Utah Mighty 5 From Salt Lake City

Our five spectacular national parks have come to be known as the Utah Mighty 5 - or the Mighty 5 Utah - and can be combined into one amazing Utah national parks tour.

I'm now planning my fall adventures and debating, do I hit all five parks in one trip? The alternative is to divide and conquer and do Zion, Bryce and Capital Reef in one outing and then do Arches, Canyonlands my next time out.

Both options have advantages. I like to get into the backcountry and that takes a little time. If you hit all parks in one trip you can see the most popular attractions but you are always pressed for time. But, looking at my schedule, is it really feasible for me to schedule two separate trips this fall?

If I do split the trip, east side and west side, I'd probably include Monument Valley with the Moab parks - it is not that much farther and very much worth the extra drive.

Decisions, decisions. I know I want to do a Utah national parks tour. I know I want to visit and explore the Utah Mighty 5. If I throw in Monument Valley it almost becomes a Grand Circle Tour. That's not bad, if I can find the time.

Regardless, I'm ready to hit the road. Oh, I still have to decide if I do the Mighty 5 as a self-drive tour, or do I go with my friends from Southwest Adventure Tours and let them guide and drive.

Sinking Decoy Line - Polypropylene Mainline

With water fowl seasons starting I've been checking my equipment and find I need new sinking decoy line.

Luckily, my friends at paracordgalaxy.com have it in stock at an amazing price. Here's their description:

Firm, diamond braided decoy mainline with 600 lb test. Handles extremely well. It's the idea pro grade heavy duty decoy line or gang rig mainline rope.  It's also great for crawfish traps.  Don't use cheap cord or line and risk losing your decoys, hardware, gear or traps. This is pro quality rope with hundreds of uses including hauling, cargo restraint, adventure, hiking, camping, boating, material handling, hoisting and more. An awesome tool for anyone's garage, workshop, boat or vehicle.

This is 1/4 inch polypropylene, full fiber core, perfect for my needs.

And the best part is the price, just $12.99 for 100 ft.

Check it out, mainline decoy sinking polypropylene.

They also have nylon rope and polypropylene rope, all made in the US, at great prices.

Have you seen the new Para-Claw Knife Buckle?

I like gadgets and gizmos when they are useful. I don't have time to follow every crazy trend but I'm quick to go with a good ideal.

I knew the new Para-Claw knife buckle was a winner immediately, the first time I saw one. It features a 1.5” hawkbill knife blade made of high-quality stainless steel, and can be incorporated in a bracelet or belt or other practical item. It is great when used for paracord projects.

I find it amazing. A sharp knife available instantly, anywhere, anytime. I get into situations periodically where a blade can be very useful and, perhaps, even save a life.

The blade has become a best seller for my friends at paracordgalaxy.com. They are literally shipping them all around the country. Here is their description:

The Para-Claw Knife Buckle features a 1.5” hawkbill stainless steel blade with a gunmetal black finish.  Handle grooves ensure a positive grip at all times. The buckle is actually a glass/nylon sheath system that locks the knife securely - and ready for immediate deployment in any situation. A steel T-post is incorporated into one end of the sheath. Tie your paracord bracelet by attaching one end to the ParaClaw knife and finishing the other end with a simple loop to attach to the steel T-post.

The buckle can be incorporated into many innovative paracord bracelet weaves. I'm definitely going to use them in some of my products.

Check out the para-claw buckle.

Polypropylene rope for boating, hunting and utility

The boating season is ending and I'm working to winterize my gear and make sure it will be in good shape when needed next year. I'm doing the same with my camping and recreation gear.

Hunting seasons are underway and I'm double checking to make sure I have everything needed for successful trips afield.

Rope is important for all of these activities and I find some of mine are warn and need to be replaced. There are many specialized ropes on the market and some are quite expensive.

For general use, I find polypropylene rope to be excellent. It is strong, easy to work with and inexpensive. I buy mine from paracordgalaxy.com. They offer various sizes and colors, with the best prices I've found. I usually get 3/8 inch in lengths of 50 feet.

I love their color choices.

I know the people at paracordgalaxy.com. They are good folks offering square deals.

Grand Circle Tours and Road Trips

Ready for a road trip? Whether you want to go it yourself or go with a professional guide, my friends will help you have the best experience possible.

The national parks and other attractions in the Grand Circle area in the Southwestern US are excellent destinations for fall travel. The hot temperatures of summer have moderated but the weather is still very nice, usually warm and dry.

See these Grand Circle tours for driving trips, from my friends in the Grand Circle Association.

If you want a guided experience, I suggest Southwest USA tours offered by Southwest Adventure Tours.

I know these people personally and they area great.

Lodging and Guide Services For National Park Trips

I serve as webmaster for the Grand Circle Association, a nonprofit that promotes travel to the national parks and other attractions in SW Colorado, NW New Mexico, southern Utah and norther Arizona. Some incredible scenery is found in that area.

Members of the association operate lodges and resorts, guide services, information centers and other businesses in the area. I know these people; I've visited their hotels, motels and resorts and I've gone on many of their guided tours. I recommend them.

National Park Lodges/Resorts
National Park Tour Guides/Guided Trips
Campgrounds Near National Parks
Travel Information Centers

Paracord for hunting and fishing

I'm going to start posting again, trying to make this useful.

Lately I've been carrying 550 paracord in my gear bag and I find it useful for securing gear, making repairs and creating items for specific needs.

I get all of my 550 paracord from https://paracordgalaxy.com. I know the guys there. It is a small, family-owned business based in St. George, Utah, where I grew up. They have a huge variety of cord at the best prices around and their customer service is top notch.

I recently bought a good, used bass boat. In my initial check I notices several little things that needed attention but nothing serious. I think I got a great deal. The first time I launched it I was surprised to find that the boat trailer bunk boards were held on with paracord. The screws/bolts and fallen out and the previous owner just wrapped them in paracord to keep them in place.

That fix worked but I don't consider it a good long-term solution. I'm now installed new bunk boards using real bolts.

https://paracordgalaxy.com recently did an interesting contest to learn about real-world fixes - ways customers actually use paracord. The photo on this blog shows one of the winners. See all the results here: https://paracordgalaxy.com/content/21-paracord-uses.

Paracordgalaxy.com's latest promotion suggests camo paracord for hunting. They have a huge selection of camo cords to match any hunting situation.

Ice Fishing Begins At Scofield, Strawberry Is Next

Scofield has 2-5 inches of ice, according to a DWR report today. The area near the dam and some other spots freeze early and people have been fishing there for a few days. With this cold weather, the entire lake is now solid. Fishing is usually very good during the first couple weeks after ice-on.

Bays at Strawberry will probably have fishable ice this weekend, although the main lake will probably not yet be safe.

I haven't heard any reports but I bet Otter Creek is now solid, and most other Traditional Utah ice fishing waters will freeze quickly now.

Always use caution when venturing onto new ice.

Explore Indian Country

I've started a new website to provide information about attractions and adventures in Indian Country, in the Southwestern U.S.

I've moved to the site many of my articles about ancient rock art and ruins.

I'm adding info about Navajo and other tribal culture and area attractions. I'm also posing information about pow wows and other Native American events, plus places where you can buy authentic Indian rugs, art and craft items.

I've always been interested in this stuff and I'll use the site to organize my material. Hopefully, someone will find it useful.

Ice Fishing Begins in Utah

I've been neglecting this blog, working too hard and not playing enough. Well, I've vowed to change. And now's a good time to get back to the lakes, since ice fishing is now starting in Utah. Huntington Reservoir now has 4 inches of ice and offers good fishing. Lots of tiger trout in there and they are fun to catch. Scofield should be fishable soon. Strawberry will take a couple more weeks. I'm starting a page to show what's frozen: Utah Ice Fishing Report.

Waterfall Hunting In Zion National Park

La Verkin Falls

Update - 5-17-13 - I did not make it to Labyrinth Falls. Ran out of time. I'll try to get down there is a couple weeks. I did hunt down a very pretty waterfall that fit into my schedule. It is called La Verkin Falls. I took the photo at right. I'll soon post an article with location info and more photos.

I have business meetings in St. George on Wednesday and I think I'll hand around an extra day and do some hiking in Zion National Park.

For some time I've tried to get a decent photo of a large, beautiful, virtually unknown waterfall, called Labyrinth Falls, located in the park backcountry. It is located at the top of Parunuweap Canyon, which is a deep, rugged, very scenic slot that is very difficult to get into. I've hiked to the top of the waterfall but could not get a decent photo from that vantage point. The entire bottom of the canyon just drops straight down the waterfall. And it twists halfway down - making it impossible to get a good shot.

This time I hope to hike to the canyon rim above the waterfall, and try to get a clear view from there.

Should be a fun trip. If I succeed I'll post a photo here.

Parunuweap Canyon - by Dave Webb

Meanwhile, this is one I shot in Parunuweap a couple years ago. See more of my Parunuweap shots.

- Dave Webb

Ice-Off Fishing At Strawberry Reservoir

I drove past Strawberry Reservoir on Saturday afternoon and was surprised to see ice still lingering near shorelines. There was a little fishable open water around the Ladders and Chicken Creek areas, but not much. Hardly enough to make it worth-while to launch a float tube.

I suspect the peak ice-off fishing at "The Berry" will happen during the middle of this week. By weekend, there may still be a little ice, but probably the big reservoir will be mostly open water.

We continued on to Currant Creek and found it totally ice-free. We cast various lures and had slow action until about 6 pm. Then then action really picked up and we caught many very nice rainbows, cutts and tiger trout. We had an enjoyable trip.

The shot at right shows one of my fish from Current Creek. See my full fishing report.

I hope to fish Strawberry on Thursday.

- Dave Webb

Ice-Off Fishing At Scofield, Strawberry

Ice is now pulling back at Utah's Scofield Reservoir and fishing is very good in the resulting open water. I'm probably going up there tomorrow to give it a shot.

Ice has just started to pull back in a few areas at Strawberry Reservoir. There is a little open water in front of  The Ladders and some people have been fishing there. It will probably be the middle of next week or next weekend before these is significant open water fishing opportunity.

I hope to fish Strawberry next Thursday. Anglers get really excited about ice-off at Strawberry and there may be a lot of people at the reservoir next weekend. I'm hoping on Thursday I can beat the crowd and still find enough water to fish.

Strawberry is fickle. It can be very, very good as it opens up but there are times when action is slow. No guarantees.

My normal comrades will not be able to go with me on Thursday so I'm looking for fishing buddies. Let me know if you are interested.

- Dave Webb

Hiking Angels In Zion National Park

With nice weather finally settling in, I'll be getting out and about more - I've got some fine adventures scheduled, fishing, hiking and exploring all around the Intermountain West and SW U.S.

During the cold season I try to do a major trip at least once a month, mostly going to destinations related to or family. Now, I'll try to get out weekly and pursue adventure for its own sake.

So stay tuned.

This weekend a family reunion has me traveling to St. George. I usually combine business with pleasure - I'll do a little hiking and shoot some photos.

I have the assignment to write a newsletter focusing on Utah national parks, for www.utah.com. I try to include some first person narrative in those newsletters and so I need to do an adventure hike. I think I'll wander up Angels Landing. It is one of my all time favorites and always produces great photos.

A couple years ago they redid parts of the famous "chains" along the Angel's trail. I have not hiked to the landing since they made those improvements and so I need to get down there and see what they've done. I hear they have made the trail a little safer without sacrificing any of the challenge or thrill. I'm anxious to see.

Coming up I'll be exploring distant canyons on Lake Powell, fishing for trophy lake trout at Flaming Gorge and braving a few slot canyons.

I take family members or friends on most trips. But I go more often than they can and so I sometimes scramble to find companions. Occasionally I'll post an invitation here, hoping to find new friends to accompany me on adventures. I'm serious about that. If you are interested, stay tuned...

- Dave Webb

Update: I had a great trip and really enjoyed hiking Angels. The weather was indeed perfect. The hike is always thrilling and the "chains" along the hogs back are a great challenge.

If you have not yet made this hike, get down there and do it. It's an adventure you will long remember.

Sky Ute Casino, Chimney Rock National Monument and Pagosa Hot Springs

I do some work for the Grand Circle Association, which promotes travel to the Southwestern United States and I'm required to attend their quarterly meetings. The meetings rotate to interesting scenic spots around the region and always offer complimentary activities. They are fun.

So I'll be headed to SW Colorado next week to attend the association's March meeting. We will stay at Sky Ute Casino Resort and enjoy scheduled activities at Chimney Rock National Monument and Pagosa Hot Springs.

Mesa Verde National Park is in that area and I've been there a couple of times.

What else? Are there other “must see” attractions? I'd like to see the best of the area while I am there.

Should be a fun trip.

- Dave Webb

Escape To Dixie's Sunshine

Update: I had a great time hiking in warm sunshine in the St. George/Zion areas. I've attached a couple of my photos.

- Dave

I need to go to St. George, Utah, this week for business. It will be nice to get out of the snow and into the sunshine.

At my house in Springville there is a couple feet of snow on the ground. As I write this the temperature is 7 F. St. George (Utah's Dixie) has also been cold, but not nearly this cold. Zion Park has received quite a bit of snow but the low elevation stuff will melt this week. By next weekend the forecast is for daytime highs in the upper 50s or low 60s. That will feel nice.

So, when I finish my business where should I go hike?

I've focused on Snow Canyon during the past few trips. That's a great winter play spot. But I feel like exploring somewhere new. Perhaps I'll get over into Zion and try some of the lower trails.

I'd actually really appreciate suggestions. Where would you like to hike this weekend?

- Dave Webb

Utah Fishing Rules And Ice Fishing Reports

Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources has released its 2013 Fishing Rules Guidebook - the proclamation that lists rules for fishing in the state. It can be downloaded in various formats. Click the link above to see options.

Most of Utah's better ice fishing waters are now frozen and offer good action. See the latest ice fishing reports here.

How to Catch and Release Tiger Muskie

Utah's DWR has produced a great new video showing how to catch and release tiger muskie. Warmwater Fisheries Coordinator Drew Cushing walks through how to safely catch and release Tiger Muskie. He also covers the necessary equipment you should have with you while fishing for this unique species.

See the tiger muskie video.

Impressive Rock Art In Snow Canyon

I enjoyed hiking in Snow Canyon last weekend and we did find a very interesting panel of ancient Native American rock art. The patterns carved into this particular rock are unique and interesting – well worth the trouble to search it out.

After raining off and on all morning, the precipitation stopped just before we started hiking. The sky became partly cloudy and it was warm. The sand was damp but that did not inhibit hiking, in fact it helped us gain footholds. It was a very nice mid-November day.

I was chasing down a lead about a large panel of rock art just west of The Ledges Golf Course and associated sub division. Just south of the Ledges, a road provides access to a right-of-way that allows hikers to move between tracts of private property and into Snow Canyon State Park. We followed that easement and then followed the eastern edge of the park up until we were on the west edge of The Ledges sub division. We then hiked west to the prominent rock where we found the ancient carvings.

This particular panel is in open country above a steep, twisting canyon complex. On a previous trip we had found rock art in a narrow slow down in the bottom of the canyon.

Talking to other hikers, we were told about the rock art panel above the canyon. One hiker mentioned a cove which he said was full of rock art, near to the slab above the canyon. We searched in that area without finding it. That country is big and rugged, and a cove with rock art could be difficult to find. Still, I'm questioning its existence because I've been hiking there for many years, talking to many people, and this one guy is the only one who has mentioned it.

At this point I've found three panels of rock art images in Snow Canyon. One is adjacent to the state park campground. Find the campsite on the north edge of the campground and look for the rock art on the cliffs adjacent to that site.

The second panel is in a very narrow slot at the bottom of the canyon complex SW of The Ledges, on the east side of the park.

And the final panel, the subject of this particular excursion, is on the rim above that canyon complex.

Snow Canyon is a great winter hiking destination. I may get back down there and poke around looking for the mystery cove, just because it is such a great hiking area.

- Dave Webb

Snow Or Sand For The Weekend

Every mid-week I start the debate, "What should I do this weekend?"

Go skiing? That's the obvious answer. Brighton opened for skiing today. Solitude will open tomorrow and several resorts will be open by weekend. There's about a foot of snow on the grass in my front yard, thanks to that nasty weekend storm. But no, I'm not all that excited about skiing. I go a time or two every winter but for now I'll wait until snow conditions become better.

Ice fish? When the storm moved out it left clear skies and temperatures plunged. It has been cold enough to put ice on the ponds in a hurry. I suspect there is now fishable ice on bays at Scofield. The fishing can be very good under new ice, but no, I prefer to wait for it to firm up and be guaranteed safe.

Hike? Yes, of course. I need to go to St. George for a business meeting (lucky excuse), and I'm not yet ready to give up on sunshine and warm sand. There is one more rock art panel in Snow Canyon I need to find and photograph, so I think I'll head that direction.

Right now the weather looks grand.

Winter's coming, but I'm still looking for a little more Indian Summer.

-- Dave Webb