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Show '?!'? f ?, M9 f (v1, 4 ) - , i iVi' . ' I t". V . 4 i I Sun Advocate Price, Utah Thursday August 29. 2002 7B 2 The San Rafael Swell and reef provide plenty of entertainment represents the most dramatic route through the swell At the wedge, visitors may view the impressive Little Grand Canyon carved by the San River. The Buckhom roaa drops from the wedge throughanarrow sand--' stone canyon lined with cottonwoods to a crossing on the San Tbe San Rabel Swell The 900 square mile San : Rafael Swell is a wild desert re-- -; gion located primarily in Emery County. Approximately 25 miles ifrom Price, the Swell occupies an area 65 miles north ; Jto south and 40 miles across. 1 What can be done and sen? Historically, the swell was crossed by various expeditions with little cover and temperatures routinely exceeding 100 degree. Spring and fall are better options, with more moderate temperatures. Few people visit during the I cold winter months. In addition to hikers and photographers, the red rock wonderland of the San Rafael Swell is a Rafael River. Residents and travelers 'during the exploration of the est, but received virtually no ; ! permanent settlement The majority of the tracks crossing the swell resulted from '.prospectorstin the early to mid r20th century. The tracks provided Jtheonly access until 1972, when should consider touring the following areas on the San Rafael: Erosion has created unique sandshapes in the stone on the Head of Sinbad. Deep within a canyon in the southern end of the swell lies Hidden Splendor, once one of the biggeh uranium mines in Utah. I ' Muddy Creek can be followed through the San Rafael Reef when the water is low. Nearby is Keesle Country, a maze of canbuff-color- popular destination for ed . 1--70 yons. Hondoo Arch is located above Muddy River and the area offers places for hiking as well as camping. Little Wild Hone Canyoa cuts through pie San Rafael Reef for two milfs Near Goblin Valley State Park. The narrow canyon makes for a good short day hike. Black Dragon Canyon has teresting pictographs. The rock the Little Grand Canyon makes for a pleasant flat water trip by raft or canoe from May to June. Two popular scenic drives in- - dude the Wedge Overlook, Buckhom Draw and the Tfemple Mountain Goblin Vfclley roads. road The formation includes a dragon, geometric shapes and human m fig-- off-ro- ad vehicle users. . 70 was constructed. exits currently Various I; - 'allow easy entrance to the middle ; section of the swell and link with Xthe mining tracks. ; ; Hiking and exploring attrac- tions entice people to visit the " swell. There are trails to mountains, historic sites, old mines and numerous canyons to explore. The San Rafael River through Wedge-Buckho- There is also impressive rock art along Buckhora Draw. The Sarj Rafael Swell desert is uncompromising in summer, lysd oval-shap- 2 tires. ' i . The Hidden Splendor ura-- i nium mine was famous in Utah. Originally named the Delta, the . mine dosed in 1957 without reaching its estimated potential. The abandoned mine site is tucked away in a canyon at the southern end of the swelL The area is best explored on foot Hidden Splendor is 44 miles south ranch by graded road from 1-- exit 129. The United States Bureau of Land Management controls the majority of the swell. Dispersed camping is allowed without permits. But camping near the Wedge Overlook is restricted to designated areas. Motorized travel is limited or prohibited in certain areas to protect sensitive resource values or maintain specific recreation op - portunities. Contact the Price BLM field office for current information about travel regulations and comply with posted restrictions. How to get there. There are actually a number ofways to get to the swell but the most oommon way people this beautiful toftheiarea is to travel south on Highway 10 to a tumoffjust before the the highway enters Castle Dale. The road ' From there the road into the middle to where the breaks off into various parts of the formation. What is the driving time? Since the San Rafael is so massive and there are so many areas that can be enjoyed and explored it would be nearly impos- will go sible to estimate a specific amount of time. Access to the swell can be from either of several major highways which in-- I elude south from US-- US-1and SR-2Informatkm. Contct Castle Country Ibur-isor the Buat reau of Land Management at 6, 0, 4. m One of the main attractions in the San Rafael Swell is the Wedge Ovepook whet the San Rafael River has cut through various types of sandstone over eons to create what some people think is more beautiful than the Grand Canyon. m Hie San Rafael Reef on the eastern side of the swel has many "slot canyons" cut into it These are areas where water has worn canyons into the sandstone and in some places has created passages that are so narrow that people have to turn ! sideways to get through them. These canyons can be vety dangerous during thunderstorms however. Stop in for delicious: Hamburgers Chicken Sandwiches Salads Fries Frosty's Ice Cold Drinks & Much More window Isopen 'til midnight every night Our pick-u- p 687 Price River Drive Price The San Rafael Reef as it looks fount the eastpnr side of the swell. be seen for miles and was only traversed by a road, This uplift can 637-868- 30 years ago. 6 ONE LOW PRICE REW RADIAL TIRES 4 for 148 1850OR13 19575R14 15580R13 18575R14 20575814 21V75R15 20575815 22575815 23S75R15 Mute mount Marino end new Hems. f COUPON J! I I . . ItO State Inspection 12 Price ONLY Sgoo MoNWMm hEimvm li ST84 Tleid design ray J Summer Specials : vary No Nddan costs II Tire Rotation I Mot WNd. II Jk - Balance j 195.1, aMl Ml a Mi MR B EXPRES044B i Restaurants Inc. Knives, Tools, Guns, Binoculars, Fishing Poles, Camping Equipment & Much More COUPONS jj T&S J Also dba: r Saddles & Tack & Saddle Repair Price & Roosevelt 715 PAWN 1 15 W. Main, Price 637-374- IMINMN.IN4 R COPY 8, ' East Main, Price 637-18- 40 i ! |