Big Rock Candy Mountain trying to become destination point

MARYSVALE, Piute County — The legendary Big Rock Candy Mountain will soon have more to offer than rocks that look like nougat with caramel ribbons running through them and a quaint rock shop.

The plans for the future include creating a railroad resort with boxcars and cabooses for guest stays, a new multipurpose trailhead, a new raft launch and guest amenities featuring the famed Lemonade Springs and ponderosa trees.

Named in the 1920s by the locals after the mythical mountains in the rollicking ballad by Harry McClintock, the scenic area north of Marysvale on U.S. highway 89 has long laid somewhat dormant despite its beauty and sunshine.

Local agency employees have been cooperatively seeking funds and direction from the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program to put the area more conveniently on the map for cyclists, hikers, river rafters and tourists. They now have money for the Candy Mountain Whistle Stop Trailhead development, a multipurpose trailhead in the narrow canyon bottom between the Sevier River and the highway.

The plan includes new parking lots, a raft launch ramp, a picnic area with shade trees, public restrooms and informational kiosks, paid for with grants from the Sevier County Office of Travel and Tourism, the Utah State Parks Association and the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area/Scenic Canyon Preservation Society.

The Big Rock Candy Mountain project won out over other proposals for funding because it will provide access to the Sevier River, said officials.

Marcy DeMillion, River Trails and Conservation Assistance community planner for Utah, said this is an opportunity to establish starting points for multiple methods of travel and recreation.

The RTCA coordinated efforts and refined ideas from everyone involved into the master plan for the trailhead, which she said is the only trailhead along the Sevier River that will provide access for OHV users, bikers, hikers and boaters.

Monte Bona, Director of the Heritage Highway 89 Alliance, said the project fits with the area's interpretive mission by playing into one of the key themes; the interaction of people with the landscape."

Developers and brothers David and Steven Grow are working to create a Track 89 Resort Village to complement the new trailhead. They donated the two acres for the Whistle Stop Trailhead and plan to upgrade and position a number of converted boxcars and luxury caboose cars that will available for overnight and daily rental by June 2012.