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Utah Travel Headlines

Monday, July 31, 2006

Park City Kimball Arts Festival

The annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival will take place August 5-6 in Park City.

The festival is Utah’s longest running visual arts festival. For 36 years it has been the premier summertime event in Park City, offering a world-class street fair with terrific art, food, live music and activities for art lovers of all ages.

The features will feature some 220 top artists, fine cuisine from leading chefs in the West, and live entertainment from some of the region’s best performing artists. With over 40,000 annual visitors, the festival is the flagship fundraising event for the Kimball Art Center.

See the festival website for a complete schedule.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Discount Ski Passes Announced

It’s 97 degrees F outside but now’s the time to plan and book winter ski vacations.

Ski resorts are busy making off-season improvements, anticipating yet another record year as more and more people discover Utah’s quality skiing.

Prime lodging books up fast for holiday periods. If you want lodging near the slopes around Christmas, New Years or President’s Day, you need to book within the next few weeks. If you want ski-in, ski-out lodging for anytime during the season, you need to book it soon.

The Park City resorts have announced “Silver Passport” rates for the 06-07 season. The special pass allows you to ski Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley and The Canyons. It must be purchased in advance, in conjunction with at least three nights of lodging.

The passport provides a great value when compared to ticket window rates. It can be purchased at the resorts, at participating lodging properties and at other designated outlets. Adult prices are as follows:

$225, 3 of 5 day pass
$288, 4 of 6 day pass
$355, 5 of 7 day pass
$408, 6 of 8 day pass
$462, 7 of 9 day pass

Let us help you book your ski trip.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

This is My Favorite Time to Fish Powell

Lake Powell SmallmouthIf you like fast, furious fishing action then now’s the time to take a trip to Lake Powell.

Striped bass have started to feed on the surface, where they are relatively easy to find and catch. Schools of stripers attack schools of tiny shad. Shad often leap out of the water in a frenzied attempt to escape, with stripers in hot pursuit. The intense action makes the water appear to “boil” in productive spots. Retrieve a shad-imitating lure through a boil and stripers will pound it aggressively.

You’ve got to hunt down the boils but when you find one action can be incredibly fast. It’s my favorite fishing experience. Mostly small fish are boiling now but larger fish will soon join the party. Action will get better and better during the next few weeks, peaking in late August or early September.

Study this website to learn to catch the fish. It is updated frequently and offers current, accurate information.

I fished the lake last weekend and had a great time. Here’s my report:

Small stripers were boiling up and down from the mouth of White Canyon on 7-22, mid-afternoon. We chased them for an hour and caught 10-13 inchers until our arms were tired.

We camped in a cove across and just down-lake from White. An algae bloom brought a bazillion shad into the cove. There was a large boil right in our cove just before sunset. After the stripers left we kept casting and caught several nice smallmouth (the biggest is shown in the attached photo).

A short boil occurred in our cove the next morning.

Saw a coyote twice while camped in that cove.

Temp launch ramp at HiteWe launched at Hite, using the road base where the marina store was located. It was easy pushing my little fishing boat out into the channel, which was only four feet deep. Had to squeeze between brush, but that wasn't hard. Water level was approximately 3608.55. I took a look at the main Hite ramp and decided not to attempt to launch there. It was obvious people trying were getting stuck in the mud.

On 7-21 we were down at Slickrock Canyon and found smallmouth bass boiling near the brush in the back of the canyon. Caught a bunch of smallies, 7-10 inchers, and one tiny striper.

A rattlesnake tried to climb under our tent to get out of the rain while we camped near Slickrock. It buzzed when it felt us moving around. I peeked out the door it was coiled right against our tent. It was probably 3.5 feet long. It buzzed for about 10 minutes and then slithered away.

- Dave Webb

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Utah Heritage Areas Gain National Recognition

A bill passed by US Congress Monday designates two Utah highways (and associated small communities) as “national heritage areas.” The bill now goes to President Bush for his signature, which is expected to come quickly without any controversy.

A portion of US Hwy 89, long known as Utah’s Heritage Highway, was designated the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. The section stretches between Fairview, Sanpete County, and the Arizona border.

The bill also created the Great Basin National Heritage Route, between Delta, Juab County, and Ely, Nev.

This Deseret Morning News article provides more detail.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Honda Sets Land Speed Records at Bonneville

After months of preparation, a team from Honda reached a measured mile speed of 400kph on the Bonneville Salt Flats last week, setting three new world land speed records and also setting a new top speed for a Formula One car.

Here’s what www.crash.net had to say about the event:

“Honda's record attempts on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, reached a fitting climax on Thursday when Alan van der Merwe piloted his Honda F1 car to three new land speed records, each eclipsing those set on the previous day, when the Bonneville 400 team finally reached a measured mile speed of 400kph.”

Read the entire report.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Utah Celebrates Its Pioneer Heritage

The first pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. Ever since then, July 24 has been set aside as a state holiday, with events galore celebrating our pioneer heritage.

Events will be held statewide. Here are some highlights, taken from this Salt Lake Tribune article:

Friday, 7 pm: Pioneer Day Concert at the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

Saturday 10 am: Youth Parade beginning at 600 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City; followed by Youth Festival with games, crafts, rides and food at Washington Square, 450 S. State, until 1 p.m.

Saturday, 6-11 pm: Celebration of Utah's Cultures at the Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main St., Salt Lake City.

Saturday, 7 pm: World Championship Rodeo at the Delta Center; tickets are $12.50 to $39.50, at the box office or 801-325-SEAT.

Monday, 7 am: Sunrise Service at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, 7 a.m.

Monday, 9 am: Days of '47 Parade, starting at South Temple and Main Street.

Monday, 11 am to 6 pm: Pioneer Festival at This Is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave.

Monday, 7 pm: World Championship Rodeo at the Delta Center, 7 p.m.

On Monday there will also be a Native American Celebration at Liberty Park, 500 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City, 7 a.m. to dusk. There will be food booths, entertainment, arts and craft booths; the 12th Annual Intertribal Competition Powwow begins at noon, with an intermission at 4 p.m.; second session begins at 5 p.m. The fireworks grand finale is at 10:10 p.m. This event is free.

The Tribune forgot to mention the KJZZ-TV/Deseret Morning News Marathon/10k. It will be held Monday morning, beginning at 5:30 am. The marathon ends at Liberty Park.

Here’s an official list of events.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Utah’s Largest-Ever Conservation Campaign

Utah Governor Jon Huntsman and the Nature Conservancy yesterday launched what they call the largest land preservation and restoration campaign in state history.

The “Living Lands and Waters initiative” will raise $43 million in public and private funds for conservation projects to save Utah’s most at-risk lands and waters, according to a Nature Conservancy press release.

To date, the Conservancy has raised $24.9 million in public and private funds, leaving $18.1 million to be raised by the target date of July, 2009.

“This campaign is unique for two main reasons,” said Dave Livermore, the Conservancy’s Utah State Director. “First, after an intensive statewide study we have identified Utah’s most ecologically significant lands and waters—and developed an innovative plan to protect them. Second, with Utah’s tremendous growth, we have reached a new level of urgency. The Conservancy believes we must act quickly and decisively to save Utah’s natural heritage.”

To coincide with the launch of the campaign, the Conservancy announced the purchase of a conservation easement on the 6,700-acre Selman Ranch near Logan. Nestled in the Little Bear drainage, this ranch harbors breeding ground for the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse—a bird that has already lost more than 96 percent of its historic habitat in Utah and is in danger of being federally listed as an endangered species.

Other key projects of the Living Lands & Waters Campaign include:

Virgin River Headwaters: a conservation collaboration among 17 ranchers on 11,000 acres near Zion National Park, supporting critical habitat and a key watershed.

Boulder Creek Canyon Ranch: the protection of prime ranchland in the heart of Boulder, creating a wildlife corridor between natural protected areas.

Great Salt Lake: the Wings & Water Wetlands Education Program offers 4th grade students and teachers a new way to use the Great Salt Lake as an unforgettable outdoor classroom.

White Dome: a new 800-acre preserve in Washington County will create a community resource and save some of the world’s last remaining populations of endangered wildflowers.

Read the entire press release

Read more about the campaign

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Wildfires, Weather May Hamper Travel

A flash flood watch has been issued for southern Utah this afternoon and evening, for Washington, Iron, Beaver, Garfield and Kane counties. Here are watch details.

Numerous thunderstorms are expected and rain may be heavy in spots. The heavy rain could cause rapid water rises and flows in creeks and dry washes across the region. People traveling and recreating in these areas should use caution. Do not hike in wash bottoms or narrow canyons and don’t camp in wash bottoms.

Thunderstorm and flash flood danger may develop again tomorrow afternoon (7-19).

Wildfires recently closed I-15 near Cove Fort in central Utah and near Pintura in SW Utah. Those two fires are not contained but are no longer burning near the Interstate and so traffic is flowing normally at this time. However, both fires have the potential to threaten the Interstate again. If that happens the freeway may be closed again until the danger is past.

The Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park is closed because of the fire.

Thunderstorms may help or hamper the effort to control the wildfires. Rain can beat back the flames, but wind may cause the fire to spread rapidly and erratically. Lightning associated with thunderstorms may ignite new fires.

This website has the latest info on Utah wildfires.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Honda Seeks Land Speed Record at Bonneville

At team from Honda will be on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats this week attempting to set an outright land speed record for a Formula One car.

Auto Racing Daily has this report:

“The technical challenge of getting a race legal F1 car (albeit it with a few modifications for ultra high speed straight line running) to travel beyond 400 km/h on an unpredictable, unstable salt surface has proved to be a huge test for Bonneville 400 Technical Director Gary Savage and his small team.”

“Next week sees the climax of a long two-year project for the Honda Racing F1 team. We hope that the result on the Salt Flats will reflect the hard work and dedication that has been put into this project by all the team both in the UK and Japan”.

Read the entire report

Friday, July 14, 2006

Mountain Bike the Park City Area

The snow is completely gone, the trails have dried out and now mountain bikers have taken over the mountains surrounding Park City, Utah.

The popular ski resort town is a hub for summer adventure, with hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails stretching in all directions. Nearby Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs offer excellent opportunity for boating and water sports and the fabled Provo River is a top destination for fly fishermen looking for trophy trout.

Deer Valley is becoming a major destination for mountain bikers. The resort offers lift-served access to over 50 miles of excellent, panoramic trails. Bikers are whisked up the mountain on the Silver Lake Express chairlift from Snow Park Lodge, or this summer they can also ride the Wasatch Express chairlift, located mid-mountain.

Silver Lake Express operates daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm (with last chair downloading at 5 pm). Wasatch Express operates daily from 10 am to 5 pm (with last chair downloading at 4:30 pm). An all-day bike pass is $22; a single-ride bike pass is $14; a season pass is $250 and an interchangeable hospitality pass is $500.

Deer Valley's Mountain Bike Rental Shop and Mountain Bike School are open daily and offer scheduled clinics and tours for all abilities. Deer Valley offers and exceptional line of high-quality, full-suspension mountain bikes and helmets for rent.

Deer Valley also offers chairlift rides for sightseers and hikers. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Wasatch and Uinta mountains from a comfortable, padded chairlift ride at the resort. Once at the top, you can walk down one of the main hiking trails or hike the Scenic overlook trail (a 1/4 mile route offering beautiful views down the mountain and over Jordanelle Reservoir). Those who do not want to hike down the mountain can simply reboard the left and descend.

Chairlift rides are available on both the Silver Lake Express and Wasatch Express. And adult scenic ride pass is $12; seniors 60 and over and children 6-12 years old can ride for $9. A single ride is only $6 for adults and $4 for seniors and children. Children 5 years and under ride free.

For further info about these Deer Valley adventures, call 435-649-1000 or 800-424-DEER.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Quarry Closed at Dinosaur National Monument

The Quarry at Dinosaur National Monument has been close to the public because the building that encloses the quarry has serious structural problems. It will remain closed until renovations can be completed – probably for a period of several months.

The Quarry is the only area within the monument where the public can view dinosaur fossils embedded in rock.

Dinosaur National Monument includes a large area where people can engage in a variety of sports including hiking, camping and whitewater river running. The Quarry is the only facility that has been closed – the rest of the monument is open.

Dinosaur bones, replicas and other exhibits can be seen at several other places. In nearby Vernal, the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park showcases dinosaur fossils, life-sized replicas and other exhibits.

The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, southwest of Price, is a working quarry where the public can observe paleontological work in progress, including fossils that are being uncovered and studied.

This page lists several other places where the public and view fossils and learn about dinosaurs.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Bryce Canyon Half Marathon

The unique Bryce Canyon Half Marathon will be held this Saturday (July 15). It begins at 6 am at Ruby’s Inn and ends in Cannonville. The route cuts through Bryce Canyon National Park and follows Scenic Byway 12 – Utah’s All American Road.

It is a high-elevation downhill run. The starting point is 7,652 feet above sea level and the finish line is at an elevation of 5,600 feet.

There will also be a 5K run/walk, which begins at 6:30 am in Cannonville.

There may still be time to participate, if you are so inclined. There will also be plenty of opportunity to watch the events.

See this website for more information.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Zion Park Trails Reopen After Fire

The popular Subway route in Zion National Park is now open, after having been closed in late June and early July because a wildfire threatened the area. It reopened on July 7.

All park roads are now open to the public. The following drainages, routes and trails are still completely closed until further notice: Grapevine, Coalpits Wash, Scoggins Wash, Huber Wash, Chinle Trail and Dalton Wash.

Zion Canyon, the most popular area in the park, was never threatened by the fire and remained open through the period. The Narrows, Angels Landing and other popular hikes were not affected.

A group from Utah.com hiked the Narrows recently and had a great trip. We made this video clip to showcase the hike (Flash video, 5941K).

Monday, July 10, 2006

Gooseberry Mesa is Mountain Bikers' Dream

“Pedaling Gooseberry Mesa is slick, and it rocks.”

That’s how Bob Downing begins a newspaper article on mountain biking the mesa.

He goes on to say, “Gooseberry Mesa in southwest Utah near Zion National Park is gaining fans as one of the top mountain-biking spots in the United States.

“About 70 percent of the trails are over slickrock or bare Shinarump conglomerate. That is a big attraction to serious mountain bikers.

“As a Midwest biker and a slickrock rookie, I was surprised by the traction I got on the sandstone, which at first appeared to be almost unridable.

”You can combine the Cattle Grate Trail, God's Skateboard Park, The Point, Yellow Trail, That Damn Trail and Slickrock 101 into a 12 1/2-mile loop that hits the North Rim and the South Rim.”

Downing writes for the Akron Beacon Journal. The article was also picked up and published by the San Luis Obispo Tribune. Read the entire article.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Llama Fest Showcases Unique Animals

A unique event called Llama Fest will take place on July 15 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Llamas and enthusiasts from around the region will congregate to share information, compete for ribbons and enjoy social interaction. There will be an obstacle course, show ring, races, beautiful baby contest, crafts booths, demonstrations of spinning and weaving, food booths and other attractions. There will also be continuous performances on stage by South American bands and dance groups.

Llamas are a fundamental part of the culture in the Andes region of South America, where they are used as pack animals, wool producers and family pets. In Utah they have become very popular for carrying camping gear on treks into the Uintas and other high mountain areas. Some are also used to guard sheep herds on the open range.

Llamas are sure-footed, dependable, almost personable, and they do not cause erosion or the other environmental problems attributed to the use of horses in high country wilderness areas.

This is the 12th annual Llama Fest. The event grows in popularity every year. Activities will begin at 4 pm, on the KHQN Radio grounds on South Main in Spanish Fork. Some 4,000 to 5,000 people are expected to attend. All activities are family-friendly.

For more info see the festival website, or contact event organizers Chris or Christine Warden (chris&christine@earthlink.net).

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Utah Grand Prix at Motorsports Park

The new Miller Motorsports Park will host the Utah Grand Prix, an American Le Mans Series event, July 13-15.

Here’s what www.paddocktalk.com has to say about the event:

“The next race for the American Le Mans Series is the Grand Prix of Utah, set for 6 p.m. MDT on Saturday, July 15 at the new Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City. CBS will broadcast the race from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 16. MotorsTV will broadcast the race in Europe from 6:30 to 9:30 CET on Sunday, July 16. American Le Mans Radio will provide live coverage on americanlemans.com, which also will feature IMSA Live Timing & Scoring.

“The spectacular new Miller Motorsports Park (is) already being hailed as one of the finest road courses in North America. At 4.5-miles and with 24 turns, the track will present a new challenge to the world-class field of sports car racing's best.”

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Kenny G at Deer Valley Music Festival

The Deer Valley Music Festival offers the best of Classical, Pops, Comic Opera, and Chamber performances, all in the Park City mountain community. Performances are scheduled beginning July 22 through Aug 19. Kenny G will help kick off the series on July 22.

Other guest artists include Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Georgia Guitar Quartet, Ferhan and Ferzan Onder, and many more. They will perform with the Utah Symphony.

Utah Opera's fully-staged production of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" will also be presented on the Deer Valley Outdoor Amphitheater stage, complete with swash, buckle, and a perfectly preposterous plot. It will run Aug 11-12.

Tickets can be purchased through ArtTix by calling 888-451-ARTS (2787), or online at www.utahsymphonyopera.org.

Deer Valley will also host the Fidelity Investments Park City Jazz Festival. Aug 25-27. Two stages at Deer Valley’s Outdoor Amphitheater will host nationally renowned and emerging jazz musicians. This year’s lineup features: Gerald Albright, Chris Botti, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Coffins, Crescent Super Band, Robben Ford, Javon Jackson, Lonnie Smith, Eight Track Mind, Tucker Rountree Sound featuring Paul Wertico and Andy Beaudoin, Royal Crown Review and the Caribbean Jazz Project.

For more information about the Jazz Festival visit www.parkcityjazz.org or call 435-940-1362. Tickets can be purchased through ArtTix by calling 888-451-ARTS (2787), or online at www.parkcityjazz.org.
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