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Utah Travel Headlines

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Archaeology Channel Features Range Creek

The Archaeology Channel website is hosting a 34-minute video about the pristine ancient Fremont Indian rock art and ruins found in Range Creek – an extremely remote canyon in east-central Utah. You can watch the video here.

The Range Creek site has been called one of the most significant archaeological finds in the US in the last 50 years. The site was purchased by the federal government in 2004. At that time The Washington Post published a comprehensive article that includes these statements:

“For six decades, Wilcox and his family kept tight control over public access to a 12-mile stretch of Range Creek that had been the site of a bustling Fremont tribe community in the first millennium A.D. Few knew of its existence and Wilcox closely controlled the archaeologists and researchers he did permit to visit.

“But now the aging rancher has turned over his 4,000-acre spread to the government -- and handed public land managers a significant dilemma along with it.

"’A piece of ancient America like this, that has not been looted or vandalized, is almost unique -- an absolute treasure of our national history," said Kevin Jones, the Utah state archaeologist. "So the stupidest thing we could do is just open the gate.

"’But this is public land now, and we owe it to the American public to let them see this fantastic collection of historic sites, so they can appreciate it and learn from it. The problem is how to balance public access with preservation.’"

The excellent video, produced by KUED, showcases the site and discusses its management. You can learn more about the video and Range Creek at the KUED website.

Monday, February 27, 2006

World’s Fastest Indian

Critics and moviegoers alike are saying nice things about “The World’s Fastest Indian,” which chronicles a New Zealand motorcycle enthusiast’s journey to Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, where he sets a land speed record that has never been broken. Here are a couple comments:

Earth’s Biggest Movie Database: “Utilizing striking sun-drenched race visuals for the finale at Bonneville, Donaldson creates a pulse-quickening portrait of speed and the chaos of chasing velocity. It's also in the final moments that the filmmaker attempts to avoid yet again the expectations and fears of the audience, and climaxes the picture on sweetly satisfying note. "The World's Fastest Indian" (an awful title, I know) might not jump out as the obvious movie-going choice, but with so much heart and charm on display, it's worth the time.”

Cincinnati Community Press: "The World's Fastest Indian" is a pretty predictable film about an extraordinary real life event which becomes a much better movie because of its star -- Sir Anthony Hopkins.”

Friday, February 24, 2006

Moab Skinny Tire Bike Festival

The Moab Skinny Tire Festival will be held March 3-6.

Moab is famous for its mountain bike trails. But did you know Moab offers some of the best road biking in the world. Festival participants will peddle along hundreds of miles of paved roads in and out the parks, amid the world-class scenery.

This festival features rides through Arches National Park, along the Colorado River and up to Dead Horse Point.

Registration is limited, so act now if you want to participate. It's also fun to just be in Moab observing the action.

Info: www.skinnytirefestival.com, 435-259-2698

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Maynard Dixon Country Kick-Off Celebration

The Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts will host a Kick-Off Celebration to announce the 45 invited artists for Maynard Dixon Country 2006, an annual art show, sale, and artist paint-out held in August in Mt. Carmel, Utah. The Kick-Off Celebration will take place at the historic Alta Club, 100 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City, at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2006.

At the Kick-Off, representative works from some of the 2006 invited artists will be on display and for sale, in addition to items for auction from the Thunderbird Foundation’s holdings, all to benefit the foundation. Perhaps the most notable item in the auction is “Shoshoni Traveling,” a 7.5” x 11.5” gouache by Utah artist Minerva Teichert from about 1930, value estimated between $15,000 and $25,000. Stays at the Maynard Dixon home and studio in Mt. Carmel, prints of Maynard Dixon’s “Cloud World” and “Come A’ Runnin’,” and original works from artists such as Dan Baxter, Graydon Foulger, and Kent Wallis comprise some of the other items for auction.

With the Kick-Off begins the march to Maynard Dixon Country, leading up to the show in August. This year, from August 23-27, these invited artists will gather to paint the beauty of southern Utah in the summer. Maynard Dixon treasured this area near Zion National Park in the final years of his life, hosting many of his artist friends at his home and studio in Mt. Carmel, and a place where he made some of his best works. In the spirit of Dixon’s creative collaboration with his artist contemporaries, Maynard Dixon Country was born. Maynard Dixon Country gathers together the nation’s best artists for a week of painting, discussion, and celebration of the artist’s spirit. The show features lectures, a preview of the art, a wet painting show, and culminates in a gala awards dinner. Maynard Dixon Country is more than an art show—it is a rare congregation of some of the best talent in the country united in celebration of one of America’s most important artists.

“Maynard Dixon Country, for me, is a gathering of some of the best artists in the country,” said G. Russell Case, Brigham City resident and Executive Producer for Maynard Dixon Country 2006. “It’s more than just a show or just a business thing. It’s a coming-together of great artists to inspire each other and inspire future directions in art.”

Bonnie Posselli, a Salt Lake City artist and long-time invited artist at Maynard Dixon Country, agrees that the show is a hotbed of talent and energy.

“It’s a fertile ground for present-day painters of the West to gather and honor Maynard Dixon—as well as to create new ways of seeing the land around the Dixon home that he once painted,” said Posselli. “I keep coming back because of the foundation’s passion it pours into the whole magic and majesty of Maynard Dixon’s legacy.”

Maynard Dixon Country 2006 runs from August 23 to August 27 at the historic Dixon home and studio in Mt. Carmel in southern Utah. Tickets to the Kick-Off are $50, with the first patrons receiving limited edition Thunderbird statuettes and all patrons being entered into a raffle to win a Roland print of Maynard Dixon’s “Navajoland.” For more information, to purchase tickets, or for an absentee bidding form, visit www.maynarddixoncountry.com or call (801) 533-5330.

The Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts is a non-profit organization furthering Maynard Dixon’s legacy by preserving his estate and educating the public about his immeasurable contributions to American art through educational tours of his home, internships for working artists, artist retreats and workshops, and art day camps for people with special needs.

CONTACT: Daren Brabham, Marketing Administrator
Office: (801) 533-5330
Cell: (801) 633-4796
Email: daren@maynarddixon.com

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Bryce Canyon Photo on US Postage Stamp

A photo of Bryce Canyon will appear on a new US postage stamp, to be unveiled Friday (Feb 24).

The photo was taken by Moab photographer Tom Till. It will be used on a new 63-cent postage stamp, which will be unveiled Friday at the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center and the Salt Lake City Main Library.

The new stamp is part of the Scenic American Landscape series. It is the second of Tom Till's photos to be selected for a stamp. Till has taken images around the world but is best known for his photos of the southwestern US. His website shows gorgeous images of Utah.

This article has more information.

Friday, February 17, 2006

Coyote Buttes and The Wave

Last Saturday, when the weather was dry and mild, some of the Utah.com team enjoyed an easy adventure hike into a scenic area know as Coyote Buttes, to a remarkable structure called The Wave.

As you can see from the photo, The Wave is a sandstone chute cut into the Coyote Buttes. The stone has eroded in interesting patterns, exposing bands of color that make it a photographer’s delight.

The entire area is very beautiful. It is located on the Utah/Arizona border, southeast of the town of Kanab. The Coyote Buttes are special management area under the Bureau of Land Management, and access is limited so hikers don’t overrun the area.

This short video clip shows our hike.

Our latest newsletter contains more info about this area.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Snowmobilers Revel In Great Snow

“It's difficult to say enough is enough of a good thing, and snowmobiling has, indeed, been good this season,” says outdoors writer Ray Grass in this new Deseret News article on snowmobiling in Utah.

“And, as a result (of frequent storms), said Dee Eggett, manager of the snowmobile program at Daniels Summit Lodge southeast of Heber, 'the riding opportunities are endless this winter.'

"The snow is excellent, and there are miles of trails and play areas open . . . From the lodge you can follow groomed trails all the way up into Wyoming or over to Soldier Summit and find hundreds of play areas along the way."

Read the entire article.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Bald Eagles Come to Utah for Winter

Bird enthusiasts will be interested to know that "Utah is a winter hot spot for bald eagles" (read article) according to the Provo Daily Herald. A symbol of the United States of America for more than 200 years, these eagles visit Utah during winter months to feed on carp and other fish. The Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area held its annual "Eagle Day" celebration on Saturday, February 11, but the birds will be in the area through mid-March. Incidentally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Monday announced a plan to remove the bald eagle from the official list of endangered species (read article).

Monday, February 13, 2006

Park City Top Vacation Destination

“For top skiing, excellent lodging and dining, and apres-ski fun, Park City can't be beat.”

That’s according to www.vacationspot.com, the first click under its vacation ideas main navigation tab. The report continues:

“Every season brings an endless array of recreation and entertainment to the area. High mountain slopes convert effortlessly from world-class skiing to world-class mountain biking. From championship golf to Olympic bobsled rides; from the Sundance Film Festival to the Park City Art Festival, there is a lot to do any time of year.

“Park City is home to 20 bars and nightclubs, over 100 restaurants and countless shops and galleries.”

Read the complete report.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Bryce Canyon Winterfest

One of the most enjoyable activities of the winter season will be held at Ruby’s Inn over President’s Day weekend. Called Bryce Canyon Winterfest, the event offers a wide variety of free clinics, demos and tours, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, archery and photography. Ski archery competition Sunday and XC ski races Monday. Ski Archery competition, kayaking demos, waxing clinics, photography clinics and more. Information: 435-834-5341.

The event will be held regardless of snow conditions. Some activities are snow-dependant and this year snowfall in southern Utah has been unpredictable. The area picked up considerable snow in January, but so far February has been dry and warm. Our best guess is that there will be adequate snow for skiing and snowshoeing, but be mindful some activities could be moved higher up the mountain or cancelled if conditions are not favorable.

Thursday, February 09, 2006

East Zion Thunderbird Lodge Earns Award

The Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge has earned the Best Western Director's Award for quality.

“We are really excited! We scored 100% in housekeeping,” said Tanya Milligan, one of the owners.

Tanya said they are just finishing upgrading their East Zion Riverside Lodge, which is a large vacation home perfect for family reunions or small corporate retreats. It offers an indoor pool, hot tub, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, a spacious country kitchen, satellite - 56" HDTV, DVD/VCR home theater, phone, laundry, high speed internet, and 5 bedrooms (each with its own bathroom). A spacious meeting room is also available.

Tanya is an avid hiker and has been creating trail guides, maps and photo tours for the trails in and around Zion National Park. She includes everything from popular family trails to difficult, technical slot canyons. Her website is becoming one of the best resources for trail information in that area.

Monday, February 06, 2006

Like Heaven For Skiers

www.InsideBayArea.com published an excellent article about Utah’s ski resorts, by AP writer Fritz Faerber. Here are some excerpts:

“It's not just the quantity. The snow is also top-shelf quality. It's dry, fluffy and light: just perfect for powder pigs, although it was a big adjustment for this East Coast skier used to the crud. I kept catching edges and biting down hard on the mountain. Fortunately, the deep powder makes for a soft landing.

“These resorts are amazingly convenient to the city. In fact, I have woken up at home in Washington, D.C., flown to Salt Lake, checked into my hotel and still skied four hours on Brighton in the same day.”

Read the entire article.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Winterfest Set to Begin in Park City

Park City's Olympic Winterfest Celebration gets underway Friday (running Feb. 3-12). Highlighting the nonstop 10-day party are concerts, fireworks, a sled-dog race and Olympic celebrations at the Utah Olympic Park and the resort trio of Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons.

For more info contact: 1-800-453-1360 or see www.parkcityinfo.com
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