Archive for May, 2011

Lake Powell

May 31st, 2011

Outdoor adventures

Lake Powell is the second largest reservoir in America, stretching 186 miles and providing year-round adventure. It is also the main attraction of Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. The beautiful Navajo Mountains and the windswept landscape of the park mesh with the water to form a spectacular water playground. The best part is the lake is within a couple of hours from the Lodge.

The proximity of Lake Powell to residents of Utah, Arizona, and Colorado make it a perfect closer-to-home vacation spot, or a weekend trip destination. Boating and water skiing are popular on the lake, but make sure you try these other activities. Read More

The Utahopian Dictionary: an A to Z guide to Southern Utah

May 23rd, 2011

Travel

There are so many things to do and see in Southern Utah. To help you sort through everything, we brainstormed and came up with The Utahopian Dictionary: an A to Z guide to Southern Utah. While this doesn’t provide a total list of the things you might discover, we hope it helps spark your imagination.

A—Arches National Park protects the State’s largest collection of natural arches, more than 2,000 geological examples. It is located near the city of Moab. To really explore the best of the park, be prepared to hike. The iconic Delicate Arch is part of Arches National Park, a representation of which is found on the Utah Centennial license plate.

B—Bryce Canyon National Park is an amphitheater of impressive sandstone spires and pinnacles, affectionately known as hoodoos. The park also preserves hundreds of years of American Indian archeological history. This park can be visited year round, as the snow helps deepens the contrast between the hoodoos. It is best explored on foot and bicycle. Read More

Best Fishing in Utah (in our humble opinion)

May 13th, 2011

Outdoor adventures

Southern Utah has hundreds of lakes and rivers that are annually filled with fish. For the avid fisherman, there is no better place to enjoy the sport. A complete list of fishing locations is beyond the scope of this blog, so we’ll concentrate on our five favorite lakes and rivers (in no particular order) all of which are fairly close to the Lodge.

1. Virgin River The Virgin is responsible for creating the remarkable slot canyons in Zion National Park. The best fishing is along the north fork of the river, just below Navajo Lake. Rainbow trout are the most common catch. This spot is popular with fly fishermen.

2. Sand Hollow Reservoir This is one of the state’s premier fishing destinations. The Sand Hollow State Park is really a continuation of the geological formations of Zion National Park, making it a beautiful location. Modern facilities are found on the lakefront. Expect to find mostly bass and bluegill.
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Highway Biking in Southern Utah

May 11th, 2011

Outdoor adventures

Highway bicycling is a well-recognized hobby. Whether you enjoy competitive racing, or simply relish the exercise and fresh air, the sport has something to offer everyone. One important aspect of any bicycling trip is the view. And Southern Utah offers spectacular vistas.

There are a handful of annual bicycle races that occur nearby. In our own backyard, the Capitol Reef Classic is held every summer. This event has courses for all skill levels, with routes ranging from 8 to 81-miles. It is the perfect way to get a taste of Capitol Reef National Park and the neighboring countryside. Many similar races occur further south in the Saint George and Zion National Park area. Read More