Staying close to home July 4? Here's what to do
Whatever the case, with gas prices nearing $3 per gallon for the lowest grade, it's likely people are going to consider staying closer to home when making their travel plans.
That being the case, here are a few quick suggestions:
• About 23 percent of the state is high-elevation country, featuring some of the most majestic mountains anywhere. National forests stretch down the backbone of the state, from the Wasatch-Cache National Forest to the north to the smattering of Dixie National Forest lands to the south. Finding a vacant spot may be difficult but not impossible. Heading up high is a great way to beat the heat.
• There are 43 state parks, five national parks, seven national monuments, two national recreation areas and one national historic site. They are spread all over the state. Finding one won't be difficult. Finding a vacancy may be hard, but there are towns nearby that generally do have vacancy signs out. The secret to visiting one of the parks is to arrive early and be patient.
• Reservations may be made up to two days before arrival by calling 322-3770 from within the Salt Lake calling area and 1-800-322-3770 from outside the area or visit www.state
parks.utah.gov. Calls to the national parks and monuments need to be made directly to the specific location.
• There are more than 400 public and private campgrounds in Utah. Many of these camping areas are close to popular attractions, such as a park or mountain retreat or townships offering July 4 activities for the family.
• Utah has about 1,000 fishable lakes and hundreds of miles of streams and rivers. Here again, finding a place to cast a worm or a lure won't be difficult. Most of the reservoirs are full, boat ramps are open and extra fish have been stocked in the more popular waters.
The latest report on statewide fishing opportunities can be found on the Internet at www.wildlife.utah.gov/fishing
• There are a zillion miles of biking and hiking trails within state boundaries.
Eight of Utah's 13 ski resorts offer uphill rides to hikers and bikers. They are Brian Head, Deer Valley, Sundance, Snowbird, Solitude, The Canyons, Park City and Snowbasin.
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