101 Ways to See and Do The Great Uintah Basin 2016 by Devin Woolsey

See and Do - The Uintah Basin

101 Ways to

SEE & DO The Great Uintah Basin Summer 2016

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UINTAH BASIN STANDARD / VERNAL EXPRESS

UBM “Take the challenge”

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UINTAH BASIN STANDARD / VERNAL EXPRESS

See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Take the See and Do Challenge

THE RULES:

1. The contest runs from June 1, 2016 through Sept. 30, 2016. In order to count an activity or event toward your total, it must have been completed during the contest period. 2. Employees of the Uintah Basin Standard, Vernal Express or its parent company are not eligible to win. Immediate family members of employees are also ineligible. 3. To win, you must provide documentation that shows you completed each activity on your submitted list. Acceptable forms of documentation include, but are not limited to, dated receipts that include the date and the name of the venue, dated photographs of yourself at the location and ticket stubs that have a date clearly printed on them. 4. Documentation must prove that you completed each activity between June 1 and Sept. 30. If a question arises about the authenticity of submitted documentation, the publisher and editor of UB Media will determine its validity. 5. All documentation must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. Physical submissions must be delivered to the offices of the Uintah Basin Standard or Vernal Express before this time to be considered. Online submissions received after 5 p.m. on Sept. 30 will not be counted. 6. None of the prizes can be redeemed for cash. 7. Any ties will be resolved by way of a drawing.

HOW TO SUBMIT:

photos to be counted. 2. Via email. Digital photographs may be emailed directly to the See and Do officiators at contest@ubmedia.biz. Use the number and title of the activity as the subject line of your email. Each picture must be original and must clearly show that you accomplished the activity within the contest period in order to be counted. 3. Via physical submission. Printed and dated photographs, ticket stubs, receipts and other forms of physical documentation may be mailed or submitted in person to the Uintah Basin Standard at 268 S. 200 E. in Roosevelt or to the Vernal Express at 60 E. 100 N. in Vernal. Each form of physical documentation must show that you completed the activity within the contest period in order to be counted. All submissions must be received by Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.

THE PRIZES:

• GRAND PRIZE: Barbecue Grill

• SECOND PLACE: New Family Sofa •

•

GO-GETTER PRIZE: All competitors who complete 25 activites on the See and Do list will receive four free movie tickets to the Roosevelt theaters.

OTHER PRIZES: two 18-hole golf passes at Roosevelt City Golf Course, $250 gift bag featuring free tickets and certificates for a variety of things to do in Duchesne County, one of 25 one-year subscriptions to the Uintah Basin Standard or Vernal Express.

1. Via Instagram. Take a photograph of yourself completing the activities on the list and post it to your Instagram feed. Use the number and title of the activity as the caption of the photo, and include the hashtag #UBseeanddo. Each picture must be original and must clearly show that you accomplished the activity within the contest period in order to be counted. Remember, your Instagram account must be PUBLIC in order for

* Prizes may differ from pictures

See and Do - The Uintah Basin

INSTAGRAM IT!

What’s your favorite summer activity in the Uintah Basin? We’re dying to know, so why don’t you show us on Instagram? Instagram is the best of social networking. It’s an app for your smart phone that allows you to take photos and short vidoes, add a filter and share them with your friends. The best part? Using Instagram is absolutely free! Just download the program to your phone, create your own username and password, and you’re ready to go! Take a photo of your favorite thing about summer in the Basin, and post it to Instagram. Use the caption “My Favorite Thing about Summer” and hashtag it #UBseeanddo so that we can find your post. Don’t know what a hashtag is? Ask a teenager to explain it. And now that you’ve got Instagram, why not use it to enter our contest?

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433 No. 2500 W. Vernal, UT 84078 435-789-3900

CELEBRATE THE UINTAH BASIN

If you had to pick one single event that screamed summer time in the Uintah Basin, you would probably choose UBIC (The Uintah Basin in Celebration) scheduled for Aug. 4-6. As always, this year’s celebration promises to be packed with quality entertainment and fun-filled activities. Many talented local and professional entertainers will also perform each night during the event. Sitting on the grassy hills of Roosevelt’s Constitution Park and listening to live talent makes for a great evening. A complete listing of activities and times will be printed and sent out with the Uintah Basin Standard before UBIC.

Free Fishing Day

Do you love to fish? Whether you’re brand new to the sport or a seasoned professional, you can take advantage of this year’s Free Fishing Day, to be held on Saturday, June 11. Free Fishing Day is the one day out of the year where anglers don’t need a fishing license to cast their lines in Utah lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Buy or borrow a pole, ask a friend about the best places to fish and settle in for a day of fun on Free Fishing Day.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin

REVISIT THE COUNTY’S PAST

In the heart of downtown Duchesne City, a new museum features remnants and memories of the area’s natural beauties and historical days. The Duchesne River Museum is the brainchild of Joan Steed, a local real estate developer. Inside, visitors will find displays of historic photographs from Duchesne County’s early days, artifacts of pioneer life, a historic picture of President Theodore Roosevelt (Roosevelt City’s namesake) as well as travel and tourism information. Steed said the museum admission is free and it is presented as a public service. The museum is adjacent to the Steeds’ offices in downtown Duchesne, at the intersection of Highways 87 and Highway 40.

GRAB A LOCAL BREW

There are several places in the Uintah Basin to get a cold brew, but one of these places serves locally-brewed beers, as well as a fresh, natural menu of local favorites. The Vernal Brewing Company brews their own beer on site. Visitors can see the massive operation, enjoy a cold beverage and chow down on some of the best food the Basin has to offer. The restaurant and brewery is on 500 E. 50 S. in Vernal. The Quarry Restaurant also brews their own special kinds of beverages in Vernal. They are located at 29 S. Vernal Avenue. (For those who don’t imbibe, these restaurants are still familyfriendly featuring local, high-quality food.)

Home Decor

and so much more....

Gift Emporium

73 West Main, Vernal Wedding Registry Mon-Fri 10-5:30 • Sat 10-3 | 435-789-4345

See and Do - The Uintah Basin

CLEAN A LITTLE, GIVE A LOT

Every summer, thousands of people take to the trails in Dinosaur National Monument, Ashley National Forest or any of the other great outdoor recreation sites in Dinosaurland. Unfortunately, some of those people leave their trash behind, whether intentionally or accidentally. Next time you and your family go on a hike, why not bring along a trash bag and collect any garbage you find along the way? Many families make a game of it—seeing which kid can collect the most. It’s a small way everybody can pitch in to keep our land grand.

DINOSAUR INN

Everything you need to feel at home! Free Fountain Drinks Fresh Hot Breakfast W/ Real Eggs New Mattress Award Winning Clean Rooms

Thank you for your continued support! Points of Interest

 Dinosaur Quarry 19 miles from Vernal  Western Heritage Museum 1 1/2 blocks

VISIT USU IN THE BASIN

Utah State University keeps campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt. The campus is open to tours and information is available about programs offered there. For more information, visit uintahbasin.usu.edu

Steaks, Salads, Sandwiches, Beer, Wine, Cocktails |HOURS| Mon - Thurs 11:00am - 9:00pm Fri & Sat 11:00am - 10:00pm Sunday Closed

251 E Main Vernal, UT

435-789-2660

For Reservations Call 1-800-528-1234

435-789-BEER (2337) • 29 South Vernal Ave. Vernal Ut. 84078

See and Do - The Uintah Basin

King’s Peak El. 13,528 Highest Point in Utah

Hades Aspen Groves

South Yellow Fork Pine

Bridge

ATV Trails

Miners Gulch

DUCHESNE RIDGE

Monarch

Hanna Red Creek Res

Tabiona

87 Starvation State Park

Pinnacles

STRAWBERRY RIVER

ON NY CA

ON NY

A SC

R WE

©Uintah Basin Standard

N CANY O GATE

CAN YON

To Price To Wellington

Pavilion Picnic Area

Ouray

Deseret G&T Power Plant

WHITE RIVER

Sand Wash Boat Ramp

Wildlife Refuge Ouray National

Pariette Wetlands

ARG YLE

To Denver

88 Pelican Lake

Jensen

Randlett

Historic Gilsonite Mines

Gilsonite Mines

Bonanza

BOOK CLIFFS AREA

TRAIL HEAD

CAMPGROUNDS

Petroglyphs

NINE MILE CANYON

Brough Res.

Myton

Avintaquin

MANTI-LA SAL NATIONAL FOREST

Midview Res.

INDIAN RESERVATION

Ft. Duchesne Bottle Hollow Res.

DUCHESNE

191 ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST

ROOSEVELT

POINT OF INTEREST

• 18 Holes • Hitting Range • Carts • Merchandise Pro shop • Junior Golf Experience (every Tuesday night)

Stop by the 19th Hole Cafe for lunch or a snack.

Split Mountain Green River

Naples

McCoy Flats Bike Trails

Strawberry Reservoir

Arcadia

DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT

Ballard

Bridgeland

Bullock Res.

Big Sandwash Res.

Upalco

208

Red Fleet State Park

149

121

Cedarview

Mt. Emmons

Jones Hole Hatchery

VERNAL

Maeser

Lapoint

Cottonwood Res.

Talmage

Fruitland

Whiterocks Tridell

Bluebell

ALTAMONT

UINTA NATIONAL FOREST

Steinaker State Park

YO N

Crurant Creek Res

Neola

Whiterocks

Mt. Home Altonah

UINTAH AND OURAY

Pole Creek

CA N

WOLF CREEK PASS

Uinta Canyon

DIAMOND MOUNTAIN AREA

RED CLOUD LOOP

Wandin

ATV Trail

LA TIO

HEBER

Iron Mine

Swift Creek Riverview Yellowstone Moon Lake

Upper Still Water Res.

Paradise Park

Woodland

Moon Lake Res.

East Park

Oaks Park Kaler Hollow

Francis

Kamas

248

YELLOWSTONE AREA

RIVE

Matt Warner Res.

191

ROCK CREEK UPPER STILLWATER AREA

UINTA CANYON AREA

WASATCH NATIONAL FOREST

150

32 To Salt Lake City

BROWNS Historic PARK AREA Jarvie G R Ranch EEN

FLAMING GORGE RECREATION AREA

ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST

HIGH UINTAS WILDERNESS AREA

Call us to schedule your Tee Time

722-9644

1155 W. Clubhouse Drive • Roosevelt

30 Miles

See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Don’t miss the biggest county fair in the Uintah Basin! The Uintah County Fair is June 3-18 at the Uintah County Fairgrounds. The lineup of events includes pageants, hypnotists, live music, rodeos and, of course, the annual demolition derby. For a complete schedule, or for details about pricing and events, check online at www.uintahcountyfair.com.

Food & Drug

SERVicES

• Money Orders • Western Union • ATM • Check Cashing • Gift Certificates • Gift Cards • Photo Kiosk (Roosevelt)

UINTAH COUNTY FAIR

Deli

Produce

• Ticket outlet • Payment Center (Power & Gas)

• Mail Drop • Postage • Carpet Cleaner Rentals • Copy machine

PeRMiTs

• Forest service • Fire Wood • Christmas Tree • BLM & Forest service OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6 am TO 11 pm

VERNAL STORE

Meat

9 Bakery

Pharmacy

Floral ROOSEVELT STORE

575 W. Main Street • Vernal, UT

750 E. 200 N. • Roosevelt, UT

(435) 789-2001

(435) 722-2296

(435) 789-7011

(435) 722-2255

Pharmacy

Tabiona Days Rodeo

Celebrate Independence Day in style at the Tabiona Days rodeo! Visit Tabiona this July 1-2 to enjoy bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing and more. Prizes are available for winners in a variety of categories, and the rodeo will also include lots of fun activities for young children and families. For more information, or to sign up for the rodeo, call 435848-5155.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin

WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM

Take a glimpse into the storied past of the Uintah Basin at the Western Heritage Museum in Vernal. The artifacts on display transport visitors back to the days when pioneers, Native Americans, miners, soldiers, lawmen and outlaws shaped the history of the area. Visitors to the museum can also view a historic rifle collection, a country store, a one-room schoolhouse and a barbershop. The museum’s outdoor attractions include horse-drawn wagons and farm equipment that revisit yesteryear. Upcoming summer activities include sewing classes, medallion beadwork demonstrations and the 23rd annual Quilters on the Edge event. The Western Heritage Museum has moved! They are now located at 155 E. Main Street in Vernal, in the old library building. They are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and holidays. For a complete calendar of upcoming museum activities, or for more information, visit www.uintahmuseum.org.

DUCHESNE COUNTY FAIR

Celebrate Duchesne County at this year’s Duchesne County Fair! The Duchesne County Fair runs from Aug. 8-13 at the Duchesne County fairgrounds. The theme this year is “Celebrate Good Times! Come On!” The fair will feature everything from food and hobby entries to animal judging and a good old-fashioned rodeo. For more information visit www.duchesnecountyfair.com.

Featuring

Honor our veterans

The Duchesne County Veteran’s Memorial was dedicated in May of 2014, and has become a hot spot for visitors and locals alike. The beautiful monument stands on the triangle between U.S. Highway 40 and River Road in Duchesne. With its bronze statues, black granite slabs and towering flags, it’s impossible to miss. Take a few moments at the Veteran’s Memorial this summer to read the names on the plaques and honor those men and women from the Uintah Basin who have served our country in the armed forces.

Serving the area since 1933.

77 East Main • Vernal • (435) 789-1170

Family Dining at it’s Best! “COME SHOP ‘TIL YOU EAT!” Our Gift Shop has Something for EVERYONE! Hunting For Dinosaurs? We have the souvenirs to make your trip complete. Dinosaurs, T-shirts and so much more!

Prime Rib Fridays!

We have an impressive menu filled with delicious entree’s & mouth watering desserts!

10 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE

The Ashley National Forest is part of the Scenic Flaming Gorge–Uintas National Scenic Byway systems between Vernal and Manila on U.S. Highway 191. Motorists can view a variety of wildlife and habitats along the “Wildlife Through The Ages” route. The road features 14 interpretive information signs along this unique corridor of high mountain scenery. The Red Cloud Scenic Loop Backway can be accessed from U.S. Highway 121 in the Vernal area or at the junction of Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway located 15 miles north of Vernal. The backway travels through majestic sandstone canyons, mixed conifer and aspen forests, and large meadow areas. Backway travelers are provided with breathtaking views of the High Uintas. The Elkhorn Scenic Backway can be accessed 28 miles north of Roosevelt on the Whiterocks Highway. Drive from the aspens to the firs to treeline on unimproved – “dirt” – and sometimes, impassable high country roads and witness spectacular scenery. The Indian Canyon Scenic Byway begins in Duchesne on U.S. Highway 191 and crosses the colorful terrain between the Uintah Basin and the San Rafael Swell near Price. Varied landscapes of steep and colorful rock formations and conifer and aspen trees provide a special visual treat to byway travelers. Finally, and this is a must, the Sheep Creek Scenic Backway crosses the highly acclaimed Sheep Creek Geological Area adjacent to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The backway provides travelers with outstanding views of twisted and colorful geologic formations, which rise like city skyscrapers. For more information on other scenic byways and backways in the Uintah Basin, call the Ashley National Forest Vernal

$79 $76

$99 $96

Ranger District at 435-789-1181 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/ detailfull/ashley/specialplaces.

Authorized Concessioner for the National Park Service

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 11

HIT THE POOL

Don’t be a fish out of water when it comes to knowing just how wonderful swimming is for your mind, body and soul. There are three public pools in the Uintah Basin where you can dive in for a game of Marco Polo or to cool down from the hot summer heat. These are places designed to help you learn the joy of being submerged in water as well as the fun of frolicking with the kids. The Duchesne City Pool, 95 N. 100 W., opens at 6 a.m. for a two-hour lap swim. Open swim is Monday through Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Private parties may reserve the pool from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information call 435-738-2536. The Roosevelt Aquatic Center is brand new this year and features and indoor swimming pool with lap swimming and play areas, as well as an outdoor pool with a variety of children’s play structures. The center features a variety of fitness classes and swimming lessons. Outdoor open swim is held from 10 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. every Monday-Friday, and full facility open swim is held from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The Roosevelt Aquatic Center is located at 92 W. Lagoon Street. Pool personnel can be reached at 435-722-4851. For a complete schedule and pricing, go to www.rooseveltcity.com, click on “City Services,” and then click on “Swimming Pool.” There are two pools in Vernal inside the Uintah Community Center - a leisure and a lap pool. On Saturdays, both pools are available for open swim from 1 to 5 p.m. During the rest of the week the schedule varies but can easily be seen by checking online at www.uintahrecreation.org or by calling 435-781-0982.

Lessons and other classes are also on the schedule. The recreation complex is located at 610 S. Vernal Ave.

Vernal, UT 435.781.8777 FreddysUSA.com

FREE CONE OR DISH

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12 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Ashley Regional Announces

Level IV Trauma Designation

Ashley Regional is proud to announce their first Trauma Designation. This designation comes after more than a year of preparation for the staff and physicians. Level IV Designation requires full time surgical and orthopedic staffing and specific training for all the nurses and physicians involved. A trauma team must be designated with the ability to call the team into action at any given time. You can rest easy knowing that the team at Ashley Regional Medical Center is highly trained and ready to handle any emergency you may encounter.

Ashley Regional M E D I C A L

C E N T E R

150 West 100 North Vernal, Utah 84078 435-789-3341 â&#x20AC;˘ 866-725-2862

Visit our website at www.ashleyregional.com

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 13

VISIT JOSIE’S CABIN

Imagine ranchin’, bootleggin’, murderin’, poachin’, cattle rustlin’ and harborin’ outlaws in the Old West. Stop! Start again. Imagine a woman ranchin’, bootleggin’, murderin’, poachin’, cattle rustlin’ and harborin’ outlaws in the Old West. Meet Josie Bassett, a sweet little old lady who never committed a crime – or at least was never convicted of one. Rumor has it that Josie led quite the notorious life: a bootlegger during Prohibition known for her apricot brandy; married five times and divorced four times (the death of one husband is still a mystery); a girlfriend of outlaw Butch Cassidy; and charged but never convicted of rustling a rival’s cattle. Despite the rumors of an infamous life, Bassett was known as a good-hearted woman and was dearly loved by the people in the Vernal and Jensen area. During the Great Depression, Josie made many efforts to help those in need. She delivered food and goods to the needy in the area and spent a winter in a dugout while letting a homeless family live in her cabin. Bassett’s homestead was established in 1914 at the end of Cub Creek Road. She started up a small cattle ranch and built the now-famous Josie’s Cabin in 1924. The cabin has been preserved and is now a part of the Dinosaur National Monument. It’s surrounded by hiking trails that lead into beautiful canyons in almost every direction. After a hot day exploring the rest of Dinosaur National Monument, the Josie Morris Cabin is a great location to rest and have a picnic under the many different varieties of large trees. And if you still have a little energy there are two more short hiking trails

in this area. Both lead to box canyons that Josie used as natural corrals for her pigs and cattle. The first trail, Box Canyon, is located just above the parking area, and the second trail, Hog Canyon, begins on the path just past the cabin and chicken coop. Bassett died in 1964 at age 90 – or more – shortly after falling and breaking her hip. She was buried at the Bassett Family Cemetery in Brown’s Park. For more information about Josie’s Cabin contact Dinosaur National Monument at 435-781-7700.

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ENJOY A BASIN PICNIC

Back in the days when entertainment options were limited and money was scarce, many a family simply piled their kids into the trusty old station wagon and drove around until they found a likely spot to unload and let everyone run wild. This summer, if you don’t have any other options, then it may be time to resurrect the tradition of a “Basin vacation.” Pack a cooler full of food and drinks, some firewood and matches, and whatever toys you can think of that – with proper use – might help reduce your children’s endless supply of energy. The Uintah Basin is full of picnic locations that can provide hours of fun for the whole family. Yellowpine Campground in Rock Creek Canyon has paved roads, running water, picnic tables, a nature trail, day hikes and much more. Uinta Canyon Campground, just 10 miles north of Neola, is another great spot to spend the day enjoying nature with the whole family. City parks are a great option for picnic luncheons for families with young children who don’t want to travel too far away from home. If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, why not let the kids flip a coin to decide when the driver should turn right or left. Keep driving until you find a spot that isn’t marked with “No Trespassing” signs. Don’t come home until the kids are suitably sticky-fingered, red-cheeked and ready for naps or bedtime.

14 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

visitduchesnecounty.com

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UINTAH BASIN STANDARD / VERNAL EXPRESS

Duchesne County has to UBMedia's offer inUBM one place!

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UINTAH BASIN STANDARD / VERNAL EXPRESS

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 15

OFF-ROADING HEAVEN

Hundreds of miles of OHV and ATV trails are scattered across the Uintah Basin. For specifics, maps are available at U.S. Forest Service offices in Duchesne, Roosevelt, Vernal and Manila. Bureau of Land Management maps are available at the agency’s Vernal office. These maps provide detailed information about routes and elevations of trails in the region. Riders headed for the hills are cautioned to wear sturdy shoes and make sure vehicles are in good repair. Take food and water, a first aid kit, a flashlight and a jacket for comfort and safety. Utah law and federal regulations require riders to stay on designated trails. For the history buff, some of the Uintah Basin’s OHV trails even provide riders with a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the past. On the Diamond Mountain Plateau and in Brown’s Park, ATV riders can cross the same rugged terrain where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid wandered years ago. The following is a list of two of the most popular ATV and OHV trails in the Basin. Both are operated by the Ashley National Forest. Yellowstone: The Yellowstone ATV trail is located among yellow rock formations at the foot of the Uinta Mountains. The trail contains 44 miles of rideable country, including two separate loops: the Petty Mountain Loop and the Dry Gulch Loop. Elevation changes from 8,000 feet to 10,400 feet. To access the trail, drive north from Duchesne on state Road 87 past Talmage. Turn left on county Road 113. Drive north through Mountain Home to the Yellowstone turnoff on the right. The road from there is gravel, with large rocks protruding at points along the way. Proceed to the Yellowstone or Bridge campgrounds. Outlaw ATV/OHV Trail: The 38-mile long Outlaw trail boasts a

handful of different access points and a whole lot of varied terrain. “There’s really something for everyone,” said Gina Reese, trails coordinator for the Ashley National Forest. “There are places for people of all skill levels to ride and the landscape goes from alpine to pine trees to meadows to sage brush.” Within the past couple of years, forest service officials have been concentrating on improving the East Galloway portion of the trail and installing Geoblocks – a porous paving system. The system is a series of interlocking units that provide excellent traction and protects grass in high-use areas. For a map or directions to the various access points, visit the Vernal district office or call 435-789-1181.

nd Do - Uintah Basin

cross the st Service of Land ce. These ons of trails

RESERVOIR shoes18and BIG SAND 1570 West113. HighwayDrive 40 pastWASH Talmage. Turn left on county Road north Vernal a first tain Home to the Yellowstone turnoff on the right. The ro 435-789-1970 If you haven’t yet had a chance to do so, now is the time to 24,000-acre foot Big Sand Wash Resh lawrediscover andthe expanded,gravel, with large rocks protruding atand points ervoir. Sales, Service, Rentalsalong the w After two years of construction, the reservoir near Altamont in 2007 and offers a complete slate of recreationalor Bridge campgrounds. s. reopened the Yellowstone activities this summer. The new boat ramp in the southeast corLet us help you ner of the reservoir has been widened and is just what boaters ls even Outlaw ATV/OHV Trail: ordered. make The the 38-mile most of long Outlaw trail Don’t delay! Head to Sand Wash to do whatever floats your your Summertime boat, be it taking a summer picnic, going for a swim, casting your of the past. ful of different access points and a whole lot of varied te Memories! line or perhaps water skiing. Whatever you love to do, you can find your slice of fun at Big Sand Wash Reservoir. V riders can “There’s really something for everyone,” said Gina R

16 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

DRIVE WOLF CREEK PASS

Beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife and not much traffic make Wolf Creek Pass, known formally as state Road 35, a great place to take the family for a Sunday drive. If you don’t feel like driving around just for fun, drive Wolf Creek the next time you are heading to the Wasatch Front. Taking the road less traveled will take you about the same amount of time as your traditional journey, but instead of the same-old scenery, you’ll experience something new and beautiful. During the early fall months when the leaves are changing colors, the drive is something not to be missed. Consider packing a picnic and pulling off on one of several well-marked day use and hiking areas. To access Wolf Creek Pass, leave Duchesne heading north toward Altamont and turn left at the sign for Tabiona; or on U.S. Highway 40, take the Tabiona turn-off on the right side of the road just before reaching Fruitland. The Utah Department of Transportation closes Wolf Creek Pass to traffic from about mid-October to early April, depending on the length and severity of the winter. If the weather’s nice, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque scenery and plentiful wildlife that Wolf Creek has to offer.

FIND A SUMMER READ

When the summer sun is at its fiercest, sometimes there’s nothing better than to curl up with a good book and escape to some far-off place with your favorite character. There are three libraries in the Uintah Basin, all of which can help you find that perfect summer read. The Duchesne County Library in Duchesne is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A story hour geared to preschool children is held every Tuesday at 11:15 a.m. For more information call 435-738-2800. The Duchesne County Library in Roosevelt is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special events are planned throughout the summer, including special themed parties each month. For more information about the Roosevelt Library, call 435722-4441. For regular updates, pictures and more, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DuchesneCountyLibrarySystem. The Uintah County Library in Vernal is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The library has storytime for children every Wednesday at 10 and 11 a.m. and again at noon. Other special events such as documentary movie nights and more are held at the library regularly. For a calendar of events and listing of storytimes, visit www.uintahlibrary.org. Wondering if the library has what you’re looking for? All three libraries are now part of the Uintah Basin Library System. You can view the entire catalog of books online at www.basinlibraries.org.

ASHLEY

TRADING POST 236 East Main, Vernal 435-789-8447

10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday — Saturday

UPPER STILLWATER RESERVOIR

Most people have driven over a dam or seen one from a distance, but not too many people have had the chance to see one from the most impressive standpoint — at its base, with just the power of strong cement walls separating them from millions of gallons of water. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to take a tour of Upper Stillwater Dam and Rock Creek Reservoir, this is just the year to make it happen. Access is on improved-gravel Forest Road 134. From Duchesne, go 22 miles to Mountain Home, then west on the main highway to the reservoir. There are plenty of reasons to visit the dam and reservoir. In late June or July, water from the reservoir often spills over the 292-foot tall dam, creating a cascading waterfall. A scenic, U.S. Forest Service wilderness trail also meanders around one side of the reservoir. The trail is accessible and fairly easy to hike until you reach switchbacks on the other side of the reservoir. For those who would like to take some extra time to enjoy the beauty in the area, both Upper Stillwater and Yellowpine campgrounds are conveniently located nearby. Rock Creek Lodge also offers cabins for guests.

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See and Do - The Uintah Basin 17

AltAmont - Grocery: 454-3818 Main Street, Altamont, Utah

Upper Country Market MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED FOOD STORES, INC.

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DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT

Dinosaur National Monument has more to offer than most people realize. Many nature enthusiasts contend that Echo Park is one of the most beautiful places in Dinosaur National Monument — and perhaps in the entire West. Visitors here can expect relative solitude and the sight of vertical canyon walls rising up from still river waters. Ancient rock art in Echo Park testifies to the draw this site had for prehistoric people. Echo Park campground has 22 sites for tent camping. It is open year-round, but water is not available in the fall, winter and spring. From late May through late September, when water is available, the cost is $8 per site. The campground is 38 miles north of the Canyon Area Visitor Center and can only be accessed in high-clearance vehicles. Other designated campgrounds at the monument include Green River, Split Mountain, Rainbow Park and Deerlodge Park. Flooding concerns could limit access to some of these sites this year, so be sure and check for current information at www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvisit/ campgrounds.htm. Visitors who want to experience complete solitude should consider Wilderness camping. Trails for the park’s most popular backcountry camping area begins at the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery. Hike-in campgrounds are located approximately two miles and four miles from the hatchery parking lot. You must obtain a free, backcountry permit before camping here. These permits go fast, so secure yours now. Permits can be obtained at any ranger station or visitor center. River rafting is also a great way to see some of the spectacular scenery that Dinosaur National Monument has to offer. Dinosaur National Monument officials issue play permits that allow rafters to put in either at the Split Mountain Boat Ramp or Plasser Point and float down to the monument boundary. Play permits are free, and can be obtained the same day you want to float the river from the visitor’s center. The only stipulation is that boaters must have a kayak, a canoe or a raft with more than one chamber. Innertubes are not allowed. In addition to spectacular camping and white water, the monument boasts fantastic hiking trails. There are six maintained trails near the outdoor visitor center and four near the canyon area center. And of course, a trip to Dinosaur National Monument wouldn’t be complete without connecting with the prehistoric past. The park has five different locations where you can view petroglyphs or pictographs—a remnant of the life of Fremont Indians who lived in the area about 1,000 years ago. Prehistoric critters are also a must-see during your time at the park. The Dinosaur National Monument Visitor’s Center and Quarry Exhibit are now housed in brand new buildings. The new Quarry Exhibit Hall provides public access to the 1,500 dinosaur bones found on the cliff face known as the “Wall of Bones.” These bones were deposited approximately 149 million years ago. The fossil discovery trail located near the visitor’s center offers visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view dinosaur bones in situ — or partially excavated and still in the ground. The Utah side of the monument is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 22 – Sept. 13. Shuttle buses run from the entrance to the Quarry Visitors Center every 15 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those arriving before 9:30 a.m. will be able to drive personal vehicles to the Visitors Center. Park entrance fees vary by vehicle and length of stay. A complete fee listing can be found by visiting www.nps.gov/dino/ planyourvisit/fees.

18 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

SIP A SODA AT MARION’S

The atmosphere inside Marion’s Variety can’t be duplicated or replicated. Step in off Main Street in Roosevelt and be prepared to experience the America of 40 years ago. This family-owned variety store has been operating nearly 80 years and features historic decor complete with bar stools and an authentic soda fountain. Marion’s also boasts a menu that includes mouth-watering hamburgers and real malts and milkshakes. There are specialty soups along with pies and cakes. While you wait for your food, you should browse the unique assortment of gift items. This slice of unique nostalgia is located at 29 W. Main St. in Roosevelt and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Art by Luke Stradinger

ALTAMONT LONGHORN DAYS

A full week of family fun is once again planned for the Annual Altamont Longhorn Days, traditionally held over the week of Pioneer Day. This year, the celebration will run from Monday, July 18 – Saturday, July 23. Longhorn Days always features a series of events designed to provide fun and excitement for the whole family. There will be performances, tournaments, rodeos, a parade, a concert and some of the best fireworks in the Uintah Basin. If you haven’t in the past, make time this year to visit Altamont for Longhorn Days. It’s fun for the whole family. A complete schedule of events can be found by visiting www. longhorndays.blogspot.com.

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See and Do - The Uintah Basin 19

DRIVE-IN MOVIE

If you’re casting about for something unusual to do with your family or friends why not go to a drive-in theater? At one time Utah had over 30 drive-ins. Only six remain in operation today, and one of them is right here in the Uintah Basin. Roosevelt’s Echo Drive-in started welcoming cars in 1956 and is presently open on the weekend from mid-May through Labor Day weekend. Echo Drive-In is one of the last drive-in movie theaters in the United States, and is a movie-going experience not to be missed. The drive-in is located on West Highway 40 across from Stewart’s Marketplace. The drive-in will be open every weekend throughout the summer. You can call 435-722-2095 for movie information, or visit their website at www.rooseveltmovies.com.

UNEARTH YOUR CURIOSITY

In her position as curator of education at the Utah Field House of Natural History, Mary Beth Bennis-Bottomly sees a lot of gaping jaws. “Kids will run in the door and see one of our full-sized body mounts and their eyes just light up,” she said. “The world through the eyes of a child is never dull. They think it’s magical to be able to look at those animals and see how big they are. It’s neat to be a part of that.” The museum has a handful of full-size dinosaur skeletons or casts, including an allosaurus and a stegosaurus. An outside garden is a zoo of 14 life-sized prehistoric replicas. “There are lots of big critters around here,” Bennis-Bottomly said. “We have as many as some of the bigger museums. People won’t be disappointed. “We are trying to present some of the latest and best information we have on dinosaurs,” Bennis-Bottomly said. “We want to get out of the old way of thinking that dinosaurs were all brown or olive or green and say, ‘Hey, maybe they were a little more brightly colored than that.’” In addition to being a great place to view prehistoric critters, the Field House is also a place to touch, feel, and explore. The museum offers a number of hands-on exhibits, like the chance for children to try their hand at paleontology in a giant sandbox. There is also a gastrolith stomach stone, where visitors can pull on the display to reveal what is hidden behind. In the Morrison formation, visitors can also touch real dinosaur bones likes the femur of a large sauropod. Visitors can also walk around a large sandbar constructed in the middle of the floor and observe a large lighted display that includes a stegosaurus, allosaurus and other dinosaurs in a scene designed to represent their natural habitat. The museum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday-Saturday, and closed Sunday. Ticket prices are $7 for adults (age 12 and up) and $3.50 for seniors and children. Chlidren ages five and under get in free.

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20 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

MCCONKIE RANCH

Strangers walk through Jean McKenzie’s property and she encourages this behavior. “Come see me,” she says enthusiastically to anyone who calls the McConkie Ranch, where Jean has lived her whole life. “We’ve got so much history here. I love it.” Some of the history McKenzie is talking about dates as far back as 1350 A.D. Some is only a few hundred years old and stored in her museums. Quality petroglyphs (drawings chiseled in rock) and pictographs (paintings on rock) draw visitors to the McConkie Ranch where they are able to enjoy the creativity and sophisticated designs of past Fremont cultures along a one-mile stretch of the canyon wall. McKenzie, whose parents Vitus and Sadie McConkie moved

to the 500-acre ranch in Dry Fork Canyon in the 1930s, has opened the ranch to strangers from all over the world so that photographers, historians, archaeologists and curious tourists could study and enjoy what has turned out to be a world-class archaeology site. “The ranch is thought to have more drawings in a one mile trail than any other site in Utah,” McKenzie said. Visitors can take a self-guided tour following paths marked by ribbons any day of the year as long as the sun is shining. Both the upper and lower trails are open to visitors. According to McKenzie, folks usually spend between one and five hours studying the rock art along the two trails as they find themselves inexplicably drawn to another time and era. The upper trail is located at the end of the parking lot by a little stick teepee. A bronze plaque on a large sand stone rock at the head of the trail indicates that the ranch is on the National Historic Registry. The plaque states that the site is known for classic Vernal-style rock art dating from 1000 to 1200 A.D. McKenzie said carbon-dating has shown that some artifacts date from 1350 A.D. Different styles of petroglyphs reflect the different tribes that inhabited the area and tell the story of their lives sometimes with humor, like the drawing of the deer chasing the frightened hunter. Just as these ancient people evoked their concerns in the rock, modern man can surprisingly relate to many of the scenes. When you’ve viewed the rock along the upper trail, the stunning Three Kings Panel is waiting for you high on amphitheater-type rocks near the end of the lower trail. The Three Kings Panel has several seven to nine-foot figures, one of which is carved in rare bas-relief. In a bas-relief drawing most of the rock is etched away, and the part that isn’t etched defines the figure. To get to the lower trail, follow the road past the parking lot and climb the stairs that go over the fence near the house. Then follow the trail to the rock ledges. As you wind your way toward the Three Kings Panel – which was photographed for National Geographic – notice the other numerous portraits of the past carved in the rocks. To reach McConkie Ranch from Roosevelt, take state Road 121 east and turn north on 3500 West. Follow the road for 7 miles to McConkie Ranch and turn right. At that point there are signs pointing to the ranch. Follow the road as it curves right and you will see a parking lot fenced with field fence and antlers. The ranch is open year round during daylight hours as weather permits. There is no cost, but donations are appreciated. Call Jean McKenzie at 435-789-6733 for more information.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 21

DISCOVER THE BASIN’S HISTORY

Did you know that the first log cabin erected by white man in the Uintah Basin was built around 1873? Or that the famed Dominguez-Escalante Expedition explored the area and crossed the Green River back in 1776? Or that the first official school in the area was in Jensen? You can learn even more about the Uintah Basin’s rich history — and even see important places in person — by visiting some of the 44 historical markers scattered all over the region. A description of these markers — 27 in Uintah County and 17 in Duchesne County — and their exact locations can be seen by going http://www.uintahbasintah.org/hmarker1.htm.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT

Kick off your shoes and dance in the grass or bring a chair and soak up the sound at the annual Fourth of July concert in the park on July 4 in Roosevelt. The Basin Arts Council sponsors the Independence Day Concert each year. They bring in talented performers from around the state to show their talents for the Basin audience. Best of all, the 4th of July concert is always completely free to the public. This year’s headliner will be an 80s cover band called “The Spazmatics.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Constitution Park and will be followed by fireworks at approximately 10 p.m.

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22 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

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NINE MILE CANYON

Some of the most spectacular rock art in Utah is to be found in Nine Mile Canyon northeast of Price. More than 10,000 prehistoric images exist in the canyon that actually runs 40 miles, this remote canyon has been called “the world’s longest art gallery.” Most of the rock art was created by the Fremont Indians who occupied this area some 1,000 years ago. Mountain bikers have a great opportunity on these easy and well-maintained gravel and dirt roads. With a car to spot your group, start at the Nine Mile Canyon Day Use Area. This will allow for a very enjoyable 20-mile ride. A second bike option would be to drive the main canyon and ride the side canyons. Nine Mile Canyon’s rock art has been featured in National Geographic and many other publications because of its beauty and intensity. Over 1,000 sites have been cataloged to date. Large panels of pictographs and petroglyphs can be found just a few feet from the road. Travelers can wonder at the meaning of the carvings of goats, people, calendars and Indian Gods. From Myton, travel west 1.6 miles on Highway 40. Exit on the first paved road to your left and go 0.3 miles. You will reach a Backcountry Byway sign and information kiosk; you are on the historic trail headed for Nine Mile Canyon. After leaving the kiosk, travel 1.4 miles to a historic monument. Take the paved road to the right of the monument. Nine Mile Canyon is 37 miles from the monument. You will enter Nine Mile Canyon at the information guides running mileage of (38.7). To maximize your visit to Nine Mile Canyon, start planning your trip a few days early. The Duchesne County Area Chamber of Commerce has brochures which describe the sites. These can be picked up for free at the chamber office inside the Crossroads Center in Roosevelt at 50 E. 200 S. The chamber is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 23

HIGH-TECH TREASURE HUNT

Participate in a worldwide scavenger hunt by finding a treasure near you! Geocachers all over the world have hidden almost 950,000 caches. Some of those are nearby. Hundreds of people in the Uintah Basin are involved in geocaching – a sport of sorts that involves using coordinates and a GPS, or global positioning satellite, device to locate unique landmarks, points of interest and even hidden treasures. Some geocachers prefer to find caches, while others prefer to hide them. The common makings of a cache are a waterproof container, a notebook for people to record their visit, a cache note telling the people that they’ve found a geocache, a description of the site, and the name of the person who placed it. Some caches contain coins, toys or other items specific to the person hiding them. Another kind of cache is a virtual cache, which directs searchers to a place where they’ll find information instead of loot. The information may lead to another cache or may simply teach the finder something they didn’t know about the area – such as the fact that Zions Bank in Vernal is built with bricks that were shipped individually by parcel post because it was cheaper than sending them by wagon. So, if you’re lounging around with nothing to do, purchase or borrow a GPS unit, visit www.geocaching.com and find out what interesting sites are in our region.

GO FISHING

There are many places to go fishing around the Uintah Basin. From major reservoirs to high mountain lakes, every local has a favorite spot. When it comes to deciding where you want to fish, the possibilities are endless. Consider how much time you have and what kind of fishing you want to do. This region is blessed with well-stocked reservoirs within a half hour of nearly any city, town or hamlet, which makes for a quick trip. For a lengthier outing, hike or take a pack trip to the mountain lakes in the High Uintas Wilderness Area for a great place to catch trout. Unless it’s a free fishing day, remember to have a valid fishing license on-hand and check the proclamation before wetting a line.

PELICAN LAKE BLUEGILL

Over the years, Pelican Lake near Ouray has developed a reputation for being a hot spot for monster bluegill and largemouth bass. Anglers come from all over the country to check out the fishing. Pelican Lake is also known to be an excellent location for viewing shorebirds, particularly in the spring. Specialty birds that frequent the area include white pelicans, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and snowy egrets. This year, fishing opportunities are better than ever thanks to a new dock that has been installed for anglers. To get to Pelican Lake, take U.S. Highway 40 from Vernal west approximately 15 miles to the junction with state Road 88. From the junction, follow SR-88 south for another 10 miles. At the intersection at the bottom of the hill, turn left and continue to follow SR-88 until you hit the eastern shore of the lake.

Hullinger Mortuary 457 East 300 North (104-15) Roosevelt, Utah 84066 Phone 722-2426

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24 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

TAKE A HIKE

If you’re looking for adventure you can find on your own two feet, take a hike on one of the many trails into the Uinta Mountains. An easy four-mile route that provides a fine introduction to the Flaming Gorge area is the Bear Canyon Bootleg Trail. The double track dirt road is well maintained and offers views of Red Canyon and Lake Flaming Gorge from an overlook at the end of the trail. The trail head is just beyond Flaming Gorge Lodge and is clearly marked. Red Canyon Rim has a two- to nine-mile trail that gives hikers a spectacular view of Red Canyon, a gorge carved over the years by the mighty Green River. The route follows the south side of the canyon rim and offers dramatic color contrast be-

tween the red walls of Red Canyon and the lake below. To find this trail head go to the Red Canyon Visitor Center turnoff about 40 miles from Vernal on U.S. Highway 191 (UT44). The turnoff is located between milepost 3 and 4 on UT-44. The singletrack trail head begins next to the restroom on the right side of the parking lot. The trail is clearly marked by blue diamonds on the trees. For complete information on day hikes in the Basin area, visit the Forest Service Website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ uwcnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=8983&actid=50. The truly adventurous hiker should plan a trip to Kings Peak. At 13,528 feet, this is the highest peak in Utah. Over 5,000 visitors hike to this Duchesne County summit each year. Located approximately 42 miles north of Duchesne in the High Uintas Wilderness Area, the standard hiking route is a 28.8 mile round trip, so the peak is usually climbed as part of a backpacking trip. For information about Kings Peak hiking conditions and other trails go to www.fs.fed.us/r4/uwc/.

Marion’s Variety “Your Old- Fashioned Soda Fountain”

Celebrating 80 years of service • Homemade Soups • Malts • Shakes • Delicious Burgers • Wonderful Sandwiches • Sodas • Banana Splits • Fresh Limes

29 N. 200 E., Roosevelt, Utah • 722-2143

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 25

FLAMING GORGE FREEDOM FESTIVAL

The Flaming Gorge area will celebrate our nation’s independence on Saturday, July 2, in Dutch John. Flaming Gorge Resort’s annual classic car show begins at noon and lasts until 5 p.m. In addition to giving attendees the chance to see plenty of vintage cars, the event also includes fun activities for the entire family. The annual Freedom Fesitval also features live entertainment, fireworks and fun family activities. For more information, visit www.flaminggorgecountry.com.

DAGGETT DAZE

Dagget County’s annual Labor Day celebration is a party not to be missed! Join the Flaming Gorge Chamber as they celebrate Labor Day weekend with a parade, kids activities and the evening Parade of Lights and Fireworks display! The celebration will run from Sept. 2-5. Saturday morning starts with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by activities in the park at 11 a.m. The ranch rodeo will be held that evening at 5 p.m., followed by the boat parade of lights and fireworks at dusk. The Manila Senior Citizens host a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Labor Day morning with the Jr. Rodeo Series Finals starting at 10 a.m. at the rodeo grounds. Don’t miss this fun weekend!

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26 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

BUCKSKIN HILLS COMPLEX

Outdoor enthusiasts can find a wide array of activities at the 2,200-acre Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex in Uintah County. For shooters there are several options including 10-bay pistol ranges and five 360-degree shooting bays. The complex has several different competition-style shooting ranges including: pistol silhouette, bulls eye archery, sporting clays, cowboy action, defensive pistol and general sight-in. Hunter safety and firearms training is also available. These ranges can be found north of Diamond Mountain Road about two miles east of the Uintah County Landfill outside Vernal. Many Basin residents already love the Buckskin Hills Complex and spend as much time there as possible. The shooting range provides hours of fun for experts and amateurs alike. Seasoned shooters can find experiences at the range to challenge them, while families can come out and enjoy a day of shooting together, no matter how new to the sport they are. For those who prefer vehicles over firearms, there are ATV and dirt bike areas that are open to the public. The complex boasts once the finest circle tracks for stock cars. Several motocross tracks are also available. Utah State Parks and Recreation uses the facilities to train ATV and OHV riders between the ages of 8 and 16. A state course is offered to teach kids basic ATV operation and safety. The Buckskin Hills ATV training area is located by traveling east on 500 North which is the Brush Creek Road about two miles east of the Uintah County Landfill.

GO MOUNTAIN BIKING

It didn’t come as a surprise to most hardcore Uintah Basin mountain bikers when “Bike” magazine last year named Vernal the next Moab. The Basin’s reputation as a mountain biking destination continues to grow, thanks to the hard work of a group of dedicated riders turned trail builders. From Roosevelt to Lapoint and Vernal to Jensen, there are trails that give beginners a chance to fall in love with mountain biking and trails that challenge even the most experienced riders. A group called Northeastern Utah Mountain Bikers (NUMB) has helped organize trail rides on different trailheads around the area. Contact Troy Lupcho at Altitude Cycle in Vernal with any questions. The shop’s number is 435-781-2595. In the Basin, the primary two-wheeled playground is the McCoy Flats area, about seven miles west of Vernal on U.S. Highway 40. The area features a handful of bike trails. After leaving the highway, follow the paved road for three miles until you reach the McCoy Flats corral on the left. This location offers trails for riders of all fitness and skill levels. Red Fleet is another great area for mountain bike enthusiasts. With a host of trails and beautiful scenery, why not load up your bike and head for Red Fleet? Riders are asked to be responsible when on the trails and “replace their divots” if they accidentally deviate from the established path. Also, some trails have been damaged by OHV users and are no longer suitable for mountain biking. Those trails are listed on the Altitude Cycle website.

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See and Do - The Uintah Basin 27

VISIT THE POPE HOUSE

The Pope House Museum in Duchesne was originally the home of Fred and Marie Pope. Fred â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who died over 20 years ago â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was a judge, attorney and rancher. However, it was his hobby of making western-themed dioramas, which turned into a lifelong passion, that made Pope House what it is today. All of the horses and dolls in the displays are made of plastic, but Fred fashioned the horse tack and clothing himself. The diorama backgrounds are either scenic photographs or paintings. Fred had an ingenious way of recycling items to make miniatures for his displays. He used tuna fish cans, added handles and made them into water troughs. He also made bales of hay from carrot tops. If you want to tour Pope House, contact the Duchesne County Welcome Center at 435-738-4598.

UTE INDIAN TRIBE POWWOW

The annual Ute Tribe Pow Wow runs this year from June 30 to July 3. The Pow Wow is a weekend of dance, drum competition, circles of friendship, grand entries and more. Attending the Pow Wow is a unique experience, and one that every Uintah Basin resident or visitor should have. Pow Wow grounds are seven miles east of Roosevelt and will be filled with booths selling authentic crafts, food and other concessions.

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Accommodations in Duchesne County 28 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Lodging Roosevelt:

Frontier Motel and Grill .........................................(435) 722-2201 75 S. 200 E. Winterton Suites ....................................................(435) 725-1990 1024 W. Hwy 40 www.wintertonsuites.com

Tabiona:

Guides and Outfitters Wild Mountain Outfitters .......................................(435) 635-2225 Shawn Labrum www.shawnlabrum.com J/L Ranch Outfitter & Guides, Inc ........................(435) 353-4049 P.O. Box 129 Whiterocks Uintah Gateway Outfitters ....................................(435) 454-3332 www.rockcreekstorebbcom/outfitters

Hunting Preserves Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve .......................(435) 646-3194 3800 W. 10000 S. Pleasant Valley www.pbhunting.com

Sagebrush Inn .......................................................(435) 848-5637 Main Street Tabiona

R.V. Parks and Camping

Duchesne:

Roosevelt R.V. Parks:

Winterton Suites ....................................................(435) 725-1990 75 S. 100 W. Duchesne www.wintertonsuites.com Harrison Inn ...........................................................(435) 738-2544 165 S. Center St. Duchesne Studio 6 ..................................................................(435) 738-6666 52 South 500 West Duchesne

Myton:

Extended Stay Cottages .......................................(435) 671-6696 210 S. 200 E. Myton extendedstaycottages.com

SET RV Park ...........................................................(435) 200-5252 Behind the Maverik in Ballard City, East of Roosevelt

Duchesne City R.V. Parks:

Retrailia Resort ......................................................(435) 738-2044 Duchesne River Inns .............................................(435) 738-6300 Hogan R.V. Park ..........................(435) 823-5556, (435) 738-2004 East Main St.

Myton R.V. Parks:

Bed and Breakfast

Uintah Basin R.V. Park ..........................................(435) 621-6130 K & M RV Park........................................................(435) 823-0393 Riverview RV Park .................................................(435) 823-2796

Duchesne:

Seasonal R. V. Parks:

Rio Damien Bed and Breakfast .............................(435)738-8178 410 N. Center St Duchesne Strawberry River Bed and Breakfast ....................(801)518-0419 292 E. 400 S. Duchesne

Duchesne County:

Mt. Home Inn & Store ............................................(435) 454-3853 6750 N. 27000 W. Mountain Home www.rockcreekstorebb.com Pinnacle Lodge Camelot Resort ..........................(435)548-2281 40019 W. Strawberry River Road www.utahcamelotresort.com Falcon’s Ledge .......................................................(435)454-3737 Altamont, Utah www.falconsledge.com The Lodge at Hidden Springs Ranch ..................(435) 454-3737 15000 W. 8000 N. Altamont www.hiddenspringsutah.com Moon Lake Resort ......................(435) 454-3142, (970) 731-9906 P. O. Box 510070 Mountain Home www.moonlakeresort.com L C Ranch ...............................................................(435) 454-3750 14535 W. 4000 N. Altamont www.lcranch.com Tabby Country Cabins ...............(435) 848-5584, (435) 724-0993 Located between Tabiona and Hanna on Hwy 35 at mile marker 41 Reid Ranch ..................................(801) 486-5083, (800)4 68-3274 greid@reidranch.com Six Lakes Fishing and Wildlife Preserve(435) 454-3737, (877) 879-3737 500 N. 12850 W. Altamont Rock Creek Guest Ranch .....................................(435) 454-3332 www.rockcreekguestranch.net Pinn Willies ............................................................(435) 454-3978 HC 3 Box 234, Located 12 miles north of Duchesne on Hwy 87

Warm Springs Retreat ...........................................(435) 848-5508 HC 63 Box 2-B Hanna Defa’s Dude Ranch ................................................(435) 848-5590 16530 N. County Road 7 Hanna

Defa’s Dude Ranch ................................................(435) 848-5590 16530 N. County Road 7 Hanna Star View RV Park..................................................(435) 848-5637 Located behind the Sagebrush Inn, Tabiona Fabrizio’s Over the Hill R.V. Park ........................(435) 848-5405 Main Street Hanna www.overthehillrv.com Old Mill Park and Gift Shop ..................................(435) 848-5648 41051 W. Hwy 35 Hanna www.oldmillgiftshop.com Pinnacle Camelot RV Park ....................................(435) 548-2281 40019 W. Strawberry River Road, Strawberry www.utahcamelotresort.com Rock Creek RV Hook-Ups .....................................(435) 454-3332 www.rockcreekguestranch.net. Located up Rock Creek Canyon, Mountain Home Pinn Willies RV Park..............................................(435) 454-3978 Located 12 miles north of Duchesne on Hwy 87 Duchesne Starvation State Park ............................................(435) 738-0584 Starvation Reservoir Duchesne www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/starvation

Fast Food Roosevelt:

Arby’s .....................................................................(435) 722-1311 169 N. 200 E. Chevron Hot Stuff Pizza ........................................(435) 722-0999 545 E. 200 N. Gandolfo’s ..............................................................(435) 725-0999 120 S. 200 E. Mama Lia’s Pizza ...................................................(435) 722-4400 415 S. Hwy 40 McDonald’s ............................................................(435) 722-5822 621 E. 200 N. Pizza Hut ................................................................(435) 722-4586 996 E. Hwy 40

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 29 Rocky’s Place ........................................................(435) 722-2113 693 E. 200 N. Subway Sandwiches .............................................(435) 722-0160 220 S. Main Taco Bell .................................................................(435) 722-3116 895 E. 200 N Taco Time ...............................................................(435) 722-2811 670 E. 200 N.

Restaurants Roosevelt:

Frontier Grill ...........................................................(435) 722-3669 65 S. 200 E. Old fashioned home cooking China star ...............................................................(435) 725-8888 737 E. 200 N. Chinese, American and Mexican Cuisine Café Luna ...............................................................(435) 722-4707 23 N. Main. Authentic Mexican food Win On Chinese Buffet..........................................(435) 722-8988 27 W. Hwy 40. All you can eat Chinese Buffet The Blue Jay ..........................................................(435) 725-0789 1305 W. Hwy 40. breakfast all day, great burgers Marion’s Variety .....................................................(435) 722-2143 29 N. 200 E. Old Fashioned Soda Fountain, Lunch and Gifts Hugo’s Mexican Grill .............................................(435) 722-0113 129 E. Lagoon St. Mexican Cuisine Lagoon St. Bistroe ................................................(435) 725-0725 147 East Lagoon Street Ute Crossing Grill ..................................................(435) 725-4273 Ute Crossing Intersection on Hwy 40 Ft. Duchesne Hideout Grill ...........................................................(435) 722-1901 1155 Clubhouse Dr.

Duchesne:

Cowan’s Café ........................................................(435) 738-5609 57 E. Main. Duchesne’s Hometown Café El Patio Taqueria....................................................(435) 738-8226 25 E. Main. Mexican Cuisine China Star ..............................................................(435) 738-8888 540 W. Main. Chinese, American and Mexican cuisine Subway Sandwiches & Hot Stuff Pizza ...............(435) 738-5700 655 W. Main, Located inside Gateway 66 Wells Club Bar and Grill........................................(435) 738-9693 47 E. Main. Steaks, fish and chips, and adult beverages Pinn Willies ............................................................(435) 454-3978 Located between Duchesne and Altamont. A rustic place, off the beaten path Burger King ............................................................(435) 738-2030 472 West Main St.

Altamont:

Falcon’s Ledge .......................................................(435)454-3737 Located up Stillwater Canyon (By reservation only). Pizarros ...................................................................(435)454-4910 W. Main Street. A favorite of upper country locals.

Entertainment Movie Theaters

www.rooseveltmovies.com Roosevelt Twin Cinema .......................................(435) 722-2095 35 S. 200 E. Uinta Theater .........................................................(435) 722-2095 41 N. 200 E. Echo Drive-In .........................................................(435) 722-2095 W. Hwy 40

Bowling Alleys

Eagle Lanes ...........................................................(435) 738-2572 139 W. 100 N. Duchesne Ute Lanes and Family Fun Center .......................(435) 722-3241 Ft. Duchesne

Duchesne County Museums The Pope House . Located a short walk from the Welcome Center in Duchesne. Myton Memories Museum ......... (435) 722-2711, (435) 823-2711 148 E. Main St. Myton

Gift Shops Marion’s Variety .....................................................(435) 722-2143 29 N. Main Roosevelt Sha-Mar Gifts and Things .....................................(435) 722-1377 Main St. Roosevelt Ruffles and Rust ....................................................(435) 724-1511 70 N. Main Street Roosevelt Crazy Daisy Floral .................................................(435) 725-0406 301 S. 200 E. Roosevelt The Pink Lady Gift Shop .......................................(435) 722-6185 250 W. 300 N. Roosevelt. Located in the Uintah Basin Medical Center Old Mill Gift Shop ..................................................(435) 848-5648 41051 W. Hwy 35 Hanna. www.oldmillgiftshop.com Sweet T Floral, Gift & Antique Shop Located in Tabiaona

Myton:

City Park Pizza .......................................................(435) 725-2250 160 E. Main. Take out only or take home and bake yourself The Hideout Steak House .....................................(435) 646-3500 8400 S. Parriette Road Myton Utah

Fruitland, Hanna and Tabiona:

Big G on 40 .............................................................(435)548-2636 45000 W. Hwy 40, Fruitland Hanna Café and Bar ...............................................(435)848-5564 Hwy 35, Hanna. A quaint western diner in a rural location. Sandstone Bar and Grill ........................................(435)848-5253 42296 W. State Rd. 35, Hanna. More than just pizza! Sagebrush Inn ........................................................(435)848-5637 Main Street, Tabiona. Local Café

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30 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

VISIT THE HIGH UINTAS

The High Uintas Wilderness Area offers people a chance to decompress. This beautiful mountain range is for anyone who wants to relax without the constant noise of modern life. The wilderness area is inhabited by moose, elk and deer. It also offers top-notch fishing in pristine mountain lakes and streams and a chance to hike or bike the only east-west range in the continental United States. A summer trip to the High Uintas offers visitors the chance to explore exposed ridges and secluded basins, and experience short-sleeve days and campfire nights. Legend has it that the mountains hold a secret deep within them – the Lost Rhoades Gold Mine (see related story in this book). The storied mine contains the vast riches stored away by Spanish conquerors from centuries ago and are said to be somewhere in the hills from Hanna to Whiterocks. Legends of buried treasure aside, the natural wonders of the High Uintas promise to provide people of all ages with a rich and rewarding vacation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The High Uintas are located in the Ashley and Uinta-WasatchCache national forests in Summit and Duchesne counties. The area is usually accessible from late June through the middle of September, but visitors should be prepared for summer rain and snow storms. If you are looking for a way out or just looking to get away, contact the Ashley National Forest Ranger District at 435-7382482 in Duchesne or 435-789-1181 in Vernal.

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HIKE THE FLUME TRAIL

Nearly 110 years ago crews worked at the upper end of Dry Fork Canyon to build a road along the gurgling creek to make it easier to transport materials up the canyon to construct a flume. The flume was a monumental attempt to divert the water in Dry Fork Creek to Ashley Creek on the other side of the mountain, to preserve Dry Fork’s waters for agricultural use later in the year. It seems the stream runs full at its headwaters. But somewhere along the way, the porous creek-bed sucks up the waters, causing the creek to dry up during times of lower runoff, hence Dry Fork. The flume would hopefully fix the problem of water loss and allow the area to bloom year-round. Alas, it was not to be. The flume failed almost immediately, never to be reborn. Over the next 100 years, grasses filled in the roadway, followed by wildflowers, then trees. Flooding destroyed large sections of the roadbed, washing rubble into the path and undercutting the track, causing collapse. It would have been completely forgotten, but for the efforts of a few dedicated souls with a vision for the historical and recreational value of the area. A forest of spruce, fir, pine and aspen crowd the trail on all sides. Wildflowers bloom seemingly everywhere. Miniature members of the lily family, Indian paintbrush, Lupine and much more spread beneath the forest, drinking in the waters that saturate the bank. We cross the creek on a modern foot-bridge and walk beneath the shading western cliffs. Moss grows on boulders and lichen splash colorful patches of orange, green and turquoise along the exposed stones. Wild berry bushes, some edible and some not, rise in abundance from the forest floor. A two-mile long hiking and interpretive trail has been built along the old wagon route, with markers every 1/10 of a mile. There are parking areas and a restroom at the northern end. The groups’ responsible for the work built two modern metal footbridges to span the creek and connect the trail on both sides. The trail sees hundreds of hikers every summer, teaching them the history of this beautiful canyon and inspiring them with the beauty of our natural environment. From Vernal head north on 500 west, then follow the curve to the west as the road becomes U.S. Highway 121. Turn north on 3500 West and follow this road into Dry Fork Canyon. Turn right onto Dry Fork Settlement Road, then follow it left onto the Red Cloud Loop Road. The first parking area is approximately 1¾ miles north on this road. The second parking area with the restroom is about two miles further on the left side of the road. Both lots are marked by large interpretive signs. The trail can be hiked as a loop, or can be hiked through if cars are shuttled at each end. The hike is a relatively easy two miles over mostly level ground, with minor elevation gain and loss along the way. This is a desert canyon, afternoon temperatures can be high. Wear loose clothing and good hiking boots and carry plenty of water. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent. Pay attention to the weather: Flash floods sometimes occur in the area.

Duchesne County Chamber 435-722-4598 www.duchesne.net

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 31

MYTON DAZE

On June 24 and 25, Myton will host “Myton Daze,” two days of community fun. A parade, barbecue, talent show, dancing, vendors, car show and horseshoe throwing competitions are all on tap. The entire community brings family and friends to enjoy some old-fashioned fun in downtown Myton. Cool cars are part of the annual car show. Pizza or barbecue chicken cooked by the local American Legion are on hand. After the barbecue, enjoy a talent show followed by dancing to a live band. Evening entertainment will be provided by the band “Wild Country,” followed by a fireworks display. For a complete list of events, visit www.mytoncity.com and click the link for “Myton Daze.”

NEOLA FOR THE 4TH

Nobody puts on a family celebration quite like the folks in Neola. This year, the Neola 4th of July Celebration will be held on July 4. Festivities start at 6 a.m. on Monday with a half-marathon, a 5K and a kids run. At 10 a.m., the parade and patriotic programs start. All afternoon, a carnival and volleyball and horseshoe tournaments run. The day is topped off at 7 p.m. with a rodeo and dutch oven dinner.

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32 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

ICE BLOCKING

Want to chill out? Try sitting on a chunk of ice and sliding down a grassy slope. Purchase large ice blocks, unwrap them, drape a towel over the top and slide down the hillside. Enthusiasts have been known to make “customized” ice blocks by freezing ropes into them to act as handles, and mixing coloring agents into the water prior to freezing. This activity can damage the grass and is often banned or restricted by park authorities and groundskeepers. Make sure that is not the case where you plan to go.

VISIT THE BLUEBELL STORE

They aren’t many places left where you can get a handdipped ice cream cone. For at least 15 years, Bluebell residents and those passing through have enjoyed the old-fashioned taste of hard ice cream in different flavors. Everyone from the Upper Country knows that the Bluebell Store is the place to get the best ice cream around. To experience this delicious frozen treat for yourself, stop by the Bluebell store, located on the corner of 4000 N. and Center Street in Bluebell. Now you can also grab lunch at the Bluebell Grill. The restaurant staff whips up classic American diner favorites like burgers, chicken strips, english chips and french fries. You can come in for a sit-down meal in the small dining room at the back, or grab some grub to take on the go.

DANCE ON THE DUGWAY

The Ravola Dugway Dancehall may be gone, but the old dance floor still remains. The dance hall – located between Ioka and Altamont next to the Lake Fork River at the bottom of the dugway – used to be a favorite hot spot for Basin teens and young adults to dance under the stars on warm summer weekends. Many a life-long romance was kindled at the old dugway, so why not renew the tradition? Don’t forget to take along your iPod. For directions to the dugway, ask anyone over the age of 65 who grew up in the Basin. And while you’re at it, see if you can get them to share with you some of their fondest memories of dancing under the stars when the dance hall was in its prime.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 33

RED FLEET STATE PARK

Excellent boating, exploring and year-round fishing can all be found 10 miles north of Vernal on U.S. Highway 191 at Red Fleet State Park. The unique name of the park comes from three Navajo sandstone rock formations that jut out into the reservoir like giant ships. The 750 acres of surface area around the reservoir feature sandy beaches, private coves and dinosaur tracks along the

north shore. Three dinosaur trackways (three or more footprints from the same dinosaur) can be found in the park. Over 200 tracks cover the trackway across from the boat ramp. More exploring can be done for the local wildlife in the area. Rabbits, bobcats, badgers and mule deer can be found on occasion. Anglers will find bluegill, largemouth bass, and brown and rainbow trout in the reservoir. There are four full-hookup sites all with power, water and sewer. There are also 29 campsites along with covered picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire pits, fish cleaning stations and modern restrooms. Water sports such as, boating, scuba diving, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing and swimming are available in the park. In the summer months, the park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Overnight camping is also available, with reservations. Day use fees are $8 per person, $4 for seniors age 62 years and older. Camping fees are $25 per night for full hookups, and $15 per night for dry camps. The park has ice and firewood for sale at the entrance. To make reservations at Red Fleet State park, call 435-789-4432 or visit http://stateparks.utah. gov/parks/red-fleet/.

We proudly look back and see how far we have come and, with confidence, we look forward to the years ahead.

34 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

SLEEP IN A TEEPEE

Red Fleet State Park offers visitors a truly unique outdoor experience—the opportunity to sleep under the stars in an authentic teepee! There are three teepees available for rent at Red Fleet for $30 per night. Reservations are required to enjoy this one-of-akind campout, so call 435-789-4432 to book yours today.

BIG SPRINGS FOR BIG FUN

Few places in the Uintah Basin offer better fishing and more spectacular scenery and convenient access than Big Springs. This Ute Indian Tribe-operated complex boasts a total of four well-stocked ponds. The ponds are brimming with planter-size fish, making them a perfect place to teach kids how to bait a hook and cast a line. The area is open for fishing to non-tribal members from March 31 to Sept. 8 and to tribal members from March 4 through Oct. 24. If you’re headed up to the complex, be sure to stop off at the Ute Plaza Grocery store – located at 7750 E. Highway 40 – for a fishing permit issued by the tribe. If you buy a season fishing permit, it also doubles as a camping permit, so plan to pack a cooler and your gear and stay overnight. You can access Big Springs by heading up Uintah Canyon. When the road splits, instead of taking the right fork to U-BAR Ranch, continue going straight across a cattle guard. Continue on the dirt road for approximately one mile.

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DINOSAUR ROUND-UP RODEO

Vernal’s Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo traces its roots to 1932, when it started under the name of Blue Mountain Rodeo. Some 50 riders were expected for the event and a 50-piece band gave a concert daily. By its second year, the rodeo had become the Uintah Basin Rodeo and featured 65 rodeo events. Today, the rodeo is one of the largest and most respected in the country, The purse is over $70,000, up from the $6,000 purse when the event began. Over 700 contestants will come from around the world to participate in one of the largest rodeos in the nation. Cowboy mounted shooting is one of the nation’s fastest growing equestrian sports. Cowboy Mounted Shooters compete in this fast action, timed event using two .45 caliber single action revolvers each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. Courses are set in a variety of patterns. The first five targets will vary with stage and often requires the horse and rider to rate speed, turn, change leads and accelerate. The second five targets is usually is a straight with targets set at 36-foot intervals, called the run down. Both horse handling ability and raw speed are showcased. This year’s rodeo action is on July 7-9, so be sure to secure your tickets today for one of the premier rodeos in the country. Check online at www.vernalrodeo.com for a complete listing of rodeo events. Tickets are $15 for reserved seating, $12 for general admission, and $6 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at www.vernalrodeo.com. For any questions on ticket sales, or group sales of 10 or more, call 435-828-1568.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 35

VISIT A DESERT OASIS

The Pariette Wetlands is a lush oasis surrounded by miles of arid desert that provides a green, marshy home for wildlife. Made up of a perennial stream and 20 man-made ponds, the marsh is richly inhabited by wetlands flora and fauna. The area is frequented by more than 105 birds and mammal species including mallards, Canada geese, gadwalls, cinnamon teals and pintails. Birdwatchers also spot herons, egrets, whitefaced ibis, and American bittern within the wetland boundaries. As if that were not avian life enough, the area is also home to bald eagles, sandhill cranes and peregrine falcons. The region is the BLM’s largest waterfowl management area in Utah. One of the best ways to experience this birder’s paradise is to quietly canoe through the wetlands. Hunting is permitted in the wetlands with some restrictions. Fishing is also allowed, although there are not many areas to do so. Access - From Vernal, Utah, take U.S. 40 west to Fort Duchesne, turn south, and drive about five miles (just past the Duchesne River). At the Myton “Y”, turn south off the paved road onto the dirt road and travel another 16 miles across Leland Bench to Pariette. Follow the signs to the information board and overlook point. From Myton, Utah, proceed west on U.S. 40 approximately 1 mile to the Sand Wash-Green River access turnoff. Turn south and follow the paved road 1.7 miles to the Nine Mile-Sand Wash junction. Proceed to the left and follow the signs approximately 23 miles Pariette Wetlands is an open area, so there really aren’t any specific hours of operation. A few areas are gated, but only to

signify no vehicle use; visitors are still welcome to walk in those areas. Group tours, including guided wildlife tours, are available for schools, clubs and similar groups between March and November. To arrange for a tour, contact the Vernal BLM district office at 435-781-4400 at least two weeks in advance of your desired tour date. Spring is a good time to see the wetlands’ birds, until about 11 a.m. when the winds pick up and the birds hide in the brush. Fall is also an excellent viewing time, because it’s not so windy. Pariette is an excellent location for a short, educational trip. The best way to obtain more information is to get a pamphlet from the BLM’s Vernal field office, or visit their website at http:// www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/vernal/recreation_/pariette_wetlands.

36 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

JARVIE RANCH

Browns Park offers the best chance modern-day families will have to see what life was like in the Old West. Settled by John Jarvie in 1880, the ranch includes a store, post office and ferry. Indians, trappers and outlaws around the region visited the ranch because it was the closest place to stock up on supplies. Famous outlaws such as Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Matt Warner and Isom Dart were known to frequent the Jarvie homestead because of its proximity to the Wyoming and Colorado state lines, which made eluding posses relatively easy. In addition to attending annual festivals, visitors during the rest of the year can explore the four original structures still standing on the property: The one-room stone house where outlaw Jack Bennett was hanged by vigilantes in 1898, the two-room dugout where John and his wife Nellie lived, the blacksmith shop and the general store. Due to ranger availability, it is always best to call ahead to the Jarvie Ranch (435-885-3307) to arrange a guided tour. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the ranch is open seven days a week, and self-guided tours are always available during daylight hours. Visitors can also camp at the Indian Crossing or Bridge Hollow campgrounds, which are adjacent to the Jarvie Ranch. Both sites offer drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables and fire rings. To reach Jarvie Ranch, drive north on U.S. Highway 191 from Vernal for 55 miles to the Utah-Wyoming border. Turn east and drive 22 miles on the maintained gravel road. For more information about the ranch or tour times, call the Vernal BLM Office at 435-781-4400 or Jarvie Ranch at 435-8853307.

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Do something fishy

At Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery, visitors have the unique opportunity to see local fish species up close and learn how they are hatched and raised. The site has over 7,000 visitors annually and is open to the public on the weekends. Additionally, tours can be scheduled by contacting the office at 435-789-4481. Congress authorized the Jones Hole hatchery in 1956 as part of the Colorado River Storage Project. The area was chosen as a hatchery because it was the only site available that provided a sufficient water supply and ideal water temperatures. Visitors touring the hatchery can browse through interesting information at the visitor’s center and see first-hand the daily fishraising operations occurring in indoor jars, concrete tanks or outdoor raceways. Viewing trout in the outdoor raceways is allowed during daylight hours. Visitors are asked to be quiet and move as slowly as possible because quick movements and noise will startle the fish. Jones Hole Hatchery raises about 2 million rainbow, brown and brook trout each year. These trout are used to stock Flaming Gorge, Steinaker, Red Fleet and 27 other reservoirs in the Colorado River Storage Project. In addition to the hatchery experience, visitors also have a bounty of recreational opportunities to explore in the surrounding area and Dinosaur National Monument, including hiking/nature trails, fishing, canoeing, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. The hatchery is located 40 miles northeast of Vernal near the Colorado border and Dinosaur National Monument.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 37

Play through at Dinaland

There are plenty of challenges at the 18-hole Dinaland Golf Course in Vernal to keep golfers busy for the entire summer. The course features a challenging back nine and has something to offer everyone from the seasoned pro to the beginning duffer. The pro shop offers rentals, one-on-one lessons from PGA pros and top of the line accessories. Green fees are $13 for nine holes and $23 for 18 holes. A driving range and practice green are also available. Due to the course’s rural location there are ducks, pheasants, quail and deer that sometimes become part of the action. There are six ponds on the course and Ashley Creek creeps to the north of the course, giving it another natural hazard. For more information, or to reserve your tee time, call Dinaland at 435-781-1428.

Uintah Community Center

With 70,000 square feet of active fun, the Uintah Community Center has something to offer everyone. This summer, the center also has a wide variety of offerings that are sure to appease the bored kid, teenager or adult. Programs include the opportunity to enroll in sports or swimming lessons or take a monthly enrichment class that focuses on topics like guitar, dance or art. Not interested in summer programs? The state-of-the-art community center also offers an indoor track, two full-size gymnasiums and three large party rooms. Aquatic offerings include a lap/competitive pool and leisure pool. For the adventurous, there is also a 36-foot tall climbing wall at the facility. A cardio-equipped balcony, as well as a weight room, along with the aerobics and dance studio can help anyone obtain their fitness goals. There are several classes including aerobics, dance, tennis and more. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, the doors open at 7 a.m. and activities remain available until 7 p.m. Except for the special classes, adults can use the entire facility for $5.50. Youth can get in for $3.85. Membership packages are available. For more details about the facility, call 435-781-0982 or check online at www. uintahrecreation.org.

Meet a cave-dweller

The Bureau of Land Management’s John Boy Trail starts north of Vernal. Head north on Highway 191, past the first entrance to Red Fleet State Park, and take the second entrance (on the east side of the road) to Red Fleet State Park. Park at the trailhead (with a restroom and parking area) and follow the signs for John Boy Trail. The trail can be taken on foot or mountain bike. Along the way, keep an eye out for a hole in the wall that has been partially walled-off. Peek over the top of the wall, if you dare.

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38 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

See “Big” tracks

The Bureau of Land Management’s Dinosaur Tracks Trail is a unique day hiking experience. This hike in Red Fleet State Park exposes visitors to a range of desert vegetation and an uncommon example of the area’s rich fossil remnants from the age of dinosaurs. The 1.5 mile trail is marked with brown or yellow markers and wanders moderately up and down through rocky terrain to the shore of Red Fleet Reservoir. The trail ends at the last post (#18). The trailhead is located at 8750 N. Hwy 191 in Vernal. The hike is approximately 3 miles out and back. There are several hundred tracks around this site. If you are visiting the trackway in the spring or early summer, the reservoir may be full and you will only be able to see a few tracks. Look right in the water and you may find a few more!

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Sleep in a yurt

If you’re looking for a new way to spend your vacation or weekend getaway, spend a night or two in a yurt. You’ll have the chance to experience Utah’s breathtaking scenery while enjoying a cozy stay at the same time. The Ashley National Forest has three yurts available for rent during the summer and winter months. Yurts?! Yes, yurts, and they are waiting for you! These cylindrical tents with dome roofs are most commonly associated with the nomads of Mongolia, but for a small fee your family can spend time in a more modernized yurt on the Vernal Ranger District. Limber Flag Yurt, Grizzly Ride Yurt and Carter Military Trail Yurt can be reached by vehicle during the warmer months from June 21 to Oct. 21. Or, for a truly isolated wilderness experience, consider cross-country skiing or snowmobiling your way into a yurt at Limber Flag or Grizzly Ride during the winter. The yurt on the Carter Military Trail cannot be reserved in the winter since it serves as a warming hut for snowmobilers. These yurts offer primitive accommodations only, so prepare to cozy up to a wood-burning stove and strike a match to light your lantern. Yurts can be reserved up to 120 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777. The fee is $30 per night for a group of up to 10 people.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 39

Cast a line for walleye

Utah’s longest running walleye tournament, the Starvation Walleye Classic, is slated for Sept. 10-11. Don’t miss out on your chance to cast for some of the biggest walleye in the state. Even if you don’t fish, plan to bring the family and watch as some of the nation’s most talented anglers use their skill to land the elusive walleye. You can be part of the excitement as teams bring in their catches to be weighed and measured. This year, Starvation Reservoir will also be hosting a CatchA-Cure-For-Cancer Bass/Walleye Tournament on June 25. This tournament is a benefit for the kids at Camp Hobe. Additional details and entry forms for both fishing competitions can be found online at www.starvationclassic.com.

Take a float

One of the nation’s premier river rafting destinations is located in your very own backyard. The Green River is appropriately revered by outdoor enthusiasts as a world-class destination for fun. In the Uintah Basin, most river runners choose to make a day-long trip down Split Mountain. Depending on river levels and the time of year, this 8-mile trip can be intense. Split Mountain Canyon features a series of Class III rapids that can challenge the most athletically inclined, so make sure you’re prepared with life jackets and the necessary expertise. In a typical year, Split Mountain can be run from April to October. Many parts of the Green River require runners to first obtain a permit from the National Park Service, so be sure to check out all rules and regulations. The contact number for the river office is 970-374-2468. Permits run out quickly, so be sure to secure yours early in the season. If you lack your own raft and the ability to snag a coveted private permit, consider going with an outfitter like Adrift Adventures (800-824-0150), Hatch River Expeditions (800-342-8243) or Dinosaur River Expeditions (800-345-RAFT). Dinosaur National Monument officials also issue free play permits that allow rafters to put in either at the Split Mountain Boat Ramp or Plasser Point and float down to the monument boundary. Play permits are free, and can be obtained from the Temporary Visitor Center near Jensen the same day you want to float the river. The only stipulation is that boaters must have a kayak, a canoe or a raft with more than one chamber. Innertubes are not allowed. No matter the circumstances, a day on the river will never disappoint.

See the giant flag

Up Dry Fork Canyon north of Maeser, motorists will see a glorious sight off to the east – a huge American flag flying from the top of a cliff. The history of the flag is rich. In 1943, county commissioners approved a lease to turn Merkley Pasture to a recreational park. Chellus Caldwell and his brother Ernest erected the original flagpole in the park. They put it on a high peak. Over time, the park was abandoned and the flag forgotten. Then in 1999, local boy scouts had an idea to resurrect the flag. They began by putting a small flag on the old flagpole, but it could barely be seen. So the scouts erected a new flagpole nearby, with tools being carried up the peak by hand and the pole itself airlifted in. When work was completed, the 40-foot flag was raised and can be seen to this day.

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40 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Light up the night

Here in the Uintah Basin, we find any reason we can to set off fireworks. With over a half-dozen firework displays scheduled to go off this summer, there is no excuse for not seeing one of these colorful extravaganzas in person. The first fireworks of the season will be launched during Myton Daze on the evening of June 25. On the Fourth of July, Vernal, Roosevelt and Duchesne are all funding impressive shows that begin at dark. Altamont will also have a fireworks display at the closing of the annual Altamont Longhorn Days on July 23. Additionally, UBIC, which will be Aug. 4-6, is always known to have a spectacular fireworks display on the concluding night of the celebration. The Duchesne County Fair Board is also sponsoring a fireworks show at dark on Aug. 12 and 13. Additionally, individuals can light off their own fireworks, including aerials, on many holidays throughout the summer. Please check with individual city offices for information regarding fireworks ordinances in your area. Needless to say, this summer provides ample opportunities to grab a blanket (and someone to cuddle with) and lay on the grass as you bask in the glow of some neon fireworks.

Shoot Dinosaurs

Drive around the Uintah Basin with a camera and shoot dinosaurs – realistic and unrealistic – wherever you find them. Given their popularity in the region, this activity alone could keep you busy all summer.

Visit the dearly departed

Tucked away in picturesque nooks around the Uintah Basin are at least 40 cemeteries. Some are larger with well-manicured plots. Others have two or three plots and have been neglected. Now is the time to connect with those who have passed on. The names and maps from 29 of these cemeteries are now recorded on a web site called namesinstone.com. This site allows for better management of the cemetery records and helps visitors who are looking for family and graves. For more information about local cemeteries and how to find them contact Ellen Kiever with the Uintah County Cemetery Project at ekiever@uintah.lib.ut.us. A list of area cemeteries and brief descriptions of each can be found at www.uintahlibrary.org/cemetery.

Enjoy a scone at The Frontier Grill

The scone has been a hometown favorite in the Uintah Basin for decades. And there’s only one place the locals go to get their fix of the golden-brown, deep-fried dough slathered with honey butter: The Frontier Grill in Roosevelt, located at 65 S. Main Street. For a little more than a dollar, you can enjoy one of these scrumptious treats on its own, or order a meal at The Grill, since most of them include a scone. They’re made fresh daily and they’re delicious.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 41

Cow Country Junior Rodeo Series

Cowgirls and cowboys 17 and under are invited to participate in the Cow Country Junior Rodeo Series in Manila. This succession of five rodeos is designed so participants can win cash prizes at each rodeo as well as collect points toward an all-around prize, which will be given out following the last rodeo on Sept. 6. This summer, the rodeos are July 8-9, Aug. 12-13, and Sept. 5. Start times will be announced at a later date. This year the Junior Rodeo Series will have five different rodeos where participants will win cash prizes for event winnings per rodeo as well as points collected towards all-around prizes which will be awarded following the last rodeo. There will be three age group divisions: Pee-wee (5 -9), Junior (10-13) and Senior (14-17). For more information, visit www.flaminggorgecountry.com.

Cow Country Rodeo

The Cow Country Rodeo has been running in one form or another since the 1930s. Until recently, it had been put on annually by the Daggett Lion’s Club with proceeds benefiting the local community. Now it is run as a partnership with the Lion’s Club, Daggett County and a host of other local organizations providing staff and assistance to the rodeo. The Rodeo is part of the Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association (RMPRA). This year’s rodeo will be held on July 18-19 at the Manila fairgrounds. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the rodeo action kicking off at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.daggettcountry.org or call 435-277-0709.

Visit the Wildlife Refuge

For centuries, thousands of waterfowl, songbirds and other wildlife have flocked to the Green River to find water in the harsh desert of northeastern Utah. Ouray National Wildlife Refuge and Ouray National Fish Hatchery are aptly located along this life-sustaining river. Established in 1960 on land purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the 11,987 acres along 12 miles of the Green River is located 30 miles southeast of Roosevelt on state Road 88. Over 2,000 pairs of breeding ducks nest at Ouray Refuge, along with golden eagles and many species of water birds. Lewis’ woodpeckers are located in the cottonwood groves, white-faced ibis nest in the marshes and burrowing owls make their homes on the alluvial fans. Five bottomlands within the river flood plain are fed by the river as it winds through the desert. In late May, as natural flooding occurs, ponds are formed, spurring the growth of semi-aquatic plants which provide food and cover for ducks and other wildlife. In addition, these ponds serve as nurseries for the endangered fish species of the Colorado River system. Birds stop off at the refuge on their way south for the winter and in the spring when they are headed north. There are shore, marsh and song birds, as well as hawks and owls to go along with waterfowl. A large number of bald eagles also use the river bottom during the winter months. A 12-mile self-guided auto tour winds through the refuge giving visitors opportunities to view the wildlife. Mammals in the refuge include porcupine, white-tailed prairie dogs, mule deer, elk and pronghorn. For more information on the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, visit www.fws.gov/ouray/.

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42 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Take a Walk

If a daily walk could be put in a pill, this tablet would be the most popular prescription on the planet. A steady energetic stroll has so many health benefits. This form of exercise can reduce the risk of many diseases â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from heart attack and stroke to obesity and glaucoma. There has never been a better time to walk around northeastern Utah. The one-mile, paved loop at Constitution Park is a perfect place to start. Then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the River Walk in Duchesne, which begins near the Duchesne County Fairgrounds, at the mouth of Indian Canyon and is two miles of recently improved trails. The boardwalk and paved path follow the river, providing fitness buffs with the opportunity to get in touch with nature. Vernal also boasts several great walking paths at the Freestone Legacy Walking Park, located at 500 N. 800 W. The completely-paved paths meander through a picturesque setting that includes park benches and gazebos. Restrooms are not available here. Ballardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walking path is located at the Ballard Serenity Park, just behind the LDS church on U.S. Highway 40. The quartermile trail is fully paved.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 43

Visit the Granddaddies

With 276,175 acres of High Uintas Wilderness in the Uintah Basin, there is plenty of room to strap on a pack, find a wellmaintained U.S. Forest Service trail, and head for the hills. The “granddaddy” of all wilderness hiking destinations in the Basin boasts stunning scenery, great fishing and fairly easy access. Granddaddy Basin, located in the Ashley National Forest above Tabiona, is an extremely popular destination for hikers and backpackers. There’s a good reason for the Granddaddies’ popularity. From the Grandview trailhead, hikers can reach Granddaddy Lake in four or five hours. The 170-acre lake is one of the largest in the High Uintas, and one of the most visited. Additionally, there are over 20 equally stunning lakes within a two-hour walk of Granddaddy Lake. Because of high elevations and snowy conditions, Granddaddy Basin is only accessible from mid-summer to mid-fall. For current conditions, maps or directions to the trailhead contact the Duchesne Ranger District at 435-738-2482.

A reservoir that has it all

You name it, Flaming Gorge has it. For the outdoor enthusiast, Flaming Gorge can offer a little bit of everything, including rafting, fishing, hiking, boating, camping, swimming and mountain biking. The 91-mile reservoir is renowned for its superb trophy and fly fishing. Its waters are home to beautiful rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, making it one of the finest tail-water fisheries in the world. And if the seductive scenery doesn’t captivate your heart, the abundant wildlife will. Flaming Gorge is home to moose, Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and the list goes on. Scenic drives are an easy way to experience Flaming Gorge’s beauty. Get in your car and take a drive through the designated scenic byways, backways and loop tours that lead to the Gorge. Grab the kids and take your time exploring a self-guided trip of Wildlife Through the Ages and the Sheep Creek Geologic loop tours. Let the folks at Red Canyon Lodge, where fine dining is available, do the cooking for you, and you may never want to leave. The reservoir is located about 45 miles north of Vernal on U.S. Highway 191. Contact the Dinosaurland Travel Board for upcoming events at 800-477-5558 or visit www.dinoland.com or www.flaminggorgecountry.com.

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Steinaker State Park

The hillsides surrounding this fun water sports destination are full of millions of years of history, which only adds to the mystery and beauty of the state park. With July water temperatures reaching 70 degrees on average, Steinaker is a local favorite for wakeboarding, swimming and all other water sports. Dogs are allowed. Power and sail boating are offered along with hiking, canoeing and mountain biking. A 31-unit campground is available with two handicap-accessible sites. The areas include picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire pits, modern bathrooms and clean, running water. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass and brown trout are snatched up quickly in this fine fishing hole. Mule deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, jackrabbits, porcupines and even the occasional golden eagle call the park home. The natural beauty doesn’t stop there, with over 1,250 acres of land that include hearty desert plants and brilliant wildflowers. Nature trails and sandy beaches are also included in the park’s offerings, but the real history of the place lies in the fossils hidden along the banks of the reservoir. The fossils date back to 70 million years ago and are from both the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. With some of the fossils bearing resemblance to modern squid and oyster beds, it supports the theory that this entire area was once covered by a sea. There are more than fossils found in the ground at Steinaker State Park. There are also 46 cultural sites, including more than eight burial sites. The remains are said to be from members of the Fremont people who roamed the Uintah Basin over 1,200

years ago. Scientists believe the northern boundary of the Fremont range was a permanent residence of the people. The park is open year-round and is located seven miles north of Vernal on U.S. Highway 191. A day-use pass is $8, and $4 for seniors age 62 and older. Camping options are also available with reservations. For more information, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/ steinaker.

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A splashing good time

Escape the summer heat this year with a wet and wild water balloon fight. Loading up your favorite, multi-colored water bombs and tossing them at willing friends or neighbors is a perfect summer activity for both the young and youngat-heart. Filling up these small balloons used to be a monstrous task but now most stores sell faucet adapters along with the bag of balloons for quick and easy filling. Consider packing a cooler or bucket full of your water bomb ammo and taking it to a local park where there is plenty of room to run — just be sure to pick up your mess afterward. Whether you’re participating in a game of water balloon volleyball, a free-for all fight or launching balloons from a rubber slingshot, any way you look at it, water balloons add up to an afternoon of cool fun.

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Experience outdoor theater

Hear ye! Hear ye! Experience the best in community theater at the Outlaw Trail Amphitheater at Western Park as they present “Camelot.” Performances run from June 20 - July 2, with no shows on Sundays. The newly- renovated Outlaw Trail Amphitheater boasts comfortable seating with more legroom and nine designated wheelchair spaces and seven other handicap-accessible seats in the lower section. In this impressive outdoor amphitheater, audience members have the double benefit of not only enjoying stellar local talent, but also enjoying a spectacular star display by Mother Nature. Getting tickets for this year’s show is a breeze! Buy tickets online at www.outlawtrailtheater.com/tickets. Tickets are also available in Vernal at the Western Heritage Museum, located at 155 E. Main Street in Vernal. Additionally, tickets are nearly always available at the door/gate prior to the event, approximately an hour before showtime.

Stand at the top of Utah

Steep slopes, multiple false summits and gorgeous scenery are what awaits the nearly 5,000 yearly visitors who hike to the highest point in Utah. Although King’s Peak is 13,528 feet high, hikers only have to climb 4,128 feet from the starting elevation of 9,400 feet. Still, the 28-mile route it takes three days to reach the summit, regardless of which route you attempt. The most common route is from the north, at the Henry’s Fork trailhead, which is accessible only from Kamas or Wyoming. From this point, it’s a 16-mile round trip to the top of King’s Peak. The other trailheads are the Swift Creek Trailhead, 25 miles north of Mountain Home, and the Uintah Canyon trail head, 15 miles north of Neola. The mountain is typically accessible from late June to early September. Hikers should come prepared for a variety of weather conditions. For trail information, call 435-738-2482.

Fantasy Canyon

Erosion has created some of the most unusual rock formation in the world and deposited them an easy 25-mile drive south of Vernal in what is called Fantasy Canyon. The formation is not really a canyon but is part of a larger area designated as The Devil’s Playground. Geologists say the unusual shapes were created by uplifted sandstone, siltstone and shale originally deposited from Lake Uinta 38 to 50 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch. Different rates of erosion have resulted in creating spectacular vistas as well as uncovering bones of mammals that roamed the Uintah Basin during the Eocene. In Indian lore, the bizarre shapes are said to be evil creatures that, tired of living in the nether regions, clawed their way to the surface. With intervention from the animals and the God of the North, the creatures were turned into stone as a warning to other evil ones to leave the good green earth alone. Anyone planning to visit the area should stop past the Vernal field office of the Bureau of Land Management located at 170 S. 500 E. to obtain directions, a map, and conditions of the partiallypaved road.

46 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Throw a strike

Strengthen current friendships or create some new ones while you work muscle groups not usually exercised. You can accomplish all this in one of the two Uintah Basin bowling alleys. Ute Lanes in Fort Duchesne is a relatively new establishment that is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and closed on Sunday. The bowling alley is on U.S. Highway 40 across from a very upcoming and busy Ute Plaza. For information call 435-725-4270. A second bowling alley, Eagle Bowling Lanes, is located in Duchesne. The alley is open from 3 – 8 p.m. Saturdays and Monday through Wednesday by reservation. Thursdays and Fridays are for league play. Winter hours start around Labor Day when bowling leagues begin playing. For information, contact Eagle Bowling Lanes at 435-738-2572.

The Diamond Mountain Speedway features a number of races this summer for the avid fans to catch the packed schedule. The Western Dwarf Car Nationals is June 3-4. Drivers from Oregon, Washington, California and Colorado are slated to attend the two-days of racing. Racing usually starts at 8 p.m. on the first day of the weekend, and 7 p.m. on the second day. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, and $6 for seniors and kids. “Throughout the Western United States, we are a member of that organization,” DMS promoter and racer Allen Hacking said. “That is the biggest weekend.” The race track is located three miles from Highway 191 on 500 North to the city dump, then turn right on Brush Creek Road for about two miles. The official address for the track is 6500 E. Brushcreeek Road. Other race dates include June 24-25, July 29-30, Aug.12-13, and Sept. 23-24. There is also a Baja race scheduled for Sept. 10 in the Buckskin Hills Area (right by the DMS) that is part of the Bonneville Offroad Racing. The series competes throughout Idaho, Nevada and Utah.

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Make homemade ice cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Or so the saying goes. The delights of ice cream are sure to rev up a notch when you make it yourself. Anyone who has ever made homemade ice cream can tell you it’s no piece of cake, but the end results are definitely worth it. To make ice cream, you’ll need either an ice cream maker or several plastic bags, plus ice, rock salt and the ingredients of your ice cream recipe. Make your ice cream mix according to the directions on your recipe. Turn milk into homemade ice cream in about five minutes by using a bag. To make individual-sized servings, pour some ice cream mix into a small sandwich bag (double bagging helps reduce leaks) and place your sandwich bag in a larger freezer bag that is filled with ice and rock salt. Then, shake, squeeze or throw your bag around until your frozen treat reaches its desired consistency. Need a recipe for homemade ice cream? Try searching on Pinterest or Google for a sweet recipe that catches your eye!

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 47

Make some waves

In the ‘80s and ‘90s, wakeboarding was widely thought of as an extreme sport. These days though the sport’s popularity is growing rapidly, with everyone from young kids to senior citizens jumping on the wakeboarding bandwagon. The sport originated from a mixture of surfing, skating, water skiing and snowboarding. Typically, wakeboards are slightly wider and shorter than most snowboards. Advocates of the sport say it is more forgiving on the knees and muscles than other water sports like slalom skiing. Beginning wakeboarders start out at relatively slower speeds like 16 to 18 mph. More advanced wakeboarders can be expect to be towed at somewhere around 20 to 25 miles per hour. The Uintah Basin is full of reservoirs to help satisfy your wakeboarding cravings. Big Sand Wash Reservoir is just a short 15-minute drive from Roosevelt, and Starvation State Park always offers great water for the sport. Another popular reservoir is Red Fleet, located 10 miles north of Vernal and just off state Road 191 as well as Steinaker Reservoir located about 4 miles north of Vernal.

Whiterocks Hatchery

Although the Whiterocks Fish Hatchery dates back to 1923, it now has a new look thanks to a year-long reconstruction project that finished in 2006. The rebuilt structure now includes a 7,500 square foot hatchery, state-of-the-art equipment and a large office facility. The extensive $6 million renovation of the facility has allowed hatchery officials to triple their production, from 45,000 pounds of fish annually to about 142,000 pounds. The hatchery produces cold-water fish, including rainbow, brook, brown and cutthroat trout. After reaching maturity, these fish are stocked in Uintah Basin waters, Strawberry Reservoir and elsewhere. The hatchery is located two miles north of the town of Whiterocks. Individuals or small groups can tour the hatchery on most days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but call ahead to check availability. Large groups must schedule an appointment by calling 435-3534855.

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48 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Historic Swett Ranch

Officials from the Ashley National Forest are inviting guests to take a step back in time and get a glimpse of what the world was like before progress changed everything. Plan to come and see just what was necessary to make a living in the early 1900s in a remote and rugged part of the West. The Swett Homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and was constructed by Oscar Swett in 1909. It includes two cabins, a five-room house, a meat house, a root cellar, sheds, a granary and a barn. The Swetts grew most of the things they needed, used the resources around them for others and traded for the items that they could not provide for themselves. They operated the ranch by horse and manpower for nearly 60 years, long after trucks and tractors were available. Swett Ranch is located on the marginal benches of the Uinta Mountains, off Highway 191 and near picturesque Red Canyon and Flaming Gorge Lake. The ranch is maintained by the Forest Service. For more information, call the forest service office at 435-789-1181.

If your creative juices are flowing this summer, head outside and paint the town – or at least chalk up the sidewalks. Buckets of large, multi-colored chalk meant for outdoor use are available at most stores for just a few dollars. And the chalk masterpieces you create can be washed off at the flick of a faucet – a convenient fact to keep in mind if you have young kids who love to create artistic messes. Consider getting the neighborhood kids (or their parents) together and having a sidewalk chalk artfest, with prizes for the most creative drawings. If you really want to bring out your creative side, buy a book like, “Squeaky Chalk and other Fun Things to Draw,” by Joy Sikorski. This sidewalk chalk how-to book helps children learn how to draw animated figures and contains drawing lessons, adventurous games and creative exploration activities.

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A day of family fun

The annual Starvation Family Fun Day is the perfect way to bid summer farewell in style. This year’s Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Starvation Reservoir in conjunction with the Walleye Classic fishing tournament. Party-goers from around the Uintah Basin gather at the pavilions on the lakeside to participate in games, activities, contests, giveaways and lake activities galore. Regular Starvation State Park fees apply for attendees.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 49

Strawberry Pinnacles

The majestic rock formations and the sheer cliffs of the Strawberry Pinnacles look more like they belong in the Grand Canyon than in northeastern Utah. The Pinnacles are a great place to go exploring with the family and bear witness to the awesome beauty and power of nature.

Attend a parade

Enjoy a holiday parade in the Uintah Basin this summer! Numerous parades are scheduled throughout the summer months in communities all across the Basin. The first one of the season will be held in Myton as part of Myton Daze on Saturday, June 25. Fourth of July parades are scheduled in Neola and Vernal. Altamont hosts a parade as part of the Longhorn Days celebration. This year’s will be held on Saturday, July 23. The UBIC parade is one of the biggest in the Uintah Basin, and will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6. Parade season will end with the Duchesne County Fair parade on Saturday, Aug. 13. Enjoy the floats, watch the performances and collect candy at Basin parades this summer.

There are miles of trails winding through the giant rock formations, and the Strawberry River provides excellent fishing. Steep canyon walls protect an abundance of wildlife and the scenery is breathtaking. There is no overnight camping in the Pinnacles area, so pack a lunch and go out for a day trip. Don’t forget to take your camera because you are sure to see wildlife and scenery you will want to remember. To reach the Strawberry Pinnacles take U.S. Highway 40 and turn south at the Strawberry Pinnacles turnoff, about three miles east of Fruitland or 21 miles west of Duchesne.

Red Canyon Lodge

Discover one of Utah’s hidden treasures, Red Canyon Lodge in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The Lodge is surrounded by Flaming Gorge’s incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and a huge variety of outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, world-class flyfishing and boating. Experience your outdoor adventure Red Canyon Lodge style, and find out why they’re the premier resort in the heart of Flaming Gorge Country! You’ll be spoiled with handcrafted log cabins, fine dining, on-site recreation and friendly service, all in a beautiful setting of forest and meadows, with a serene private lake as your front yard. Of course, we hope you don’t mind sharing with the locals...the osprey, moose and mule deer that call it home. For more information, or to make reservations, visit www. redcanyonlodge.com or call 435-889-3759.

50 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Come see the classics

The Roosevelt Classic Car show will be held July 15-16 at Constitution Park in Roosevelt. It’s the biggest classic automobile show in the Uintah Basin. Come out to see some of the finest handiwork in the automotive industry. It’s always a great place to gather with old friends and make lots of new ones while admiring some of most beautiful machinery to ever grace our nation’s roadways.

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Sink a putt in Roosevelt

The 18-hole Roosevelt Municipal Golf Course features 7,049 yards of golf from the longest tee for a par of 72. Golfers from all over the Wasatch Front and Heber Valley have joined local golfers to enjoy this course with its relatively low green fees. On weekends, adults can enjoy nine holes for $13.50, and 18 holes for $43.75. Youth pay $6.75 for nine holes and $11.50 for 18 holes. Seniors only need $10.50 for nine holes and $18.75 for 18 holes. The course is open from 7 a.m. until dark. For truly avid golfers, season golf passes are also available for purchase. Junior passes cost $206.00 for the season, Seniors are $443.00, and Adults are $504.75. Couple and family passes are also available. In the summer, tournaments run on Fridays in June. July and August will also feature a couple of big events, so check with the clubhouse at 435-722-9644 for more information. You can find the Roosevelt Golf Course on the web at www. golfrooseveltcity.com.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 51

Tour the Flaming Gorge Dam

There is plenty to see and do at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, but have you ever been inside the dam? Free guided tours are conducted April 15 – Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours take you deep inside the structure of the flaming gorge dam. You’ll get to see the fish living deep inside the lake, and even be allowed to feed them. It’s a great experience for adults and children alike. To tour the dam, go to the visitors center. You can also call 435885-3135 for more information.

Cook steak on a stone

Looking for a dining experience that’s unlike anything you’ve tried before? Visit the Hideout Steakhouse in Myton! Located at 8400 S. Parriette Road, the Hideout offers diners the opportunity to cook a steak right at their own table on stones heated to hundreds of degrees. This allows for a truly customized dining experience, and every bite is warm. If cooking your own dinner isn’t your style, you can have your steak prepared to your specifications in the restaurant’s kitchen. The Hideout also offers a variety of other dining options, from chicken to fish to salads. They are open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

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52 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Participate in Paddlefest

As the name suggests, Paddlefest is all about paddling! During Paddlefest, there will be a variety of paddle crafts available for the public to try, including canoeing, rafting, paddle boarding and kayaking. You’ll be able to paddle to the Dinosaur Trackway for tours, take a paddle tour of Red Fleet, and enjoy nightly entertainment and vendor booths. No motorboats will be allowed at Red Fleet for this two-day event—it really is all about paddling. The 4th Annual Paddlefest will be held at Red Fleet State Park on June 17-18. Events will begin at noon on Friday, and run all day Saturday. Attendance at Paddlefest will be free on Friday, June 17. Admission will be $5 per person on Saturday, June 18. Live concerts will be held on Friday and Saturday nights featuring headliner Feel Never Real. Fireworks will be launched following the concert on Saturday night.

Have breakfast with the Scouts

The Boy Scouts of America are holding their annual Pioneer Day Breakfast again this year. Who doesn’t love starting a holiday with a big breakfast? At the scout breakfast, there are always pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage in quantities that could feed a small army. The food is plentiful, and it’s delicious. The breakfast will be held on July 24 at Constitution Park in Roosevelt. Tickets are available from any of the Roosevelt Boy Scout Troops.

Find the hidden poem

“Poem Rock” is one of the hidden gems of Roosevelt, and yet, most people have never been there. In 1990, someone climbed a hill outside of town and devoted hours—probably days—to engraving a poem deep into the sandstone surface of the rock. The poem, called “Thunderstorms Atmospheric Northern Auroras,” is beginning to weather, but is still absolutely worth seeing. Getting to Poem Rock requires a short climb and a bit of a search, but it’s well worth it. To get there, park on the Eastern side of the parking lot at Basin Veterinary Clinic, across from the Roosevelt City Cemetery. If you climb up the rocky hill in front of you and look along the cliff face, you’ll find the poem. You may have to look around for a bit, but once you find it, you’ll be glad you did.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 53

Learn to fly fish

“In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly-fishing.” So writes Norman Maclean, author of “A River Runs Through It.” Indeed, many fly fisherman seem to regard it as the ultimate form of angling. This summer, you can try it for yourself and see if they’re right. Falcon’s Ledge in Duchesne County is the only Orvis Fly

VERNAL BLOCK PARTY

Celebrate Pioneer Day in style in Uintah County by attending the Vernal Block Party. The party will be held on July 23 in the Vernal City Park. Events will begin immediately following Vernal’s Pioneer Day Parade and run until 5 p.m. that evening. The Vernal Block Party will be a day full of fun, family-friendly activities. Events will include a 3v3 volleyball tournament, children’s parade, fish grab, eating contest and more. Bring the whole family and celebrate our pioneer heritage at the Vernal Block Party.

Fishing School in Utah. For those who don’t enjoy fishing, there are many other activities available at Falcon’s Ledge. They also offer Utah’s premier pheasant hunting experience, as well as hiking, swimming and many other activities. Schedule your fly fishing lesson, or make plans to visit Falcon’s Ledge today by calling 877-879-3737.

54 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

Starvation archery range

New to Starvation this summer is a nine-station, 3D archery range located just west of the entrance station. Practice your skills with shots ranging from 15 to 60 yards at varying angles and difficulty. All ages are welcome; however, anyone under 18 years needs a parent’s signature on the waiver form. Cost to use the range is free with paid $8 park day-use fee.

Watch a demolition derby

Roaring engines, flying mud and crashing cars… What’s not to love? Demolition derbies are one of the most popular events of the summer here in the Basin. There are two coming up this year for all fans of fast cars, loud engines and fun. The Uintah County Demolition Derby and All Star Monster Trucks will be held on June 11 at Western Park. The event starts at 6 p.m., but you’ll have to get there early if you want a good seat. The stands fill up quickly, and the demolition derby is standing-room only every year. Reserved seating tickets cost $20, but general admission is free. The Duchesne County Demolition Derby will be held on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Duchesne County fairgrounds. The heats begin at 7 p.m., and admission is $15 per person. Get tickets in advance to guarantee space at the event.

See and Do - The Uintah Basin 55

100

Run through the mud

The annual Red Mud Run is returning to Roosevelt this 4th of July, and it’s going to be bigger, better and filthier than ever. The Red Mud Run is fun for the whole family, and this year, it offers more mud and obstacles than ever before. The run will be held on Monday, July 4, at Constitution Park. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., and the run kicks off at 11 a.m. Awards will be given to winners, and prizes will be offered to teams and individuals for best dressed costumes and muddiest runners. Rates for the race vary by age. For full pricing information, and to register for the race, visit www.rooseveltcity.com and follow the link for “Red Mud Run.”

101

Visit Deadman Bench

Just over two years ago Ellen Kiever, with the Regional History Center, thought it would be a great Eagle Scout project to identify and mark the grave on Deadman Bench. The idea of an Eagle Scout project fell through, so Kiever took it upon herself and worked with Sheriff Arden Stewart to preserve the location as a historical grave. After a year of research and comparing historical stories, the man in the grave at Deadman Bench was determined to be a Deputy Sheriff Bill Redman who lived from 1854 to 1883. Stewart helped the project by purchasing the headstone and the Regional History Center paid for the fence around the grave. The final step to finishing the project is attaching a sign that tells who Redman was, a man who was not from Uintah County, but died on Deadman Bench. Visit Redman’s grave this summer and view this rescued piece of Uintah County history.

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Batting Cages

Arcade Prices

$1.50 for 16 Pitches.

All Arcade games are $.50

Team Prices Per Cage Available. Baseball Speeds (50 - 75 mph) Softball Speeds (30-60 mph)

Basketball, driving games, & air hockey for $1.00

Birthday Packages Also Available!

56 See and Do - The Uintah Basin

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