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River Rafting Safety Tips

Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips:

For one day or five whitewater rafting is one of the best ways to cool off in the summer heat for people of all ages and experience levels.  That’s right, everyone! In the last 30 years, rafting has grown out of its wild and risky days into a family friendly activity. The invention of new safety gear and a better understanding of whitewater has helped the industry mitigate the risks of rafting. On a guided rafting trip the staff will orient you with a solid safety speech at the put in before launching on your one day or multi day river adventure. Whether it is a Utah one day raft trip on the Green River below Flaming Gorge or a 4 or 5 day white water adventure on the Green River or Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument keep in mind you are potentially far from advanced help. Your guides are trained, certified and licensed but some injuries are beyond their medical training. Being mindful of your actions and thinking safe are key on a river rafting trip. Here are the basic measures you should take for every whitewater trip.

  • Wear a properly fitting PFD

PFD’s, or life jackets, are the most important piece of equipment in white water rafting. Yes, even more vital than the boat, paddles, or guide.  It is a hard rule: do not go on river without a PFD.  Unlike lakes or oceans, river water churns chaotically in rapids. Eddies form confusing whirlpools that suck straight down, diagonal waves kicking towards canyon walls, and holes circulate water on themselves creating stationary pockets of water within a system of movement.  Fortunately, a snug PFD will remove your need to navigate through this chaos, bringing you thoughtlessly to the surface

The vest should be tight against your chest and shoulders with all the buckles clipped. It shouldn’t come above your ears when you tug on the lapels. The jacket will loosen up over time and when its wet, so be sure to tug on your straps throughout the day and have a guide check that its fitted correctly.

  • Be mindful

The majority of river trip injuries happen on shore not on the river. Be aware of your movements getting on and off the boats and at camp, hiking stops or lunch. It’s easy to twist an ankle, accidentally slice your hand on a dinner knife, or get a burn from boiling water. Slow yourself down, the river isn’t a race. It will save a lot of havoc if you take a breath before swirling around with a knife in your hand.  Also, remember that drugs and alcohol decrease your body awareness and increase the potentially for a clumsy accident. The best way to combat shoreline injuries is simple, pay attention.

  • Dress to the day

Temperature injuries are some of the most common on the river. In the spring, cold air combined with cold water creates a very real hypothermia threat; and in the summer, the reflective water doubles your sun exposure, increasing the risk for heat stroke. Make sure you check the weather forecast for a general idea of what you should be prepared for going into your trip. If its spring, bring an extra fleece, rain jacket and pants to help fend off the splashing cold water.   In the summer, bring a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and even lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection.  In both cases, make sure you are hydrated and well nourished, fulling your body properly helps give it the strength you need for thermoregulation.

  • Swim Properly

Similar to the proper use of a life jacket, swimming correctly in the river can help you conserve energy and avoid unnecessary risk. Use the defensive swimming position, floating on your back, looking downstream with your toes out of the water. Although it is an instinct to stop your motion by standing up, this is one of the more dangerous moves on the river.  The water is stronger than you, and stopping your momentum is unlikely. It’s best to swim actively towards a raft or use the “noes and toes” defensive swimming position. Remember not to panic, the rapid won’t go on forever.

  • Speak Up

Much of rafting safety is in your control. Guides are doing everything they can to keep you safe, but a large portion is in your hands.  If you are uncomfortable with going on a certain section of a hike or don’t want to take an inflatable kayak down a rapid, that’s okay! Just let a guide know that they will help you. The guides are there to keep you safe.  Even if you are cold, hot, thirsty or have a minor cut, let someone know. It’s much easier to combat many small problems than one big one.

 

Rafting safely is all about small actions that prevent large catastrophes. Don’t skimp on the easy stuff and have fun!


24 Hours in the Dinosaur era

24 hours in the Dinosaur Era

Until mad scientists take Jurassic Park from the green screen to real life Vernal, Utah is the closest you can get to living in the Dinosaur Era. The bones haven’t been converted into living, breathing, teeth bearing dinosaurs. Here in Vernal there is a lot of evidence that the dinosaurs that once called this area home were plentiful and came in all shapes and sizes. Although, there is more than a lifetime of dinosaur and archaeological exploring to do in Vernal, you can pretty effectively transport yourself back in time in just 24 hours. Here is the best way to maximize your time travel.

Start your day in Dinosaur National Monument itself at the Carnegie Quarry, nicknamed the “Wall of Bones.” The Quarry is just a short drive outside of Vernal and it was Woodrow Wilson’s inspiration in 1915  to designate the Monument. The original boundaries just included the area of the bones and its direct surroundings, but was later expanded to include the Green River and Yampa River Canyons. The over 1,500 preserved and restored dinosaur bones are 149 million years old and include a massive stegosaurus neck and allosaurus skull. The truly amazing thing about the Quarry, is that all the bones lie exactly where they were deposited so many millions of years ago.  Paleontologist believe that the bones fell into an ancient river system, floated downstream until they were deposited into an eddy, buried in fine river sediment which preserved and fossilized the bones. Think dinosaur graveyard. The building was created so the wall wouldn’t have to be tampered with, leaving humanity to ogle at the remains of the ancient lizards.

After the morning at the “Wall of Bones,” head back into town to the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, or as locals call it, the Dino Museum. In the car keep an eye out for the town’s mascot, a 25 foot tall hot pink Dinosaur on the right side of the road. The museum is on the left near the center of town. The visitors center immediately reminds you why you’ve come with a massive life-size cast of a 50 foot tall dino found in Vernal. The skeleton is surrounded by windows peering into labs, where paleontologists work on current discoveries.  Inside, the museum takes you on a journey through time and geological history. Everything from the first multicellular organisms, into dinosaur era, through ice age, up to Native Americans and now. There are plenty of interactive exhibits for kids including a bone dig and a butterfly hall. Outside the museum is the Dinosaur Garden, with roughly 20 life size recreations of what scientists believed dinosaurs could have looked like in the flesh.

Last, head to Red Fleet State Park to the Dinosaur Track-way. This short hike winds its way through Utah’s red desert to the banks of a reservoir where you can find preserved dilophosaurus footprints. Bring a swimsuit and a picnic dinner for a sunset swim in the beautiful lake fantasizing about what it would be like to see the bones come to life. The creature that made the footprints is real and you see it saunter away from your picnic spot. Across the lake, stegosaurus slurps at the water and a velociraptor swoops down, just above your head.

You may not have a lot of time in your travel schedule when visiting Vernal, Utah for the first time so these are just some highlights. Coming to our area once is not enough you will have to return for incredible whitewater river rafting, single track mountain biking, fabulous hiking and lots of opportunities for camping.


7 Must Do Outdoor Activities in Utah

 Whitewater Rafting the Gates of Lodore on the Green River

The Green River meanders through the Utah/Colorado border but is so spectacular we had to keep it number 1 on our list. Entering through the Gates of Lodore sends you on a 44-mile expedition through technical whitewater rapids like Hell’s Half Miles, lets you sleep on peaceful beaches, watch the stars swirl around the canyon at night, explore vista hikes that will drop your jaw hundreds of feet back to the river, and let you live among the mule deer and bighorn sheep for a few days. Luckily the river is permitted, so although over 9,000 people apply to go down the river every year, it will never be overcrowded and you’ll sure to have an unforgettable wilderness experience. Once you have experienced a Green River Gates of Lodore trip you will have to come back and see the Yampa River another western river gem located in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument.

 Hiking in the Uinta Mountains

This is one of the more underrated mountain ranges in Utah.  Just a few hours outside of Park City, the Uinta’s are home to Utah’s tallest peak, Kings peak at 13,534 feet.  The wooded area is home to beautiful mountain lakes, wild flowers, and crisp mountain air and due to its high elevation, it stays cooler in the heat of the Utah summers.  With plenty of trails for day hikes or backpacking, it’s on the list for a Utah must-see.

Canyoneering in Canyonlands

 The slot canyons in Southern Utah are worth getting yourself into.  Spend a day hiking through one of the wider canyons, like the Narrows, or hire a guide to take you and your friends repelling down a longer more technical canyon.  Be sure not to attempt to do this on your own unless you know what you are doing. The canyons and change quickly with weather and you don’t want to be a search and rescue story. You will more than likely spend some time in Moab while you are there stop in to the local owned outdoor recreation and gear experts Moab Gear Traders.

 Backpack the Grand Gulch in Bears Ears

This stunning 52-mile backpacking trip will take you into the heart of Bears Ears. The steep canyon takes you out of this world as you walk past ancient pueblo ruins: everything from granaries and kivas to petroglyphs and pottery shards. It’s believed that Bears Ears was a hub for pre-colonized North America, like and ancient city. Ruins from many tribes can be found throughout the hike, but don’t forget to visit Newspaper Rock on your way out, with hundreds of petroglyphs from centuries of Native Americans.

Fly Fishing on the Green River

The A-Section of the Green River attracts Anglers from around the world. With over 1000 trout per-mile and cold crystal-clear waters, just below Flaming Gorge Dam, you’d be hard pressed to find a better fly-fishing zone in Utah.  Float the 7 miles section in a drift boat or walk along the banks of the river along a trail that runs the length of the first section.  While the A-section is the most popular, the B and C sections also offer amazing fishing with a few less people.  Make a weekend of it and float the A, B, and C sections, reserving a campsite on the riverbanks. Want to learn more about fishing or just need some help with your casting? Not to worry, there is a whole city of fishing guides in Dutch John, Utah happy to take you. Fishing is not your thing but you would still love to see the river, we offer a fantastic scenic river rafting day trip give us a call or book online for Utah one day on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam.

 Mountain Biking in Vernal, Utah

 Vernal is giving Moab a ride for its money.  It has something for everyone; easy beginner trails to learn or ride with kids, self-inflicted suffer fest, flowy downhills with a few drops if you are daring, and everything in between. The city sits on the edge of the North-Eastern Utah desert and the Uinta Mountains giving it a uniquely diverse landscape. Within 20- minutes of Vernal in either direction you can ride on Moab Style slick rock or Montana-esque packed dirt in the woods. There are dozens of well-made trails and not as crowded as Fruita or Moab.  Head into the local bike shop, Altitude Cycle, for tips on which trails to ride.

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

This Utah view is iconic for a reason. The three-mile hike takes you along sandstone slick rock, winding through desert half pipes and bowls. It’s a moderately-difficult hike and worth the trek to see the arch in person.


Great Valentine’s Day Adventures

Utah’s Best Outdoor Valentine’s Day Destinations

Are you an outdoorsy couple, struck by cupid’s arrow but stumped on how to celebrate your love?  Look at Utah’s most romantic ways to spend the day with nature.

Dog Sledding in the Uintah Mountains

 

Great Valentine’s Day Adventures

Take a ride in the charming Uintah Mountains with some of these adorable pups! Spend just an hour or head into the backcountry for a longer tour. Learn the tricks to mushing and maybe get a chance to drive the team. There are many outfitters, one of which is Luna Lobos is locally owned and operated just outside of Park City Utah. After your day with the dogs head to down town Park City for a romantic dinner. If you are looking to keep with the rustic feel check out Ruth Chris’s Steak house or the High West Whiskey Distillery, or keep it simple and wander around the city with a cup of hot coco.

Flaming Gorge Country in the winter

Great Valentine’s Day Adventures

 

Winter on the eastern end of the High Uinta Mountains is incredible for couples. The scenery is fabulous, the adventure abounds and there are no crowds. Cross country skiing on the local trails is a wonderful way to spend a valentines day in Flaming Gorge Country. Not your thing try snowmobiling into the backwoods on the Forest Service roads and trails. After a day out in the cold stop into one of the top notch local restaurants for a hot meal in a relaxing and romantic winter environment.

Sleigh Rides in the Heber Valley

sleigh rides

 

 

Snuggle up with a blanket, and a hot drink for a horse drawn sleigh ride in sharp peaks of Wasatch Mountain range. After your ride, head back to the lodge for a rustic dinner at the Homestead Resort. Remember to dress warm!

Dinosaur National Monument Fossil Quarry

Great Valentine’s Day Adventures

Dinosaur National Monument is best known for its warm weather activities like white water rafting on the Green River and Yampa River but winter is an excellent time to visit the monument. You and your sweetheart can enjoy the beautiful scenery with a dusting of snow and find warmth inside the Carnegie Fossil Quarry exhibit center. Here you will find approximately 1500 dinosaur fossils preserved for all to see and enjoy.

 Skiing on the Greatest Snow on Earth

Great Valentine’s Day Adventures

What better way to spend the day embracing Utah than playing on the greatest snow on earth. Utah has 10 world class ski resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City and a few more just outside.  Everything from Snowbasin in Ogden, Utah and Alta outside of Salt Lake, to Brian Head near Cedar City with terrain ranging from beginner to semiprofessional. So, choose one for you and your Valentine’s ability level and spend the day in a real winter wonderland. After your day on the slopes head in for a cup of hot coco or cocktail in the lodge for a romantic Après ski date.

 

Ice Castles

Great Valentine’s Day Adventures

The Midway ice rink is the largest outdoor skating rink Utah with stunning views of the iconic Utah peaks. No skates? Not to worry, you can rent them there. Spend a few hours skating head just five minutes away to the Midway Ice Castles.  Explore the enchanted rooms for as long as you like, but remember to wear boots and dress warm, its ice cold in there!


Steinaker State Park Vernal, Utah

Everything to know about Steinaker State Park located near Vernal, Utah

 

Utah is famous for its National Monuments and National Parks. A great secret about Utah is its incredible state parks. When visiting Vernal, Utah for one of our white-water rafting trips we recommend taking a little extra time and check out one of our local state park favorites. Steinaker State Park sits just four miles outside of the heart of Vernal, Utah. Steinaker state park is one of Utah’s hidden gems with awesome year around recreation.  The summer months provide a water oasis in Utah’s desert heat and the winter months it is a beautiful place to embrace the outdoors.

Steinaker reservoir is a man-made lake created by a diversion dam on Ashly Creek.  The dam, built in the early 1960’s, redirects the water from Ashley Creek into Steinaker where it is held for irrigation in the Ashley Valley. The side effect of the diversion dam, is an 820-acre haven for summer water recreation.  The water is warm in the summer months, in July reaching temperatures up to 70 degrees, perfect for swimming, boating, paddle boarding or almost any water recreation you can think of. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, rainbow trout and a few brown trout if you want to try your luck fishing.  Surrounding the lake are sandy beaches for kids to play on, picnic tables, and barbeque pits. For overnight stays there is a wonderful developed campground with improved campsites, RV hookups and cabin rentals are available.

In the Winter months, the reservoir continues to be a recreational mecca.  The lake freezes over providing the perfect location for ice fishing, a friendly game of pond hockey, or ice skating, the desert rocks providing a beautiful  backdrop for a day outside. This year on February 3rd is the annual Steinaker ice fishing tournament, so try your luck or head out to spectate the festivities.  There are also miles amazing of snowmobiling trails north of Steinaker on the Ashley National Forest.

If you are interested in geocaching, there is a geocache hidden somewhere near the park entrance. It has a clue “A great view of the lake.” Quadrants for the cache, specific to your GPS, can be found at https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/steinaker/geo-cache/ .

The designated campsites located in the park are a great way to view the night sky.  Steinaker just became one of only four parks in Utah holding the title of an “International Dark Sky Park.” This means the Park has taken great efforts to protect the area from light pollution and hosts events to throughout the year showcase the striking night sky. In the spring of 2018, they will be hosting an event to celebrate the recent designation, so don’t forget your telescope! Here is a great link for more information about the incredible night sky found at Steinaker. http://www.darksky.org/utahs-steinaker-state-park-becomes-worlds-newest-international-dark-sky-park/

Steinaker is a picturesque place to recreate in Utah with access to numerous activities year-round, don’t leave this state park unexplored! To find out about more upcoming events in at Steinaker State Park check out https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/steinaker/events/.


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