Snow Goer’s Annual
Vacation Guide
Utah
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Most people don’t realize that Utah is more than the Great Salt Lake and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Most of the Beehive State actually consists of high plateaus covered with softwood forests and mountains towering over 13,000 feet into the azure blue western sky.
And with up to 500 inches of soft powder snow in some areas, Utah offers extraordinary snowmobiling opportunities. More than 1,200 miles of groomed trails in nine areas of the state provide access to thousands of acres of high-country powder-bowl play areas and uncountable mountainsides for high marking. Riding season lasts from December into May in some areas, providing a chance to stretch out the season we all love so much.
Utah scenery is beautiful almost beyond description. For instance, from the East Fork trail in southern Utah, you can view the contrast between the red rock cliffs and the giant Ponderosa pines, then look down from lofty mountain heights to see the snow-capped spires of Bryce Canyon National Park far below.
The Strawberry complex in north central Utah offers four discrete trail heads and lots of play areas. It also connects to other groomed trail complexes to the north and south. Adjacent peaks rise to more than 13,000 feet above sea level.
Another nearby trail system, the Schofield complex, stretches along the summit line of the Wasatch Plateau with elevations reaching nearly 12,000 feet for breathtaking panoramic views.
And some of Utah’s best riding is found in the northern part of the state adjacent to Idaho and Wyoming, where the Cache Valley area is becoming a favorite of western riders in the know.
Snowmobiles must be registered, and the required modestly-priced non-resident permit is available from authorized vendors. If you bring your own machine, make sure the clutching and carbs are properly adjusted for high altitude riding. And the weather can be highly variable and changes on a moment’s notice, so be ready for anything.
If you are searching for a new and unique snowmobile adventure, explore riding in Utah. You’ll be glad you did!
For more information:
| • Utah Tourism |
|
• Utah Snowmobile Assocation |
CACHE VALLEY
Well known in the West for superior snowmobiling, Utah’s Cache Valley awaits exploration by those from further afield. And this area is certain to delight any snow rider who seeks a comprehensive winter vacation experience.
The “Top of Utah” offers 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that are praised for their variety, scenery and riding conditions including grooming. Among the most popular trail areas in the “Top” are Monte Cristo, Hardware Ranch, Tony Grove and Logan Canyon. Some of these riding areas also connect to trails in neighboring Idaho and Wyoming, allowing long-range touring by the spiritual descendents of the hardy explorers who migrated long distances to settle this beautiful high country. And with elevations ranging from 6,500 to 10,000 feet holding on to a 400-inch average annual snowfall, the riding season here runs from December into late April.
Snowmobiling support starts with a wide variety of accommodations and restaurants in the City of Logan. Rental sleds, comprehensive maps and trail guides are also available.
But the outstanding snowmobiling is just the beginning of a complete winter vacation. Other area attractions include the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area with sleigh rides available for viewing the 500-head elk herd. Ice fishing on Bear Lake and downhill skiing at Beaver Mountain adds more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The American West Heritage Center, just six miles south of Logan, is a 160-acre living historical exhibit that is open year-round except holidays. Indoor recreation includes numerous performing arts opportunities and shopping for western gifts, crafts and collectibles in a variety of specialty stores and boutiques. And after everything else, five different natural hot springs in the region can provide the pure relaxation of nature’s own.
The area’s “don’t miss it” snowmobile event is the Beaver Mountain Snowmobile Hill Climb scheduled for April 10 and 11, 2009. If you’ve never seen the gravity-defying performances by the super-skilled riders on their long-tracked climbing sleds, you must see this event.
For more information on snowmobiling and vacationing in the Top of Utah’s Cache Valley area, go on line at www.tourcachevalley.com or call the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau at (800) 882-4433.
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