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Show 8 Dinosaur Winter Wonderland Trail named for Don Hatch Don Hatch was well known as owner of Don Hatch River Expedition. Hatch loved running the white water rapids of Utah's rivers, however most people didn't know his love for the sport of snowmobiling. He was instrumental instru-mental in founding the Dinaland Snowmobile Club. He served in many positions in the club. At the time of his passing Hatch was serving as executive director of the club. One of his dreams was to be able to ride his snowmobile from his cabin on Dyer Ridge to Bear River Services, which is located south of Evanston Wyo., and on to the Mirror Lake snowmobile trail system. If this dream were realized, real-ized, snowmobilers from the Wasatch Front would have access to the Uintah Basin and Ashley National Forest by traveling some 150 miles of groomed snowmobile snowmo-bile trails. Through Hatch's tireless efforts working with the Forest Service and other agencies, the Don Hatch I Elk Park Memorial Snowmobile Trail was established. This trail took approximately 3 years to build, the first year the section from McKee Meadows north to Flaming Gorge Lodge was cut and marked, the second year the section sec-tion from Flaming Gorge Lodge west to Red Canyon Lodge was cut and marked. A large cat was brought in to remove large rocks and stumps from the trail to enable the state to groom the trail. The third year the section from Red Canyon Lodge to the Deep Creek road was cut and marked, existing roads take you on to Birch Creek. From that point it is about 70 miles to Bear River Services and the end of Hatch's dream. Someday we hope to complete com-plete this last section of the trail. Access: Trailheads are located at McKee Meadows - 8 miles south of U.S. 191 and Utah 44 junction; 26 miles north of Vernal; Flaming Gorge Lodge - 4 miles south of the dam on U.S. 191; Red Canyon Lodge or Overlook - Red Canyon road off of Utah 44; Moose Ponds - 9.5 miles north of U.S. 191 Utah 44 junction; 19 miles south of Manila; Ashley National Forest Boundary on Forest Roads 221 along Birch Creek; 7.5 miles south of McKinnon, Wyo. Mileage: Approximately 60 miles. Trail is groomed and marked with orange diamonds. Trail Description: Trail winds through ponderosa pine forests in the northeastern sections with wide vistas of the north slope of the Uinta Mountains. The eastern side of the trail parallels U.S. 191, Utah 44 and the Red Canyon Road. A spectacular view of Flaming Gorge Reservoir is available avail-able along the power lines south of Flaming Gorge Lodge and at Red Canyon Overlook. The remainder of the trail is through lodgepole pine and aspen forests with occasional open parks and meadows. The northwestern portion por-tion of the trail, west of the Deep Creek Road Utah 44 junction, is on grated forest roads and is also used by cross country skiers. Mule deer in winter. Photo by Ron Stewart Watching wildlife Snowmobilers on Dry Fork trail. by Ron Stewart Information and Education Manger Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Winter can be an incredible time to discover Utah wildlife. Herds of elk, deer and antelppe can be seen roaming through the foothills and valleys. Ducks and geese can be found almost every place there is open water. Small, seed-eating birds can be attracted to backyard feeding stations. Hawks and eagles perch on telephone tele-phone poles and roost in old trees Other small mammals and birds such as rabbits, porcupines, quail and pheasant can be quite visible along country roads. So if you need to get out of the house and break the cabin fever, discovering Utah's winter wildlife may be the answer or at least a good excuse. Wildlife Drives Studies have documented almost every American likes to see wildlife as they drive. In Utah, over 90 of those surveyed said they would drive at least some distance out of their way or plan a special trip if there was an opportunity oppor-tunity to view wildlife. To plan a wildlife drive, pick out a road that travels along or into the foothills. As the snow begins to fall, Utah's large mammals mam-mals migrate down from the mountains onto these foothills in search of a place to spend the winter. win-ter. Preferred winter ranges have Continued from page 9 IGA Super Center Food and Drug Store Open 7 days a week 7 am to 12 Film Developing Pharmacy Bakery-Deli Floral Western Union ATM 575 West Main Vernal, Utah (435) 789-2001 750 East 200 North Roosevelt, Utah (435) 722-2296 Everiihing ior the winter sportsman! Complimentary Continental Breakfast In-Room Coffee Old Fashioned Soda Fountain Commercial Rates Winter Rates For Reservations Call: 435-789-8172 Conveniently located across from IGA Super Center 590 West Main Vernal, Utah |
