Visiting Central Utah

Central Utah is anchored by Provo and Orem to the north. It is home to America's largest religious university, Brigham Young University. BYU draws 98% of its students from Mormon families across the globe. Did you know, Stepenie Meyer, author of the Twilight book series was a 1995 graduate of BYU? Well known pro quarterbacks like Gifford Nielsen, Jim McMahon and Steve Young were products of BYU Football. Johnny Miller and Mike Weir played BYU golf, and Danny Ainge was a BYU basketball star - BYU Atheletics are popular, and the "Y" adorns caps, cars and clothes across the region.

Moab in eastern Utah is well known for its slick rock mountain biking trails. Close to Arches National Park, it is a spectacular area for biking, river rafting and off road 4-wheeling. With warm spring weather, Moab is a hot spot for events and activities early in the year. Take a drive in March for events like the Skinny Tire Festival, the CanyonLands Half Marathon and the Easter Jeep Safari -  The week long Jeep Safari is a must do for 4-wheel enthusiasts. The weeks Jeep Safari events lead up to Big Saturday where 30 groups start from downtown Moab, and head out in all directions to 30 different trails. Take advantage of the two Best Western Hotels to rest up for your days activities.

Yoga enthusiast, look for Moab Yoga on the ROCKS, in April and May. This is a two day backpacking and outdoor yoga retreat. Experience yoga in the amazing red rock country, an amazing experience geared to enliven and enrich the spirit.

Levan, the story goes, is the center point of Utah, and named Levan because it is navel spelled in reverse. Nephi, just north of Levan on I-15 is named after a famous Book of Mormon character. Fillmore and Beaver south on I-15 maintain equivalent notoriety as the territorial capital of Utah. Fillmore, Beaver was Butch Cassidy's birthplace.

Central Utah is an outdoor enthusiast wonderland. Mountains, high desert, lakes, rivers and streams, with small towns full of friendly people, make the perfect setting for hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. A highlight of central Utah is the extensive ATV trail system linking popular wilderness areas, easily accessed from many locations.

Green River's, Second Annual Outlaw Trails Jamboree is scheduled for April 29 - May 1. An ATV jamboree across Utah's beautiful high desert country. Trails named after Butch Cassidy and one for the Sundance Kid (who died at the Utah State Penitentiary), take riders through the exciting off road trails of the old west. Rides are mapped for beginners through advanced riders. After a few days on the trail be sure to stop at Ray's Tavern in Green River, featuring one of the best burgers and coldest beers in the west, a popular stop for river runners, mountain bikers and house-boaters, heading to southern Utah.

Richfield, a commercial center and larger city in central Utah, is county seat of Sevier County, which is the center of the Paiute ATV Trai - a thousand miles of trails reaching close to a million acres of National Forest Land. Richfield is a convenienthome base for an outdoor adventure, with the Best Western Richfield Inn in town. There is a terrific 7 mile bike trail south of Richfied between Monroe and Big Rock Candy Mountain. the paved trail through the Sevier River Canyon is beautiful and easy for beginners, or to jump start your spring training.

It's the time of year to enjoy the warming weather and great outdoors of Central Utah. With snow capping the mountain peaks through spring, full streams and lakes and a good winters rest - load up the toys and family and enjoy Utah's charming and diverse central region.