Archive for the ‘ATV/4x4’ Category
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
It’s time to venture off the beaten path for a 4×4 off-road adventure? In the St. George and Zion National Park area, the off-road options are numerous and diverse. Below are some of the variables to consider as you plan your next ATV, Jeep or 4-wheel-drive experience.
 A guided jeep tour near Zion National Park Guided or Un-guided: First thing to consider is whether you’d like a guided tour where someone else provides the vehicle, or if you’d like to find your own way on a self guided trip. For a list of guide jeep tour and ATV tour companies - click here.
If you’re planning your own excursion you may want to consult a couple of maps as you consider some of the options mentioned below. We recommend that you visit local federal or state agencies to obtain specific details on trails, trail conditions, safety and environmental guidelines. The BLM office in St. George is located at 345 E. Riverside Dr.
 St. George Utah area ATV riding Desert or high mountain: The St. George and Zion National Park area ranges in elevation from 2,000 to over 10,000 feet, so there are options for desert or forested off-road experiences. Click on these links for a St. George map or a Zion National Park map.
Jeep/4×4 or ATV/UTV: For those venturing out on back roads or scenic byways, then you’ll want to make some standard preparations. Remember your camera, plenty of water, food or snacks, a good map, and bring a spare tire and basic repair equipment for your vehicle.
Below is a list of a few trails or back-roads for smaller or larger vehicles. With a little research you can plan your excursion to one of these areas. vv
Back-roads (larger vehicles)
Joshua Tree Road (old highway through Santa Clara past Shivwits Reservation
Smithsonian Butte - Accessible from Rockville (North) and from Apple Valley (South)
Gooseberry Mesa - Turns off of Smithsonian Butte road (mid-point)
Motoqua Road - North of Gunlock
Grass Valley - Turn right at Central toward Pine Valley and look for signs
Red Mountain - West side of highway 18 in Diamond Valley area
ATV Trail Areas (smaller vehicles)
Hurricane Sand Dunes - Sand Hollow State Park
Pine Valley - Left at the stop sign in Pine Valley and five miles to the recreation area.
Red Mountain - West side of highway 18 in Diamond Valley area
Warner Valley - Southeast of St. George
Arizona Strip - Across Utah border - southeast of St. George
Tags: 4x4, ATV, four wheel drive, st. george atv, st. george atv trails, st. george jeep, st. george jeep roads, utah atv, utah atv trails, UTV, zion national park atv, zion national park jeep Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, St. George Utah, Uncategorized, Zion National Park, activities
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Teenagers - things to do in St. George, Utah
- Laser tag and mini-golf and fun centers. Fun centers such as Laser Mania and Fiesta Fun Center offer game rooms, and a variety of activities for any age, but teenagers will enjoy these locations as much as anyone. Go carts, batting cages miniature golf, laser tag, bumper boats and other activities may be found at fun centers such as these. (click here)
 Shopping - St. George, Utah - Shopping: Anyone interested in shopping will find plenty of options in St. George with boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, outlets and a mall. Take your pick for an afternoon of St. George shopping. Click here for a list of shopping options.
- Golf: This is no secret in St. George. Choose from 12 different courses all within a short drive of the place you live or are staying. Rates and degrees of difficulty are very diverse and should satisfy any level of golf play.
- Lakes / Reservoirs: There are three lakes/reservoirs in the St. George area and each is well suited for water-sports of all types. Water temperatures are warmer, for longer periods of time, in the St. George area because of the clear skies and lower elevations. These reservoirs are great places to swim, boat, jet-ski or fish.
- Skim Boarding: Grab a skim-board and head on down to the Virgin River for some great skim boarding. This activity, usually done at a beach, is especially good here because of the sandy river bottoms. The Virgin and Santa Clara rivers have locations where this activity is well suited.
- Swimming / Hydro-tubes: There are three locations in St. George with a swimming pool and hydro-tube; the Washington City Recreation Center, Sand Hollow Aquatic Center and St. George City Pool. (Click here)
- Guided Tours: You may just be a hero to your older children by taking them on a guided adventure. See the list below for ideas.
A. ATV - Take a tour on the nearby Hurricane Sand Dunes or numerous other locations in this region of outdoor adventure (click here)
B. Horseback - Outfitters in Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park offer horseback riding opportunities on a daily basis. (click here)
C. Rock Climbing / Canyoneering / Rappelling / Zip Line - Outfitters in the St. George and Zion National Park area offer opportunities to combine these activities in one experience or to do one or the other. Canyoneering adventures can be handled by people of most any age. (click here)
D. Aerial Tours - Jump into a helicopter and soar above the massive scenic formations that make this region famous. After one of these experiences, anyone will walk away with a greater appreciation of the grandeur of this region. (click here)
 Mountain Biking - St. George Utah E. Mountain Biking - St. George is fast becoming one of the more popular mountain biking destinations in the west. There are 40+ different trails in this area to choose from. You can rent mountain bikes or even hire a guide to take you out for a mountain bike adventure. (click here)
Tags: atv tours, canyoneering, go-carts, Golf, Guided Tours, helicopter tours, horseback riding, lakes, laser tag, miniature golf, rappelling, reservoirs, rock climbing, saint george, Shopping, skim boarding, St. George, teenagers, utah, zip line Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Biking, Boating, Canyoneering / Climbing, Golf, Lakes / Reservoirs, Recreation, Shopping, Sports, State Parks, Water Sports, activities, fishing
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Ever since the new freeway was opened through the Virgin River Gorge, travelers simply don’t travel very much to Las Vegas via old highway 91. This state road, that goes west through the quaint city of Santa Clara, comes to a fork near the base of Utah hill. Go left at the fork, and you would continue toward Las Vegas, turn right and you will go north to Gunlock State Park. The reservoir, tucked away about 15 miles northwest of St. George, is a hidden secret.
 Water Skiing on Gunlock State Park Gunlock State Park is a scenic 600-acre park is a great place for boating, swimming and for other water sport enthusiasts to enjoy some of the warmest water temperatures in Utah. The reservoir, built in 1970 and fed by the Santa Clara River, also provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The banks of the reservoir are lined with pine and juniper trees, with a backdrop of red and pink Navajo sandstone cliffs to the west and ancient lava beds to the east. With heavy spring snow-melt and rains, you may find water flowing over the southwest corner of the reservoir and then cascading across the red rock formations below. This is quite a spectacular site and the best opportunities to see this are usually between March and April. It really depends on the weather conditions. Also found in this area are a wide array of ancient Native American writings. Click here to read more.
 The town of Gunlock - Just 1 mile north of the Gunlock State Park The park is named for “Gunlock Will” (William Haynes Hamblin), a Mormon pioneer and expert marksman who settled in the area in the mid-1800s. The road to the park was once known as the Old Spanish Trail and was traversed from New Mexico to California by adventurers in search of gold.
Southern Utah’s sunny, dry climate allows the park to remain open year-round, although spring and fall entertain the most visitors. There is a day-use fee ($5.00 in 2010) for this state park, which includes the boat launch and limited facilities, including a covered pavilion and vault toilets. Primitive camping is available ($10 per night in 2010).
Tags: Boating, Camping, cliff jumping, fishing, gunlock, gunlock state park, gunlock utah, kayaking, State Park, State Parks, utah state park, utah state parks, wake boarding, water skiing Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Boating, Camping, Cities - Towns, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Scenic Drives
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
 Sand Hollow State Park - Often referred to as Little Lake Powell Sand Hollow State Park is often referred to as little Lake Powell because of its red-rock formations and sand dunes that rise from the waters edge. Just 15 miles from St. George and just five miles from downtown Hurricane, Sand Hollow State Park beckons water sports and off-road enthusiasts with a 20,000-acre playground of sand dunes, and sparkling water. Recreational opportunities range from boating and fishing in Sand Hollow Reservoir to off-roading in the dunes surrounding the neighboring Sand Mountain. The newest of Utah’s state parks has quickly become one of its most popular.
 Swimmer at Sand Hollow State Park The summer-time warm waters of Sand Hollow reservoir make it a favorite destination for boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and also fisherman who are looking for the catch of the day. The reservoir is well-stocked with bluegill and bass. Water sports fans are also lured by the occasional fishing tournament, boat show, or wakeboard competition.
ATV enthusiasts consider the 6,000 acres of red sand dunes some of the most enjoyable off-road terrain around. Sand Hollow also offers opportunities for biking, hiking and equestrian adventures. Overnight camping with hook-ups is available at the Westside campground and at the Sand Pit campground.
The gates of Sand Hollow State Park are open year-round and daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. In 2010 the day-use entrance fee is $10.00 which includes the boat launch and OHV access. Annual state park passes ($75) can also be used at Sand Hollow.
 Boating at sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane Sand Dunes in background. Directions: Take I-15 to Exit 16 and travel east on Highway 9 for four miles. Turn right on Turf Sod Road and travel one mile. Turn left onto the Sand Hollow access road (two miles), then turn left at the park entrance.
Nearby activties: Sand Hollow Golf Course is just across the street from the entrance to the state park. Check out more details on this course by clicking here.
Tags: bass, bass fishing, bluegill, bluegill fishing, boaters, Boating, fishing, kayak, sand hollow, Sand Hollow State Park, State Park, swimmers, swimming, utah state park, water, Water Sports Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Boating, Camping, Cities - Towns, Geography, Geology, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Sports, St. George Utah, State Parks, Water Sports
Monday, October 12th, 2009
For its size, there may be more active events and activities in the St. George, Utah area, than any place in the world. With a regional population of approximately 130,000 people, there is ample evidence to lend credence to this claim. “In St. George you’ll find art, theater, history and a host of healthy lifestyle activities. That’s why so many great events are held here,” says Roxie Sherwin, Director of the St. George Area Convention & Tourism Office. It’s one thing to claim you’re number one, and another to back it up with facts.
 Mountain Biking near Zion National Park Natural Attractions: We can begin with the natural outdoor attractions for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling and all-around outdoor adventure. St. George is home to; Zion National Park - rated the #1 U.S. National Park by Trip Advisor, three state parks, Pine Mountain at over 10,000 feet above sea level, and the convergence of three major ecosystems (the Great Basin Desert, Mojave Desert and the Colorado Plateau). The result is a unique blend of plants, animals and landscapes. “This diverse terrain just begs to be explored and the best method for doing so is on foot, mountain bike or with ropes, and that means plenty of physical activity,” says Sherwin. There are hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in this region and many of these paths offer geologic contours and scenic vistas that are unsurpassed. Add to that the 50 miles of hard-surface trails that traverse the St. George area and you open the door to higher quality experiences for cycling, roller-blading, walking, and running.
 St. George Marathon Major Active Events: St. George is host to several major events, along with a slew of significant races and tournaments including; the St. George Marathon, the Huntsman World Senior Games and the newest Ironman Triathlon. The St. George Marathon, held annually in October, includes a Health and Fitness Expo and brings in a large number of supporters. In the upcoming January 2010 issue, Runner’s World Magazine will list the St. George Marathon in its Annual Marathon Guide. Readers of Runner’s world voted this marathon the Most Organized! The race has also been named the fastest fall marathon, and one of the four best marathons in the world to plan a vacation around. It is consistently one of the top qualifying events for the Boston marathon.
The Huntman World Senior Games, with over 9,000 competitors, is a two-week event held in October. For senior athletes over the age of 50, this is the premiere annual event of its kind. Competitors have come from all 50 U.S. States and from over 60 countries.
World Triathlon Corporation just selected St. George as their newest event location. Once it was announced, and people realized where this would be held, all 2,500 participation slots were sold-out within a few months. The inaugural Ford Ironman St. George occurs in May of 2010.
Sports Tournaments: The city of St. George hosts approximately two dozen softball tournaments, and offers competitions for baseball, basketball, volleyball, rugby, soccer, wrestling, and track and field. There are also twelve runs and races, three triathlons, and ten cycling races and rides.
Resort Spa Central: Fitness Ridge Resort Spa was selected in October 2009 as the only fitness resort for the very popular “The Biggest Loser” weight-loss television show. Hence their new name - The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge. Two other world-class fitness spas are also located in the St. George area; Green Valley Spa and Red Mountain Spa. It’s likely that no other location in the world can claim three fitness resort spas of this caliber.
 Golfers enjoy St. George Golf Course and Weather Golf Courses: This deserves to be ranked right up there with anything else that goes on in the St. George area. Here you’ll find 12 challenging golf courses, all within about 20 minutes of each other. The combination of quality, affordability and close proximity is hard to find anywhere in the United States and may indeed be unparalleled. Golfers from around the United States, Canada and many other countries are discovering St. George as a golf destination.
Sports Facilities / Tennis / Parks / Trails: For a smaller city the community and surrounding area offers a large number of active facilities. For instance, St. George is home to the nationally known Canyons softball complex and five other complexes that host multiple events, including the 325 team World Senior Games tournament. Additionally many other fields are available for soccer tournaments, rugby and other sporting events including; Hansen Stadium - (5,000 seats / Football, Soccer, etc.), the Burns Arena - (5,000 seats / Basketball / Volleyball, etc.), tennis facilities - (42+ area public courts + new Pickleball courts), Sand Hollow Aquatic Center, Washington City Community Center, St. George Recreation Center, over 35 area city parks for outdoor recreation and 50 miles of hard-surface trails.
 Hiking in the St. George, Utah area. When you add to this significant list the ideal winter weather conditions, with average daily temperatures that are perfect for outdoor activities, then you understand why St. George literally entices everyone to enjoy the full benefits of an active lifestyle. These examples illustrate some of the mounting evidence that this area, for its size, is the world’s most active destination.
For more details visit…
www.atozion.com, www.redrockgolftrail.com, www.zioncountryactiontours.com, www.utahstgeorge.com.
Tags: active, aquatic center, baseball, basketball, Biggest Loser, biggest loser resort, canyons complex, facilities, fit, fitness, fitness resort, Fitness Ridge, fitness spa, Golf, Golf Courses, health, healthy lifestyle, Hiking, huntsman world senior games, Ironman, ironman triathlon, marathon, most active destination, Mountain Biking, pickleball, rugby, running, saint george, saint george utah, sand hollow, senior games, soccer, softball, Spas, Sports, St. George, st. george golf courses, st. george ironman triathlon, St. George Utah, tourism, tournaments, track and field, trails, travel, volleyball, walking, walking trails, washington city, wrestling, Zion National Park Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Biking, Canyoneering / Climbing, Cities - Towns, Flora & Fauna, Forest, Geography, Geology, Golf, Health & Fitness, Hiking, Ironman, Resort, Seasons, Spa, Sports, St. George Utah, Weather, Zion National Park
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
Tags: activities, Adventure, air service, airlines, airport, dining, Guided Tours, lodging, outdoor adventure, photos, saint george, saint george utah, St. George, St. George Utah, transportation, videos, zion, Zion Canyon, Zion National Park, zion park Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Biking, Canyoneering / Climbing, Cities - Towns, Conventions, Entertainment, Events, Forest, Geography, Geology, Golf, Hiking, Ironman, Restaurants, Shopping, Snow Canyon, Sports, Springdale Utah, St. George Utah, State Parks, Zion National Park
Friday, January 23rd, 2009
 Exploring the St. George Area While thumbing through National Geographic Magazine at a doctor’s office in Anchorage, Alaska, Jim Clay saw something that intrigued him: St. George, Utah sunshine.
“I decided right then that it would be great to go someplace sunny and warm where I could start a business riding ATVs every day of the year,” he said. “In the magazine was an article on St. George, Utah. The pictures were phenomenal.”
Without knowing anyone in the St. George area, Jim packed his bags and started working on his dream. That was twelve years ago. He now makes his living introducing others to the beauty and adventure he found here on the back of an ATV. www.atozion.com
“My idea was to offer high quality ATV adventure rides. I wanted to teach people how to ride safely, how to enjoy the sport and how to be good stewards of the land.”
Most of the people who sign up for his guided ATV and Jeep rides are from out of state. When they really get into the St. George area - when they see it from the back of an ATV “it makes their jaws drop,” he said. “They talk about it all the time, it’s the highlight of their vacation and they return year after year to do it all again.”
“I’m just spoiled rotten here,” said Jim. “It’s amazing how quickly you can get into the back country, and get a sense that there’s no one else around.”
The St. George area is a Mecca for ATV riding. It’s a far cry from the Alaska wilderness Jim grew up in, but to this point it’s been well worth the trip.
For information about ATV tours visit www.zioncountryactiontours.com
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