Vernal Utah Multi Activity Options Trip
Details
Somewhat fuzzy details at this point due to the new area and long description, so that you can visualize my thoughts on this area; this is not the usual CQR trip.
I understand the club’s desire to find new areas that are close to the normal CQR area and the desire to camp and ride without trailering and moving. That’s why I sent out the survey with those odd questions.
In this area, at approximately the same time, there is:
An ATV/UTV jamboree
A couple of medium-sized lakes
Dinosaur National Monument
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
A rather unusual sandstone rock formation
Open riding areas
A choice of trails without requiring daily trailering.
Another CQR event immediately following, just two hours away in Rock Springs, WY.
All of this activity is only five and a half Google Maps hours from Denver.
The Grand Plan
This trip is longer than the usual CQR trip; it spans 10 days in total, covering the combined Vernal and boondocking portions only (excluding the jamboree portion organized by others). This is split between two locations that are 20 miles apart, 5 days each.
So here is the plan based on the Jamboree dates that are still TBD (they usually publish Jamboree dates in January). I plan on having the CQR event start the day following the jamboree.
This area is expansive and offers two distinct types of riding experiences. Near Vernal, it’s arid, primarily like Moab, with some trees and more dirt/sand, less slick rock. However, if you're looking for big rocks, there is an area with plenty to play on. The boondocking area is north of Vernal, and there are more trees and mountainous trails to be experienced.
To be able to make the most of the trails and mixed terrain, relocation midway through is planned to eliminate a 20-mile trailered commute each way on US Highway 191. For the second half of the trip, we plan on boondocking at one of two great locations, still TBD, coin flip.
The PRELIMINARY dates
Consider being in the Vernal area on Sunday, May 31st (arrival date), with no planned ride on arrival day, and daily rides until June 5th. We will then move to the boondocking location, which is approximately 20 miles north. Stay there until June 9th, as a ride is planned that day. Then, you can travel to the other CQR Rock Springs event on the 10th, which is two hours away.
We plan on being in Vernal even before the jamboree to do research and scout routes and boondock camping areas. As we get better intel (I am working with last year’s maps, so checking for random trail closures, etc.) and closer to the event, more details will be available. As always, you can join for any or all days.
As for accommodations in Vernal, there are several campground options, including a KOA and other similar ones in and near town. You could stay at a hotel in Vernal for the length of this whole trip; the boondocking place is 20 miles from town, and trailering would be required on all US Highways.
OHV Riding part
The local riding club has mapped about 40 of their club rides in this greater area. There are approximately 20 of those rides they use in the jamboree, from which I plan to choose. Terrain varies from mellow to extreme, with safety equipment stipulations. Most have their descriptions to help you decide if that trail is for you. They even have some trails, intentionally for self-guided rides; again, this would be an on-your-own adventure. I can provide you with their geolocated maps designed for use in Avenza.
Potluck, social hours, and anything else that's fun are still TBD due to the split locations; your input is appreciated.
ADDITIONAL NON-CQR RELATED OR SANCTIONED ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA AS FOLLOWS
If you want to do a non-riding day(s), bring your kayak, do the jamboree, or something else; you are on your own, check rules and regs, and make sure you know before you go. I bet others would like to have a break day, team up. FYI, you drive right by both lakes and toward Flaming Gorge the day we relocate, so if you are looking for a side adventure to do, that day would be ideal.
Jamboree
The actual dates of this trip are still TBD because the Outlaw ATV Jamboree folks have not officially published their dates yet. It is historically the last Wednesday through Saturday in May. We do not want to have CQR conflict with that many people.
We have been to this jamboree 3 times, and it is always fun.
IMPORTANT: The jamboree part will have no connection to CQR. That said, if you want to arrive early and double up on your riding, it’s a good way to do that. I will be using their trail maps, descriptions, and going on rides with them to see where we can take you for the most fun.
The Jamboree has fees and rules and stuff; you need to deal with all that on your own if you participate in it.
Lakes
There are two medium-sized lakes in the vicinity. I prefer Red Fleet Reservoir 10 miles away, it’s pretty which is cool, and Steinaker Reservoir 5 miles away, is just a lake, check the Utah website for usage information.
Other activities
Flaming Gorge, 40 miles from Vernal and 17 miles from the boondocking spot
Dinosaur National Monument, 16 miles from Vernal.
Fantasy Canyon, 43 miles from Vernal, is a sandstone canyon; it is not an actual canyon like the Grand Canyon. It’s a bunch of weathered sandstone formations that are hard to describe unless you were around in the ’60s and ’70s. Just think about the shape of thousands of huge frozen lava lamps, but you would have had to be around in the '70s for that, too, so Google it. This could also be a trailered/desert ride trip on your own if you wanted to do that.
There is a designated open riding OHV area on the way to Fantasy Canyon, so let those horses run.
Lastly, this is Utah, so be sure to comply with all their training, licensing, and insurance requirements. Just plan that every day will require some street/highway travel, so be street legal. Please don't ask me to alter trails or how to bend their rules.
Update: A new law has passed in Utah that requires all UTV operators to complete an online course and print out a certificate. Here's a link to the course:
https://recreation.utah.gov/off-highway-vehicles/ohv-education-course/
DOT CERTIFIED HELMETS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL CQR RIDES. IT IS ALSO STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL RIDERS HAVE A FRS OR GMRS TWO WAY RADIO, FOR SAFETY AND HELP THE GROUP STAY TOGETHER.