Monthly Archives: April 2011

Would you like to camp, but still have some of the comforts of home? Head to Hyrum State Park and stay in one of two new log cabins. Each cabin sleeps up to eight people and is furnished with two log-style bunk beds, a table and chairs, power, heat, air conditioner, microwave, and refrigerator.

Each cabin also offers a picnic table, barbecue grill, shared water tap and reserved parking. Cost is $60 per night.

Reserve one today at stateparks.utah.gov/reservations or by calling 801-322-3770.

Take advantage of the wet spring weather and get your OHV ready to ride! Refer to the owner’s manual for machine-specifics, but remember to do these basic tests:

• - Check battery
• - Check and replace spark plugs
• - Change oil and oil filter
• - Make sure lights work
• - Check tire pressure
• - Look for signs of deterioration in rubber and plastic parts

For more OHV safety tips, visit stateparks.utah.gov/ohv.  RIDE ON!

Looks like we are in for some decent weather this weekend…which state park will you visit? Below are the current reservoir conditions as of April 25:

… Read the rest

Park staff set up the park’s wildlife camera in a new location and left it alone for a week or so.  The result was a great coyote picture and a picture of a black-tailed jackrabbit.

These pictures were taken in the same location, but luckily for the jackrabbit, not at the same time!  Coyotes hunt for black-tailed jackrabbits, desert cottontails, kit fox and rodents but will settle for carrion (dead animals), deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and even grasshoppers or fruit if times are hard.  They have an undeserved reputation for preying on livestock (sheep and cows), but are known to focus mainly on rodents and rabbits.

Campers, early-morning or late-evening visitors to Dead Horse Point may be lucky enough to hear coyotes barking or howling, communicating with each other over long distances.

Two log cabins are now available for overnight camping at East Canyon State Park. Each cabin sleeps up to six people and is furnished with two log-style bunk beds, a table and chairs, power, heat, air conditioner, microwave, and refrigerator.

Cabins have a shelter, picnic table, barbecue, fire pit, and shared water tap. Sites include reserved parking, ADA accessibility and close proximity to the restroom and concession service.

A two-night minimum stay is required from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Fees are $75 per night on weekends and holidays, and $65 per night Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.

Make a reservation today by visiting stateparks.utah.gov/reservations or calling 801-322-3770.

Here are the current reservoir conditions as of April 18:

… Read the rest

Every time I catch myself getting disappointed about the “spring” weather here in the desert, I’m reminded that the rain (and sometimes snow) provides moisture for the wildflowers that are soon to come!

I’ve already seen Milkvetch (various species) and Newberry’s Twinpod blooming up on the mesa at Dead Horse Point.  Following will be Phlox, Utah Penstemmon, Serviceberry, cliffrose and a rainbow of various other flowers.