Archive for February, 2012

The Entrada Institute

February 29th, 2012

Education, Nature

If you’ve just spent a long day exploring Capitol Reef National Park, hiking, four-wheeling, or driving around southern Utah, you’ll probably want to unwind and spend the evening relaxing. If our basement game room isn’t for you, we have another suggestion — spend the evening at the Entrada Institiute.

The Entrada Institute is located in Torrey, Utah just a few miles east of the Lodge on Highway 24. The Institute is an educational organization whose mission is to teach about the historical, cultural, and scientific heritage of the Colorado Plateau region. Read More

Wild Horses of Southern Utah

February 29th, 2012

Nature, Outdoor adventures, Wildlife

Only two hours away from Red River Ranch, you can visit the Warm Springs Resource Area Wild Horse Preserve — home to approximately 170 mustangs, who roam freely on 330,000 acres of herd management area. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the wild horses, and strives to keep the horse’s qualities and traits similar to their Spanish ancestors.

In 1971, Congress passed a law to protect these amazing creatures. As the bill states, mustangs are “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people.” Today, the BLM estimates that 38,500 wild horses and burros roam BLM-managed rangelands in 10 Western states.

Viewing these wild horses in their natural habitat is fast becoming a popular new pastime for many Americans. Read More

Why We Love the Burr Trail

February 28th, 2012

Nature, Outdoor adventures, Travel

We are sure Burr Trail is one of the best scenic routes in Southern Utah. The trail starts in Boulder, Utah and winds 68 miles into the most beautiful backcountry imaginable. The Burr Trail ends at Bullfrog, Utah, near Lake Powell. The Lodge at Red River Ranch loves driving this trail, and we know that you will too. Here are some tips and pointers for anyone that wants to drive the Burr Trail. Read More

Dixie National Forest for Hikers

February 28th, 2012

Nature, Outdoor adventures

Dixie National Forest is the largest forest in Utah, stretching 170 miles and enclosing more than two million acres. The forest has several distinct botanical divisions. At high elevations, large pine and aspen grow in the cool mountain air. Lower down, juniper and pinion pines begin to merge with the desert landscape. In the southern, and least elevated parts of Dixie, incredible sandstone formations are dotted with scrub and brush.

The recreational opportunities change with the land as well. For the day hiker and backpacker, Dixie National Forest offers a wealth of trails. Here is a list of our top five favorites, in all parts of the Escalante District of Dixie.
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The Velvet Ridge

February 28th, 2012

Nature, Outdoor adventures

The Red River Ranch backs onto the dramatic cliffs of Velvet Ridge, which extends for miles in both directions from the Lodge. Not only is the ridge beautiful, its appearance seems to constantly change throughout the day as the sun transverses the sky.

The Velvet Ridge trail begins in Torrey, five minutes east of the Lodge on Highway 24. Before you enter the town you will turn left at Sand Creek Road. Travel about one mile until you come to an unpaved parking area where you will see the Great Western Trail Information Board — here your adventure begins. Read More