2014 Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Mountain Mom and Tots

Outlaw ATV Trail, Ashley National Forest, Utah

On our recent campout in Ashley National Forest we brought our Polaris RZR to explore the surrounding area. When we started out on our weekend getaway we weren’t sure where we were going to camp, what trails were nearby or what exactly we were going to do all day. We just knew we were headed to the Vernal, Utah area and that there’s a lot of off roading nearby.

We lucked out with our choice of camping in Ashley National Forest. Not only were there many off road trails, the area was secluded and beautiful. The most well known off-road trail is the 38 mile Outlaw ATV trail which traverses through forest, past lakes and over streams.

Unfortunately, because of the spontaneity of the trip, we did not have an accurate map of the off road trails in the area (Click here for a map of the Outlaw Trail). Instead we attempted to explore off road trails using signs and an outdated Utah map we found under the seat of our truck. Now, I know. A little planning could’ve prevented a lot of hassle.

The Outlaw ATV Trail is known as a difficult ride through tree fall, over rocks and bumps. The trail is meant for vehicles 50 inches wide or less, not for wider off road options like our Polaris RZR. We made it through several mud puddles, around boulders and tree stumps and along the dirt trail until we reached this pinch point. At a previous dead fall area we were able to clear a tree trunk from the path, but here the thirty foot long trunk wouldn’t budge.

Since Mountain Dad and I had already endured complaints from kids, mud splatters, bumpy trails and slow going, we called it a good attempt and turned back. Luckily we were able to do a fun ride near Dyers park just down the road from our East Park Campground later.

So if you’re planning an off road trip to the Flaming Gorge/Vernal Utah area may I suggest one important tip: Have a map.

Autumn at Sundance Resort: Bearclaw Supper Club, Harvest Market and Halloween Lift Rides

Autumn is a great time to be in the mountains. Our family lives near Sundance Resort in Utah and love to celebrate autumn with the great events hosted there. These are three of our favorites.

Bearclaw Supper Club

In September Mountain Dad and I enjoyed Sundance Resort’s newest fine dining experience – dinner al fresco on the patio of Bearclaw Cabin. On select nights in the summer and fall, guests can enjoy a lift ride to the top of Ray’s and Arrowhead lifts, a five course dinner, and live music from the highest point at the resort. The views are amazing.

Sundance Harvest Market

Every year Sundance Resort hosts a Harvest Market to beat all others. On the last Saturday of September artisans bring their crafts and wares to share in the beauty of the mountains. Although this year rain moved the event indoors, it did not disappoint.

What I love about the Harvest Market is experiencing the homemade. Whether it’s jewelry, artwork, home décor, furniture or food, the Sundance Harvest Market offers items you won’t find in any department store. I loved wandering the stalls, admiring handmade soaps, sampling Heber Valley Artisan Cheeses and listening to the talents of a local bluegrass band. My kids loved the owls from The Great Basin Wildlife Rescue.

Halloween Lift Rides

I’m not a fan of haunted houses, I like my horror in more family friendly doses. That’s why I like Sundance Resort’s Halloween Lift ride. Riding Ray’s Lift on a crisp autumn night with scenes of ghosts, cemeteries, and skeletons below puts me in the Halloween mood. This year spooky lift rides will be offered nightly from October 23-November 1st (closed Sundays), 7:00-10:00pm weekdays, 7:00-11:00pm weekends. Don’t miss it.

Disclosure: Sundance Resort did not ask me to write this post, but I do blog for them at www.sundanceresortblog.com.

Sundance Resort Sounds of Summer

Autumn is in full swing but before we abandon summer for the year I wanted to post my last moment of summer fun. This is a post I originally wrote for the Sundance Resort Blog in August. Enjoy!

Sounds of Summer Concert Series by Susan Strayer

Warm weather, good music and relaxing on blanket on a lawn. All these things are synonymous with summer for me and Sundance Resort’s Sounds of Summer Concert series combines them all in one place.

This month, Sundance has sponsored a free outdoor concert every Sunday afternoon from 4-6:30 pm. Local bands including The Black Lilies, Book on Tapeworm, and The Nate Robinson Trio have shared their music with the Sundance crowd on Ray’s Lawn with the final group, Please Be Human, set to perform this Sunday, August 31^st. With the mountain and Ray’s Lift as the perfect background scenery, the bands have brought a great feel to the resort, the perfect end of summer experience.

This past Sunday I packed a picnic and spread our blanket on Ray’s lawn to enjoy the musical talents of the Nate Robinson Trio. A reggae/country/rock band of local renown, the Nate Robinson Trio has been together since 2008, entertaining audiences of all ages.

My kids loved dancing along to the music, while my husband and I relaxed on the lawn. It turns out I didn’t even need to pack a picnic either. Concessions were available thanks to Sundance catering offering sandwiches and burgers for guests to enjoy.

If that kind of music isn’t your thing, don’t worry, each week has brought a different local flavor. The Black Lilies, and Book on Tapeworm have played as well and the final band scheduled is another local favorite, Please Be Human. The last week to enjoy the Sounds of Summer Concerts is this Sunday, August 31^st from 4:00 – 6:30 pm.

The warm weather, good company and happy sounds of summer were the perfect way to celebrate the end of this great season. I hope the Sounds of Summer Concerts will become an annual tradition.

Don’t miss the final week of Sundance Resort’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series – Sunday, August 31 between 4:00-6:30 pm with the band Please Be Human.

Waterfall Week Bonus: RZR to Cascade Springs, Utah

Fall is officially here. As a farewell to summer I wanted to post one more time about the things we most loved this summer. A few months ago I did a series of posts on local Utah County waterfalls (Stewart Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Battlecreek Falls) and wanted to include this last waterfall visit as an end of summer goodbye. Read more about Cascade Springs here.