Utah State Parks Blog http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog Thu, 03 May 2012 14:35:38 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 The Goblin’s Lair! http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1051&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-goblins-lair http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1051#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:56:21 +0000 Sarah Siefken http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1051 This spring is an exciting time to visit Goblin Valley State Park! We have decided to introduce the world to one of our park’s hidden treasures. Of the few who are aware of its existence, some call it the Chamber of the Basilisk. To others, it is known as Goblin’s Lair. Whatever the name, hidden deep within the cliffs above the Valley of the Goblins is an expansive cavern with ceilings eighty feet high! Weather permitting, ranger guided hikes to this remote attraction will now depart from the Carmel Canyon Trail Head each Saturday. For those experienced canyoneers interested in rappelling through one of the cavern’s skylights, the required back country permits are available at the visitor center, free of charge.

]]> http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1051 0 Color Returns to the Trails at Dead Horse Point State Park http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1056&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=color-returns-to-the-trails-at-dead-horse-point-state-park http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1056#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:55:42 +0000 Ranger Jordan http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1056 The month of May marks a fantastic change in the plant life at Dead Horse Point State Park. Despite the dry winter, the plants are returning with brilliant color. This is an excellent month for photographers, artists or anyone interested in desert flowers to visit the park. The variety of colors found right at the trails’ edge is enough to entice anyone to hike a bit further. The deciduous trees and shrubs of the park have awakened from their winter slumber and are bringing lush green tones and lively zest to the red rock landscape. Hikers are sure to be pleased by the sweet fragrance drifting from flowering shrubs.

The blossoming of cacti is an event not to be missed. For a brief time of the year these spiny desert icons turn into splashes of color on the landscape. Be it a prickly pear, claret cup or fishhook, each cactus brings their own significant flower to the mix. The prickly pear, the most common cactus in the park, is known for large flowers of yellow, pink and orange. The claret cup grows in a clustered mound spotted with fiery red flowers that have a golden base. The… Read the rest

]]> http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1056 0 Spring Riding at Dead Horse Point State Park http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1044&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spring-riding-at-dead-horse-point-state-park http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1044#comments Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:43:28 +0000 Ranger Jordan http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1044 May is nearly here and with it comes the onset of the tourist season at Dead Horse Point State Park. Park staff is looking forward to a great season of interpretive programs, school field trips, guided hikes, and the daily assortment of visitors from around the world. The abnormally warm and relatively snowless winter has paved the way for abundant outdoor activities this spring. Despite the fact that March retains a bit of chill in the air, it is an excellent time for both fat and skinny tire cyclists to get rolling.

The Intrepid Trail System at Dead Horse Point State Park offers enjoyable riding for novice mountain bikers and their seasoned counterparts. These trails offer a fun riding experience and astonishing views. Since its’ inception, the Intrepid Trail System has yielded a steady increase in use each season. The varied terrain of all three trails in the Intrepid Trail System are ideal for preparing any rider for the challenge of Moab’s more advanced trails. Many riders have already begun to take advantage of the trails and get a jump start on the riding season. March weather provides good riding conditions, enough daylight and lacks the extreme heat of summer.… Read the rest

]]> http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1044 0 Current reservoir conditions- February 27 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1039&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=current-reservoir-conditions-february-27 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1039#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:07:35 +0000 Browntrout http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1039

 Conditions are changing, so make sure to take precautions before heading out!

  • Bear Lake State Park Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/36 degrees *watch for ice
  • Bear Lake First Point: Launch Ramp CLOSED- boat launching may be available depending on ice
  • Bear Lake Rainbow Cove: Launch Ramp CLOSED- boat launching may be available depending on ice
  • Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach: Launch Ramp CLOSED
  • Deer Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/thin and unsafe ice
  • East Canyon State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- one to 12 inches of ice
  • Wide Hollow at Escalante State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- soft ice, use caution
  • Great Salt Lake State Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/29 degrees 
  • Gunlock State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/43 degrees 
  • Huntington State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- eight to 10 inches of ice
  • Hyrum Lake State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- four to eight inches of ice
  • Jordanelle State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees- thin ice at Rock Cliff and main ramp at Hailstone
  • Millsite State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
  • Otter Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
  • Palisade State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
  • Piute State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
  • Quail Creek State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/44 degrees 
  • Red Fleet State Park:

… Read the rest

]]> http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1039 0 Current reservoir conditions – February 13 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1036&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=current-reservoir-conditions-february-13 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1036#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:24:08 +0000 Browntrout http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1036
  •  Bear Lake State Park Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *watch for ice
  • Bear Lake First Point: Launch Ramp CLOSED- boat launching may be available depending on ice
  • Bear Lake Rainbow Cove: Launch Ramp CLOSED- boat launching may be available depending on ice
  • Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach: Launch Ramp CLOSED
  • Deer Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/thin and unsafe ice
  • East Canyon State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- one to 12 inches of ice
  • Wide Hollow at Escalante State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- soft ice, use caution
  • Great Salt Lake State Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/30 degrees 
  • Gunlock State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/41 degrees 
  • Huntington State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- eight to 10 inches of ice
  • Hyrum Lake State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- four to eight inches of ice
  • Jordanelle State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees- thin ice at Rock Cliff and main ramp at Hailstone
  • Millsite State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
  • Otter Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
  • Palisade State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
  • Piute State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
  • Quail Creek State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/42 degrees 
  • Red Fleet State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/ nine inches of ice
  • Rockport State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/ice

    • … Read the rest

    ]]>     http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1036 0     Current reservoir conditions- February 6 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1033&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=current-reservoir-conditions-february-6 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1033#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:02:01 +0000 Browntrout http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1033 Beautiful weather statewide- get out and visit your favorite state park!

    • Bear Lake State Park Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *watch for ice
    • Bear Lake First Point: Launch Ramp CLOSED- boat launching may be available depending on ice
    • Bear Lake Rainbow Cove: Launch Ramp CLOSED
    • Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach: Launch Ramp CLOSED
    • Deer Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/thin and unsafe ice
    • East Canyon State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- one to 12 inches of ice
    • Wide Hollow at Escalante State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Great Salt Lake State Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/30 degrees
    • Gunlock State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/41 degrees
    • Huntington State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Hyrum Lake State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- four to eight inches of ice
    • Jordanelle State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *ice forming at Rock Cliff and Hailstone
    • Millsite State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Otter Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Palisade State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
    • Piute State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
    • Quail Creek State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/42 degrees
    • Red Fleet State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/ice
    • Rockport State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/ice
    • Sand Hollow State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/43 degrees
    • Scofield State Park: Launch

    … Read the rest

    ]]>     http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1033 0     Antelope Island Morning http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1027&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=antelope-island-morning http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1027#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:59:27 +0000 Wasatch Wendy http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1027 With such mild winter weather, it feels like spring has already arrived at the Island – minus the bugs!

    Come on out and enjoy the sights, sounds and feeling of this incredible place. If you can stay and enjoy the sunset it will be an experience you won’t forget!

    ]]>     http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1027 0     Current reservoir conditions- January 18 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1020&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=current-reservoir-conditions-january-18 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1020#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:10:47 +0000 Browntrout http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1020 Sounds like we’re in for some snowy weather! Be careful out there.
    •  Bear Lake State Park Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *watch for ice
    • Bear Lake First Point: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees
    • Bear Lake Rainbow Cove: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees
    • Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach: Launch Ramp CLOSED
    • Deer Creek State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *watch for ice
    • East Canyon State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/32 degrees *weak ice
    • Wide Hollow at Escalante State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/33 degrees *thin ice
    • Great Salt Lake State Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/31 degrees 
    • Gunlock State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/46 degrees 
    • Huntington State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Hyrum Lake State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- four to eight inches of ice
    • Jordanelle State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *ice forming at Rock Cliff
    • Millsite State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Otter Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Palisade State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
    • Piute State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
    • Quail Creek State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/46 degrees 
    • Red Fleet State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/ice
    • Rockport State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/ice
    • Sand Hollow State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/46 degrees 
    • Scofield State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – 10 to 12

    … Read the rest

    ]]>     http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1020 0     Current reservoir conditions- January 9 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1016&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=current-reservoir-conditions-january-9 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1016#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:33:43 +0000 Browntrout http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1016

    For fishing reports, visit http://wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots/

    • Bear Lake State Park Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *watch for ice!
    • Bear Lake First Point: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees
    • Bear Lake Rainbow Cove: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees
    • Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach: Launch Ramp CLOSED
    • Deer Creek State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *ice starting to form
    • East Canyon State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/32 degrees *weak ice
    • Wide Hollow at Escalante State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/33 degrees *thin ice
    • Great Salt Lake State Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/31 degrees 
    • Gunlock State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/46 degrees 
    • Huntington State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Hyrum Lake State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- four to eight inches of ice
    • Jordanelle State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *ice forming at Rock Cliff
    • Millsite State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Otter Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Palisade State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
    • Piute State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
    • Quail Creek State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/46 degrees 
    • Red Fleet State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/ice
    • Rockport State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/ice
    • Sand Hollow State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/46 degrees 
    • Scofield State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – 6 to 8 inches of ice
    • Starvation State Park: Launch

    … Read the rest

    ]]>     http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1016 0     Current reservoir conditions – January 3 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1013&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=1013 http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1013#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:14:12 +0000 Browntrout http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?p=1013 Now until March 1,  catch a tagged rainbow trout at Rockport Reservoir and win up to $8000 in cash and prizes, including $2500 cash, sporting goods, generators, golf vacations and other great prizes. For details, check out the Rockport State Park webpage.
    •  Bear Lake State Park Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *watch for ice!
    • Bear Lake First Point: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees
    • Bear Lake Rainbow Cove: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees
    • Bear Lake Rendezvous Beach: Launch Ramp CLOSED
    • Deer Creek State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *ice starting to form
    • East Canyon State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/32 degrees *ice forming on edges
    • Wide Hollow at Escalante State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED/33 degrees *thin ice
    • Great Salt Lake State Marina: Launch Ramp OPEN/31 degrees 
    • Gunlock State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/48 degrees 
    • Huntington State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Hyrum Lake State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- four to eight inches of ice
    • Jordanelle State Park: Launch Ramp OPEN/35 degrees *ice forming at Rock Cliff
    • Millsite State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Otter Creek State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED- ice
    • Palisade State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
    • Piute State Park: Launch Ramp CLOSED – ice
    • Quail Creek State Park: Launch Ramp

    … Read the rest

    ]]>     http://stateparks.utah.gov/blog/?feed=rss2&p=1013 0