From Deseret News archives:

Memorial Day: Avoid the crowds and explore some out-of-way places

Published: Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:16 a.m. MDT
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Not as well known as some of the parks, but no less intriguing, is the San Rafael Swell area south Price. It offers some spectacular canyon hikes.

About 35 miles south of town is the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry. Since 1928, more than 12,000 bones, linked to 70 prehistoric residents, have been found and cataloged. In the town itself is the Natural History Museum.

Along the eastern border of Utah is Jarvie Historic Ranch. Restored for visitors, this old ranch features several early buildings, a stone house, dugout, blacksmith shop and corrals.

Few people know about Fantasy Canyon, which features sandstone formations that, with a little imagination, become everything from live animals to personal acquaintances. Fossilized rhinoceros bones and turtle shells have been found in this area.

East of Ogden, there is a 100-foot waterfall considered one of the most beautiful natural falls in the state. West of town are the marshes of the Great Salt Lake, which hold a number of interesting birds. The Bear River Bird Refuge west of Brigham City features a museum and walking tour out into the marsh.

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A ride over the old Pony Express Trail from Faust to Wendover, through old towns like Callico and Gold Hill, in an interesting day trip through Utah's western desert. Traveling the area gives visitors a real appreciation for the early riders.

Antelope Island is a good one-day trip and offers a number of activities, including hiking, biking and viewing wildlife, like buffalo deer and bighorn sheep.

Another option is to tour one of Utah's 27 scenic byways or 58 backways. Things to see along the way include scenic wonders, early Indian rock art, geological formations, beautiful reservoirs and the painted desert rocks and sand. A book is available through the Utah Travel Council that outlines routes and features.

For those with bicycles, there are a number of tours and rides open in almost every county in the state.

Some of the counties even have put together books showing trailheads, elevation changes, distance and scenic stops.

This is also a popular time of the year for casting lures and baits. Some of the best fishing of the year typically occurs in the spring. Fishing is excellent and water temperatures are tolerable at Powell. Some fishermen are reporting catches of 50 or more 4-pound striped bass in a day. The largemouth and smallmouth bass are said to be in the best shape in more than a decade.

All of the state's boatable waters will be open, but boaters can expect company on the water. Because of the heavy boating traffic, drivers will need to be even more aware of safe boating rules.

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