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Show Summer Sports & Recreation Page 2 A change of place Moab the name evokes images of red rock arches with snowcapped snow-capped mountains in the background, canyons and buttes out of Hollywood westerns, and mountain bicycle trails on slickrock that appear to have been designed for the express purpose of riding. Heck, the town has even inspired a Nike sneaker, perhaps the most glowing praise in this, the MTV era. But Moab is suffering under much the same assault that plagues many other outdoor-sport outdoor-sport centered towns across the West. Overcrowding and overuse is affecting the experience of those who would enjoy the pursuits prevalent in such towns. Ski towns such as Park City and summer-fun areas like Moab are being loved to death by outdoor sports enthusiasts. Thaf s not surprising, given the influx of refugees from the big cities of America into the Intermountain West. But the solitary experience that brought many people to this region is getting harder and harder to find. In Moab, that experience is all but gone in many favorite haunts. Some would say that such an experience in Utah has gone the way of the dinosaur and the dodo bird. But that is most certainly not the case. Pockets of true soiituae are out there for the jC," nnaine. You'll have to get out of your car and get dirty to find them, but thaf s half the fun. And for those who don't want to, or can't, get out of the car, there are some areas left that can still provide access to a relatively solitary experience. Again, you'll have to search for them. But here to help you along are introductions to two such places The Escalante region of southcentral Utah has all of the features of Moab with far fewer people. It even has some things that Moab doesn't have. Sure, Escalante's a bit farther of a drive from Park City than Moab, but thaf s part of the reason for its peace and quiet. As they say, you've got to give something to get something, Spendmg an tig i a - ' AS -J. H :: 4- v 4 extra hour (if that much) on the freeway to get away from spring break hordes of drunk teenagers seems well worth the investment. Vernal, in northeastern Utah, appears to have simply been overlooked. Boaters know about Flaming Gorge and fishermen know the Green River, but considering the varied resources that all lie within a short radius of the town of Vernal, the numbers of people recreating there is staggeringly small. And Vernal is only a bit over two hours' drive from Park City, which means it is more than close enough if you've only got a day or two to get away. When one's sanity is at stake and you simply HAVE to get out of town, a short jaunt to Vernal will give you your choice of everything from high alpine meadows to desert canyons and everything in between. Make your choice, both of activities and petroglyph, location, and enjoy. Dmosaur Have a safe, happy National Monument and active summer! Anasazi vnji,.i v,v,'vw,.v,.r- OldTown Guest House Debbie Lovie & John Hughes, Proprleters 1011 Empire Ave Park Qty, Utah 84060 (801) 649-2642 We Cater to Mountain Bikers Hearty Breakfast Bike storage Guided bike tours Sunday Brunch ride Lodging & Bikingpkgs Hottub Bike Rental Available Call for reservations 648-2642 STAFF Publisher Andy Bernhard Managing Editor Sena Flanders EditorWriter Luke Smith DesignProduction Amber McKee Advertising Director Pamela Hainsworth Advertising Sales. ..Tracy Gallagher, Bonny Royce, Holly Rudy, Dani Charbonneau Advertising Production Murray Triplett Darkroom Production Eva Kropp The Park Record's Guide to Summer Sports and Recreation is published at least once a year as a service to our readers. The Park Record offices are located at 1670 Bonanza Dr., Park City. Address all correspondence to P.O. Box 3688, Park City, Utah 84060. H Sports Rirfs Gift Shop Christmas In May Sale Jackets - Starter- Apex- Pro Player- Now $59. (NIL. NBA. NHL. NCAA. MLB) Starter Sweatshirts - Feg. $59." Now $29." (MLB. NBA. NH.) Authentic Pro Football Jerseys - Reg. $1 19 ONLY STOCK ON HAND NOW $89." Sweatshirts - Russell 8 Salem - $19." Opened on Sundays - Noon to 5 No Layawarys on Sale Items FOOTHILL VILLAGE Urrtted to Stock on hand 1400 FOOTHILL DR. 582-7112 |