacular rock formations and a glimpse into the past where the Anasazi people once lived. For more information, go to www.gouldings.com
Four Corners Region
Mesa Verde National Park was created in 1906. Before that time, all National Parks in the United States had been set up to preserve nature’s beauty. This was the first park set up to protect the handiwork of man. This park protects archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwest corner of the state of Colorado near the city of Cortez. To get the most of your trip to this national park, make sure you take at least one of the ranger guided tours to Balcony House, Cliff Palace or Longhouse. Tickets are required and can be purchased at the visitors’ center. These tours allow you access to some areas that are otherwise restricted. The knowledge of the rangers on the guided tours is worth the cost of the ticket, not to mention that these are three of the best areas of the park. These are especially fun for the kids because there are several opportunities to climb ladders. There is hiking, backpacking and camping inside the park with just a few restrictions. Check with the park rangers for more information, 970-529-4465 or www.nps.gov/meve.
Four Corners Region
Mesa Verde National Park has a new 12.1 million dollar visitors’ center. This is definitely the place to start your tour. It’s open year around and packed with exhibits, dioramas and a book store. Just across U.S. highway 160 from the visitors’ center is the Ancient Cedars at Mesa Verde RV resort. We stayed here on our last trip to the area. This RV park is loaded. Heated pool and hot tub, camping cabins with pillow-top mattresses, game room with pool table, video games, large screen TV and even a rotating pizza wheel oven (we baked our home-made pizza on it one night). For outdoor fun there is also an 18-hole miniature golf course and two playgrounds for the kids. Ancient Cedars’ staff was extremely helpful in making sure our stay was a success. They are very knowledgeable about things to see and do in the area. The entire RV park is clean and well maintained. For all of these reasons, Ancient Cedars would be the first place we would recommend for lodging during your visit to Mesa Verde National Park. If you are into Mountain Biking, we would suggest bringing your bike and staying an extra day or two so you can explore the scenic trails and sights. There is a free brochure available at the RV park office. Inside the brochure, you will find trail descriptions, maps and driving instructions to each trailhead. For more information on this campground call 970-565-3517 or go to www.ancientcedarsmesaverde.com
Top 10 Amenities: 2 Playgrounds Million Dollar Views 18 Hole Miniature Golf Heated Pool & Hot Tub Recreation & Game Room Sparkling Bathrooms & Laundry Cabins - New Pillow-top Mattresses Quiet Setting Away From HWY 160 Camping Among Ancient Cedar Trees Directly Across From Mesa Verde Natl Park
34979 Hwy 160 Mancos, CO 81328
970-565-3517 aamesarv@live.com www.mesaverdecamping.com