Traveling over the old pony express trail between Faust and Wendover is, truly, a step back in time. Navigating the landscape would have been difficult enough, compounded by the constant threat of Indian attacks. Fish Springs, about midway along the trail, is an adventure in itself. There's also an opportunity to encounter a band of wild horses.

The drive from Vernal, north to Flaming Gorge, is educational and scenic, especially for the geological buffs and wildlife watchers.

Vernal sits on the most modern formation known to geologists, the Mancos Formation, while the reservoir lies atop the earliest, the Uinta Mountain Group. A billion years in the making, and 30 miles separates them. This is also an area teaming with wildlife, mainly deer, elk and bighorn sheep.

These are but a few of my favorites. There are many that are closer to home and many more that are a greater distance. Finding something to do isn't difficult. Trying to narrow the list is.

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