Saturday, June 23, 2012
HOT! but also chilly.
If you've been reading everything we've been posting up here, you are no doubt expecting a scorching hot sweatfest when you arrive. While it is likely to be hot in the afternoons, remember that it tends to cool down a lot at night. If it's 90 during the day, there's still a good chance it'll get down into the 40s in the late, late night. Remember to pack a warm layer or two!
Wildfire Craziness
As most of you probably know, things out here have been very hot and dry for the last few months. There have been many wildfires throughout Utah and the West, including one just a couple weeks ago on Boulder Mountain, in Torrey's backyard. While you are visiting, please be EXTREMELY careful. It is important to be aware, especially those of you planning to camp, that there are strict restrictions on fires and fireworks. Fires are essentially forbidden on all public land (NPS, USFS, BLM, etc.), except in fire pits in official campgrounds. Fireworks are also banned, which is just as well because they scare the hell out of our dogs. For the specifics, check here.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Torrey Farmer Market
On Saturday, from 4pm-6pm at the Robber's Roost Bookstore on Main St. in Torrey, there is a Farmer Market featuring locally grown produce and fresh-baked bread and cinnamon rolls from Mesa Farm in Caineville (just east of Capitol Reef). Other local folks often bring things from their own gardens and orchards, as well as various art and trinkets. A great way to spend some time and support the locals!
Live Rock n Roll at the Patio
For more info on David, check this out.
Things to Do Around Torrey
Many of you are probably wondering how you will fill the hours that aren't taken up by wedding-specific activities. Well, your troubles are over.
Hiking
The area around Torrey is an incredible place for those who like to get out and interact with the world on their feet. Please be aware that you are a long way from home. Cell service is spotty at best, bring LOTS of water, wear sunblock. It is good to bring a map and understand how to use it. Maps are available at the National Park Visitor Center, the Chuckwagon in Torrey, sometimes at the various gas stations, and at the Forest Service office in Loa. It is likely to be very hot in the afternoons, so go early or late in the day, or head up into the higher elevations where it is cooler. Remember that no dogs are allowed within the National Park. Other than that, there are no rules. A favorite thing to do is to drive until it's beautiful, then get out and walk. There are thousands of miles of dirt roads and 2-tracks that are much nicer to walk on than drive on. The options for hiking are limitless, but here are some of our favorites:
Capitol Gorge Easy, flat walk into beautiful sandstone canyon. Located at the end of the scenic drive in CRNP. Hot!
Grand Wash Similar to Capitol Gorge, though you have the option of walking all the way through from the scenic drive to Hwy 24 (out-and-back or car shuttle or hitchhiking required for that). Also hot!
Pleasant Creek Another lovely canyon, with a perennial stream flowing through it. Not as well-marked a trail as Capitol Gorge or Grand Wash. Follow the dirt road at the end of the scenic drive (2wd OK), past the new research station and park when you come to the creek. Walk downstream.
Pleasant Creek (Boulder Mtn.) There is a nice system of trails and dirt roads around Pleasant Creek higher up Boulder Mountain. These range from easy to difficult, but will generally take you through aspen and pine forests, through meadows and alongside various small creeks. For the particularly ambitious, you could hike all the way up to Meeks Lake on the Boulder Top (the huge plateau that caps Boulder Mountain, 10,000-11,000 feet elevation) and go for a dip. Follow Hwy 12 south towards Boulder Town, turn right just past the Wildcat Ranger Station / Visitor Info Cabin (about 25-30 minutes). This dirt road is not recommended for 2wd, so park your rental at the signboard by the highway. Frankly even with 4wd the road stinks.
Hell's Hole Area There are a great many roads and trails weaving around the area known as Hell's Hole, just north of Torrey on the edge of Thousand Lakes Mtn. Head north on Sand Creek Rd. out of Torrey and bear left after about 3/4 mile at the Forest Service sign. This dirt road gets worse and worse the further you go and branches in many directions. Head left to follow Sand Creek towards Hell's Hole, a crazy sandstone web of tiny canyons and drainages or head right towards Sulphur Basin and eventually up onto Thousand Lakes Mtn. It's a long walk (or very rough drive) to get all the way up into the higher elevations.
Oak Creek Similar to the Pleasant Creek area, there is a large network of roads and trails in the area of Oak Creek up on Boulder Mountain. Drive south on Hwy 12 for about 35 minutes and follow the Oak Creek Rd. up from the highway or down from Oak Creek CG. Aspen and pine forests, meadows, desert views, deer and elk, small creeks.
Navajo Knobs A strenuous hike in CRNP that will take you on to the top of the sandstone reef itself. Great views and many small side canyons to get lost in once you're up there.
Walking
If you're looking for a shorter, mellower outing, there are some great places to just park the car, stretch your legs and go for a short wander.
Fruita Orhcards Located around the campground and along Hwy 24 in CRNP, the historic Fruita orchards are a lovely place to go for a stroll and maybe pick a little fruit. The orchards are located along Sulphur Creek and the Fremont River and beneath towering red rock cliffs. There is ample shade and you can inquire at the visitor center as to which orchards (if any) have ripe fruit--cherries and apricots are the most likely, but it's still a little early.
Fruita Petroglyphs Located along Hwy 24 in the Park, there is a wooden boardwalk that will take you to a viewing area. These petroglyphs (rock art) are in the neighborhood of 1000 years old and were left by the Fremont culture.
Torrey Town Torrey town itself had a nice mix of historic, unique and astonishing buildings to look at, as well as a few art galleries and shops. The enormous cottonwood trees along Main St. provide abundant shade, but there are no actual sidewalks so be careful along here. Check out Gallery 24 and the Torrey Gallery, a few blocks east of the church for work by local artists.
Fishing
Though you may be in the middle of the desert, there are a lot of great places to fish if you bring along your gear. The Fremont River holds a nice population of Rainbow and Brown trout, but the water can often be muddy or cloudy. Be careful of private property, there's a lot of it through the valley. Try the Bicknell Bottoms west of Torrey. Additionally, there are an incredible amount of lakes on Boulder Mtn., almost all of which have good numbers of trout. They can be hard to reach by car as most of the roads on the mountain are in disrepair. Lower Bowns Reservoir is one of the easiest to reach. Go south on Hwy 12 from Torrey about 30 minutes and head left when you see the signs for Lower Bowns (just past Wildcat Guard Station). The road is generally not too bad, but remember you can always park and walk. The best thing to do is grab a map of the Boulder, pick a lake and go for it. A little further drive are Forsyth and Mill Meadow Reservoirs, and UM Creek and the Fremont River where they enter and exit these reservoirs. They are located north of the town of Fremont. Go north on Hwy 72 out of Loa, pass through Fremont, and then follow the signs. If you want some more specifics, ask Ian, and he'll try to point you in a direction.
Scenic Drives
If the idea of getting out of an air-conditioned car seems terrifying or you're too hung over to contemplate walking, there is a wealth of scenic loops you could drive. These tend to take you a long way from town--bring plenty of water and snacks and a map. Cell coverage is often non-existent so be prepared.
Torrey > Highway 12 > Boulder Town > Burr Trail > Notom Road > Hwy 24 > Torrey
Possibly one of the most beautiful drives on earth. Head south on 12 from Torrey and go up and over Boulder Mtn. Incredible views of red rock desert and the Henry Mountains, as well as the La Sal and Abajo Mtns. on clear days. Then down to Boulder town and left on the Burr Trail through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Up and over the Waterpocket Fold, then left on Notom Rd. and north through Capitol Reef to Hwy. 24. Left again, winding along the Fremont River back to Torrey. Mountains, canyons, desert, river, small towns, etc. This will take more or less all day, but is OK in a 2wd. Stop at the Burr Trail Grill in Boulder for lunch.
Torrey > Hwy 12 > Boulder > Hell's Backbone Rd. > Awapa Plateau > Bicknell > Hwy 24
You'll probably want 4wd for this one, although it's not definitely necessary. Follow Hwy 12 over the Boulder and through Boulder Town. A few miles south of town, head right on the Salt Gulch / Hell's Backbone Rd. This will take you out along the south side of Boulder Mountain, where you will pass some amazing sandstone formations. Take a right on FS Rd. # 0145 towards Bicknell and go north through pine forest and sagebrush desert along the west side of Boulder Mt. and the Awapa Plateau. Stay on this road all the way back to Bicknell and Hwy 24. Take a right on 24 to return to Torrey. This is another all day adventure.
Swimming
It's going to be HOT! Here are a couple swimming holes for the adventurous.
Fremont River Though we make no claims as to the cleanliness of the water, a dip in the Fremont can make a scorching-hot afternoon a whole lot nicer. Feel free to wade in anywhere that's not private property. A good place with many deeper holes is east of Hwy 12. Follow Hwy 12 south out of Torrey for a few miles. Park in the pull out on the left when you get to the river. Follow the trail east along the river or just make your own way.
Lower Bowns Reservoir Located on the east slope of Boulder Mountain, this is a nice sized lake that isn't too cold and fairly easy to get to. Follow 12 south from Torrey about 25-30 minutes. Just after Wildcat Guard station turn left where you see the signs for Lower Bowns. This road is usually in pretty good shape. Drive all the way to the reservoir or as far as you like and walk the rest of the way.
Boulder Mtn. Lakes There are hundreds of lakes on Boulder Mountain, all cold and all refreshing on a hot day. Grab a map and plan a short hike to one for a swim. Suggestions for shorter hike possibilities: Pine Creek Lake, Long Lake, Steep Creek Lake, or Horseshoe Lake on the Boulder Top.
Hiking
The area around Torrey is an incredible place for those who like to get out and interact with the world on their feet. Please be aware that you are a long way from home. Cell service is spotty at best, bring LOTS of water, wear sunblock. It is good to bring a map and understand how to use it. Maps are available at the National Park Visitor Center, the Chuckwagon in Torrey, sometimes at the various gas stations, and at the Forest Service office in Loa. It is likely to be very hot in the afternoons, so go early or late in the day, or head up into the higher elevations where it is cooler. Remember that no dogs are allowed within the National Park. Other than that, there are no rules. A favorite thing to do is to drive until it's beautiful, then get out and walk. There are thousands of miles of dirt roads and 2-tracks that are much nicer to walk on than drive on. The options for hiking are limitless, but here are some of our favorites:
Capitol Gorge Easy, flat walk into beautiful sandstone canyon. Located at the end of the scenic drive in CRNP. Hot!
Grand Wash Similar to Capitol Gorge, though you have the option of walking all the way through from the scenic drive to Hwy 24 (out-and-back or car shuttle or hitchhiking required for that). Also hot!
Pleasant Creek Another lovely canyon, with a perennial stream flowing through it. Not as well-marked a trail as Capitol Gorge or Grand Wash. Follow the dirt road at the end of the scenic drive (2wd OK), past the new research station and park when you come to the creek. Walk downstream.
Pleasant Creek (Boulder Mtn.) There is a nice system of trails and dirt roads around Pleasant Creek higher up Boulder Mountain. These range from easy to difficult, but will generally take you through aspen and pine forests, through meadows and alongside various small creeks. For the particularly ambitious, you could hike all the way up to Meeks Lake on the Boulder Top (the huge plateau that caps Boulder Mountain, 10,000-11,000 feet elevation) and go for a dip. Follow Hwy 12 south towards Boulder Town, turn right just past the Wildcat Ranger Station / Visitor Info Cabin (about 25-30 minutes). This dirt road is not recommended for 2wd, so park your rental at the signboard by the highway. Frankly even with 4wd the road stinks.
Hell's Hole Area There are a great many roads and trails weaving around the area known as Hell's Hole, just north of Torrey on the edge of Thousand Lakes Mtn. Head north on Sand Creek Rd. out of Torrey and bear left after about 3/4 mile at the Forest Service sign. This dirt road gets worse and worse the further you go and branches in many directions. Head left to follow Sand Creek towards Hell's Hole, a crazy sandstone web of tiny canyons and drainages or head right towards Sulphur Basin and eventually up onto Thousand Lakes Mtn. It's a long walk (or very rough drive) to get all the way up into the higher elevations.
Oak Creek Similar to the Pleasant Creek area, there is a large network of roads and trails in the area of Oak Creek up on Boulder Mountain. Drive south on Hwy 12 for about 35 minutes and follow the Oak Creek Rd. up from the highway or down from Oak Creek CG. Aspen and pine forests, meadows, desert views, deer and elk, small creeks.
Navajo Knobs A strenuous hike in CRNP that will take you on to the top of the sandstone reef itself. Great views and many small side canyons to get lost in once you're up there.
Walking
If you're looking for a shorter, mellower outing, there are some great places to just park the car, stretch your legs and go for a short wander.
Fruita Orhcards Located around the campground and along Hwy 24 in CRNP, the historic Fruita orchards are a lovely place to go for a stroll and maybe pick a little fruit. The orchards are located along Sulphur Creek and the Fremont River and beneath towering red rock cliffs. There is ample shade and you can inquire at the visitor center as to which orchards (if any) have ripe fruit--cherries and apricots are the most likely, but it's still a little early.
Fruita Petroglyphs Located along Hwy 24 in the Park, there is a wooden boardwalk that will take you to a viewing area. These petroglyphs (rock art) are in the neighborhood of 1000 years old and were left by the Fremont culture.
Torrey Town Torrey town itself had a nice mix of historic, unique and astonishing buildings to look at, as well as a few art galleries and shops. The enormous cottonwood trees along Main St. provide abundant shade, but there are no actual sidewalks so be careful along here. Check out Gallery 24 and the Torrey Gallery, a few blocks east of the church for work by local artists.
Fishing
Though you may be in the middle of the desert, there are a lot of great places to fish if you bring along your gear. The Fremont River holds a nice population of Rainbow and Brown trout, but the water can often be muddy or cloudy. Be careful of private property, there's a lot of it through the valley. Try the Bicknell Bottoms west of Torrey. Additionally, there are an incredible amount of lakes on Boulder Mtn., almost all of which have good numbers of trout. They can be hard to reach by car as most of the roads on the mountain are in disrepair. Lower Bowns Reservoir is one of the easiest to reach. Go south on Hwy 12 from Torrey about 30 minutes and head left when you see the signs for Lower Bowns (just past Wildcat Guard Station). The road is generally not too bad, but remember you can always park and walk. The best thing to do is grab a map of the Boulder, pick a lake and go for it. A little further drive are Forsyth and Mill Meadow Reservoirs, and UM Creek and the Fremont River where they enter and exit these reservoirs. They are located north of the town of Fremont. Go north on Hwy 72 out of Loa, pass through Fremont, and then follow the signs. If you want some more specifics, ask Ian, and he'll try to point you in a direction.
Scenic Drives
If the idea of getting out of an air-conditioned car seems terrifying or you're too hung over to contemplate walking, there is a wealth of scenic loops you could drive. These tend to take you a long way from town--bring plenty of water and snacks and a map. Cell coverage is often non-existent so be prepared.
Torrey > Highway 12 > Boulder Town > Burr Trail > Notom Road > Hwy 24 > Torrey
Possibly one of the most beautiful drives on earth. Head south on 12 from Torrey and go up and over Boulder Mtn. Incredible views of red rock desert and the Henry Mountains, as well as the La Sal and Abajo Mtns. on clear days. Then down to Boulder town and left on the Burr Trail through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Up and over the Waterpocket Fold, then left on Notom Rd. and north through Capitol Reef to Hwy. 24. Left again, winding along the Fremont River back to Torrey. Mountains, canyons, desert, river, small towns, etc. This will take more or less all day, but is OK in a 2wd. Stop at the Burr Trail Grill in Boulder for lunch.
Torrey > Hwy 12 > Boulder > Hell's Backbone Rd. > Awapa Plateau > Bicknell > Hwy 24
You'll probably want 4wd for this one, although it's not definitely necessary. Follow Hwy 12 over the Boulder and through Boulder Town. A few miles south of town, head right on the Salt Gulch / Hell's Backbone Rd. This will take you out along the south side of Boulder Mountain, where you will pass some amazing sandstone formations. Take a right on FS Rd. # 0145 towards Bicknell and go north through pine forest and sagebrush desert along the west side of Boulder Mt. and the Awapa Plateau. Stay on this road all the way back to Bicknell and Hwy 24. Take a right on 24 to return to Torrey. This is another all day adventure.
Swimming
It's going to be HOT! Here are a couple swimming holes for the adventurous.
Fremont River Though we make no claims as to the cleanliness of the water, a dip in the Fremont can make a scorching-hot afternoon a whole lot nicer. Feel free to wade in anywhere that's not private property. A good place with many deeper holes is east of Hwy 12. Follow Hwy 12 south out of Torrey for a few miles. Park in the pull out on the left when you get to the river. Follow the trail east along the river or just make your own way.
Lower Bowns Reservoir Located on the east slope of Boulder Mountain, this is a nice sized lake that isn't too cold and fairly easy to get to. Follow 12 south from Torrey about 25-30 minutes. Just after Wildcat Guard station turn left where you see the signs for Lower Bowns. This road is usually in pretty good shape. Drive all the way to the reservoir or as far as you like and walk the rest of the way.
Boulder Mtn. Lakes There are hundreds of lakes on Boulder Mountain, all cold and all refreshing on a hot day. Grab a map and plan a short hike to one for a swim. Suggestions for shorter hike possibilities: Pine Creek Lake, Long Lake, Steep Creek Lake, or Horseshoe Lake on the Boulder Top.
Torrey Area Services and Amenities
As many of you may know or may have guessed, Torrey is a small town with limited services and amenities. For this reason, you may want to stock up on some stuff before you leave Salt Lake or wherever else you may be traveling from.
Groceries
Limited groceries are available at the ChuckWagon General Store on Main St. in Torrey. They carry canned goods, milk/juice/eggs/bread, some produce and deli items. There is a wider selection at Food Town in Loa (about twenty minutes west). Food Town is a full grocery store, although not necessarily by the standards that you are used to (think small, early-80's-era Price Chopper/Kroger/A&P). If you require specialty items, organic produce, kombucha, fancy cheese, fresh fish, etc., you'll want to take care of this in Salt Lake. In Salt Lake, try Whole Foods (700East, Between 500South and 600South) or Smith's Marketplace (500East, Between 400South and 500South).
Liquor
There is a liquor store in Bicknell (about ten minutes west of Torrey) that has a small but inclusive selection of liquor, full-strength beer (grocery store and gas station beer in Utah is 3.2% alcohol), and low-end wine. They are open 12pm-7pm, Tuesday through Saturday. In Salt Lake, try the Wine Store (300East, between 200South and 300South) for great selection of wine, and higher-end beer and liquor, or any state liquor store for a general selection of whatever you need (205West 400South, or 402 6th Ave., or 1625 South 900 West). The Salt Lake stores have generally longer hours and are open Mondays.
Outdoor Gear/Supplies
There is a small outfitter located next to the Chevron at the junction of Hwy 24 and Hwy 12 in Torrey. Basic supplies are also available at Food Town and the IFA on Main St. in Loa, as well as at the ChuckWagon in Torrey. For better prices and a better chance of finding what you need, take care of this in Salt Lake. Kirkham's is a locally-owned outfitter located at 3125 South State St. Also you could try REI (3285 East 3300 South, just off I-215).
Restaurants
Obviously you can't stock up on this in the big city. Luckily, there are some good choices.
Rim Rock Restaurant Amazing views and delicious food with huge portions. Steaks, chicken, burger, fish, pasta. American comfort food. Everything is home-made. Ian's gracious employer for many years. $15-30. Located a few miles east of Torrey on Hwy 24, south side of the road.
Rim Rock Patio Located next to the Rim Rock Restaurant. Pizza, sandwiches, beer, live music. Bar-like. Darts, horseshoes, disc golf. $10-20.
Cafe Diablo Upscale southwestern cuisine and HUGE tequila selection. Very impressive food, big portions, lovely patio. $15-30. Located on the south side of Hwy 24 on the western edge of Torrey, with a large neon sign, across from the Sand Creek RV Park.
La Cueva Mexican Restaurant Basic Mexican food, tacos, burritos, enchiladas. Home-made hot sauces (ask for them). It will fill you up. $10-20. Located adjacent to the Sinclair gas station east of Torrey.
ChuckWagon General Store There is a deli counter in the back of the Chucker that makes sandwiches, Mexican food and pizza. The sandwiches are a nice option for lunch. As for the rest, you're on your own. $7-15.
Slacker's, Chillz/Red Cliffs Basic greasy drive-up burger joints. Sometimes great, sometimes not, but fairly cheap and fast and easy. Located across from one another on Hwy 24 on the east side of Torrey.
The Country Cafe This is the only restaurant we're mentioning outside of Torrey, so you know it's got to be good. Located on Hwy 24, on the west side of Loa, this is classic small town Utah diner-style food. It's greasy and usually delicious, there is incredible artwork on the walls and usually a great selection of locals at the counter. Try the BLT Bird with curly fries. It will change your life. And you will smell like the Cafe for the rest of the day. $7-15.
Coffee Shops
Robber's Roost Books and Coffee Located on the south side of Hwy 24 in Torrey. Espresso and coffee, good selection of books about the area, local art. A cool building with really nice outdoor seating.
Castle Rock Coffee Located next to the Chevron at the junction of Hwy 24 and Hwy 12 in Torrey. Coffee, espresso, homemade chocolates, caramels, candy, snacks. Much nicer on the inside than you would expect of a place in a gas station parking lot.
Groceries
Limited groceries are available at the ChuckWagon General Store on Main St. in Torrey. They carry canned goods, milk/juice/eggs/bread, some produce and deli items. There is a wider selection at Food Town in Loa (about twenty minutes west). Food Town is a full grocery store, although not necessarily by the standards that you are used to (think small, early-80's-era Price Chopper/Kroger/A&P). If you require specialty items, organic produce, kombucha, fancy cheese, fresh fish, etc., you'll want to take care of this in Salt Lake. In Salt Lake, try Whole Foods (700East, Between 500South and 600South) or Smith's Marketplace (500East, Between 400South and 500South).
Liquor
There is a liquor store in Bicknell (about ten minutes west of Torrey) that has a small but inclusive selection of liquor, full-strength beer (grocery store and gas station beer in Utah is 3.2% alcohol), and low-end wine. They are open 12pm-7pm, Tuesday through Saturday. In Salt Lake, try the Wine Store (300East, between 200South and 300South) for great selection of wine, and higher-end beer and liquor, or any state liquor store for a general selection of whatever you need (205West 400South, or 402 6th Ave., or 1625 South 900 West). The Salt Lake stores have generally longer hours and are open Mondays.
Outdoor Gear/Supplies
There is a small outfitter located next to the Chevron at the junction of Hwy 24 and Hwy 12 in Torrey. Basic supplies are also available at Food Town and the IFA on Main St. in Loa, as well as at the ChuckWagon in Torrey. For better prices and a better chance of finding what you need, take care of this in Salt Lake. Kirkham's is a locally-owned outfitter located at 3125 South State St. Also you could try REI (3285 East 3300 South, just off I-215).
Restaurants
Obviously you can't stock up on this in the big city. Luckily, there are some good choices.
Rim Rock Restaurant Amazing views and delicious food with huge portions. Steaks, chicken, burger, fish, pasta. American comfort food. Everything is home-made. Ian's gracious employer for many years. $15-30. Located a few miles east of Torrey on Hwy 24, south side of the road.
Rim Rock Patio Located next to the Rim Rock Restaurant. Pizza, sandwiches, beer, live music. Bar-like. Darts, horseshoes, disc golf. $10-20.
Cafe Diablo Upscale southwestern cuisine and HUGE tequila selection. Very impressive food, big portions, lovely patio. $15-30. Located on the south side of Hwy 24 on the western edge of Torrey, with a large neon sign, across from the Sand Creek RV Park.
La Cueva Mexican Restaurant Basic Mexican food, tacos, burritos, enchiladas. Home-made hot sauces (ask for them). It will fill you up. $10-20. Located adjacent to the Sinclair gas station east of Torrey.
ChuckWagon General Store There is a deli counter in the back of the Chucker that makes sandwiches, Mexican food and pizza. The sandwiches are a nice option for lunch. As for the rest, you're on your own. $7-15.
Slacker's, Chillz/Red Cliffs Basic greasy drive-up burger joints. Sometimes great, sometimes not, but fairly cheap and fast and easy. Located across from one another on Hwy 24 on the east side of Torrey.
The Country Cafe This is the only restaurant we're mentioning outside of Torrey, so you know it's got to be good. Located on Hwy 24, on the west side of Loa, this is classic small town Utah diner-style food. It's greasy and usually delicious, there is incredible artwork on the walls and usually a great selection of locals at the counter. Try the BLT Bird with curly fries. It will change your life. And you will smell like the Cafe for the rest of the day. $7-15.
Coffee Shops
Robber's Roost Books and Coffee Located on the south side of Hwy 24 in Torrey. Espresso and coffee, good selection of books about the area, local art. A cool building with really nice outdoor seating.
Castle Rock Coffee Located next to the Chevron at the junction of Hwy 24 and Hwy 12 in Torrey. Coffee, espresso, homemade chocolates, caramels, candy, snacks. Much nicer on the inside than you would expect of a place in a gas station parking lot.
All the Driving Directions You'll Need
How Do I Get To Torrey?
Directions from Salt Lake City:
I-15 South towards Provo/Las Vegas to exit 188 (Scipio/US-50E).
Left off the exit for about 1/2 mile, then right on US-50E/State St.
Continue through beautiful Scipio and stay on US-50E for about 25 miles.
Right on UT-260 towards Aurora. Follow past the very fragrant feedlot and through the town of Aurora (about 4 miles).
Stay left at the Y at the end of town to stay on UT-260.
Right on UT-24E.
After about 2.5 miles, bear left to stay on UT-24E. There will be signs for Capital Reef Nat'l Park.
Stay on UT-24 for about 60 miles, and you're there!
Some Tips:
The whole drive should take about 3 1/2 hours, or a little less.
Gas stations become farther apart and gas becomes generally more expensive the farther you get from Salt Lake. Once you get to Nephi (an hour or so south of Salt Lake), your gas options are Nephi, Scipio, Loa, Bicknell, Torrey.
BEWARE OF WILDLIFE! Especially once you leave the interstate, and especially between dusk and dawn, deer, elk and cows can suddenly appear alongside and on the road. Drive carefully.
How Do I Get To Torrey Town Park?
Torrey Park is located one block north of Highway 24, and one block east of Center St. in Torrey. If you are heading east through town, take a left on Center St. (after the Chuckwagon General Store), go north one block and turn right on 100 North. The Park is on your left.
How Do I Get To Cougar Ridge Ranch?
Cougar Ridge is located just south of Torrey. Head east on Highway 24 from downtown. Turn right on River View Rd. (the Old Dump Rd.). This is BEFORE you get to the Highway 12 junction. Go about 3/4 mile, turn left on Cougar Ridge Rd. Bear right almost immediately to stay on Cougar Ridge Rd. Follow to the end, which is the lodge, about 1/2 mile. Here's a map.
Directions from Salt Lake City:
I-15 South towards Provo/Las Vegas to exit 188 (Scipio/US-50E).
Left off the exit for about 1/2 mile, then right on US-50E/State St.
Continue through beautiful Scipio and stay on US-50E for about 25 miles.
Right on UT-260 towards Aurora. Follow past the very fragrant feedlot and through the town of Aurora (about 4 miles).
Stay left at the Y at the end of town to stay on UT-260.
Right on UT-24E.
After about 2.5 miles, bear left to stay on UT-24E. There will be signs for Capital Reef Nat'l Park.
Stay on UT-24 for about 60 miles, and you're there!
Some Tips:
The whole drive should take about 3 1/2 hours, or a little less.
Gas stations become farther apart and gas becomes generally more expensive the farther you get from Salt Lake. Once you get to Nephi (an hour or so south of Salt Lake), your gas options are Nephi, Scipio, Loa, Bicknell, Torrey.
BEWARE OF WILDLIFE! Especially once you leave the interstate, and especially between dusk and dawn, deer, elk and cows can suddenly appear alongside and on the road. Drive carefully.
How Do I Get To Torrey Town Park?
Torrey Park is located one block north of Highway 24, and one block east of Center St. in Torrey. If you are heading east through town, take a left on Center St. (after the Chuckwagon General Store), go north one block and turn right on 100 North. The Park is on your left.
How Do I Get To Cougar Ridge Ranch?
Cougar Ridge is located just south of Torrey. Head east on Highway 24 from downtown. Turn right on River View Rd. (the Old Dump Rd.). This is BEFORE you get to the Highway 12 junction. Go about 3/4 mile, turn left on Cougar Ridge Rd. Bear right almost immediately to stay on Cougar Ridge Rd. Follow to the end, which is the lodge, about 1/2 mile. Here's a map.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
at long last
for those of you antsy to get a head start...you will now find a link to the registry Ian and I have culled over the last few weeks. it appears on the right side of this blog and is a culmination of artisan and hand-made wares sourced from many places, not just a select few. this list, of course, is to serve as a guide only for those people drawing a blank. as a rule we are not people who are particularly thing-oriented and so feel strongly that those things that we do install in the catalog of our lives be made thoughtfully, by sourceable individuals when possible (not mass-producing robots.) again, leave questions here should any arise. counting down the days! 46 to be exact...
Thursday, May 10, 2012
As you begin packing your suitcases for your journey to the County, here are a few tips about the weather that may be helpful. Many of you may be wondering why anyone would choose to be married in the desert in July, but you are imagining the wrong desert. Torrey is not Riyadh. It is not Baghdad. It is not even Tucson. Torrey sits at an elevation of almost 7000 feet, in a valley between two enormous plateaus that rise to 11000 feet. It is a mountain town almost as much as a desert town. Temperatures in late-June and early-July are usually in the mid-80's during the day with lots of sun. It is usually breezy and often windy. There is always the possibility of thunderstorms in the late afternoon. The storms are usually short but very intense and very localized--it might rain an inch or more in Bicknell and not a drop in Torrey. At night, because of the dry air and the elevation, it cools off rapidly. Expect lows around 50, maybe chillier. Definitely bring extra layers when you head out into the evening. Having said all that, remember that the weather is at least as hard to predict in Torrey as anywhere else. It's been a pretty warm and dry spring out here. Who knows what that might mean for the summer.
On a similar note, two things that you can't have enough of out here are sunblock and water. Don't worry if you forget to bring them, you can acquire them when you arrive. But it is VERY important (especially if you're coming from the low elevation and humidity of the East Coast) to remember to slather on the sunblock and drink a lot of water while you're here. The sun is intense down in the desert and the air will suck the water right out of you, even if all you do is sit around. Always have extra of both of these items with you when start your day, whether you're going for a hike, a drive, swimming, drinking, partying, etc!
On a similar note, two things that you can't have enough of out here are sunblock and water. Don't worry if you forget to bring them, you can acquire them when you arrive. But it is VERY important (especially if you're coming from the low elevation and humidity of the East Coast) to remember to slather on the sunblock and drink a lot of water while you're here. The sun is intense down in the desert and the air will suck the water right out of you, even if all you do is sit around. Always have extra of both of these items with you when start your day, whether you're going for a hike, a drive, swimming, drinking, partying, etc!
Monday, April 23, 2012
A lot of folks have been asking about camping possibilities for the weekend, so here are some options.
Private Campgrounds. There are two private campgrounds in Torrey that we would recommend, Sand Creek RV Park and Thousand Lakes RV Park. Both offer shaded tent sites, bathrooms, hot showers, internet, etc. They are both located more or less right in town (the Sand Creek's a little closer--also Donna sells her amazing jewelry there), and have gorgeous views in every direction. They also both offer small cabins for rent as well as full RV hook-ups if you're bringing your tour bus! If you want to camp but still have all the usual comforts of your house check out these places.
Public Campgrounds. There are quite a few public campgrounds in the area to choose from, though none that won't require a short drive from Torrey. The Sunglow is a campground run by the US Forest Service just outside the town of Bicknell (about 10-15 minutes west of Torrey). The Sunglow is located at the mouth of some beautiful, small red rock canyons that run off the south side of Thousand Lakes Mountain. The campground is small and sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are basic facilities--toilets and water--but no luxuries.
The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park and is about a 15 minute drive from Torrey. It is easily one of the most beautiful locations for a campground in the country. It sits along the Fremont River, at the base of huge sandstone cliffs, amongst hundred-year-old orchards planted by Mormon pioneers. It can be quite hot down in the Park in July (it sits about 2000 feet lower than Torrey), but the orchards offer a lot of shade, which makes a big difference. Though the campground is large, the sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill up quickly. There are flush toilets and running water (but no showers), and the CG is a great base for exploring the Park.
A few other options exist for those of you willing to drive a little farther. As you drive south down Highway 12, up and over Boulder Mountain, you pass a few campgrounds: Singletree, Pleasant Creek, Lower Bowns, etc. These are all developed campgrounds with labeled sites, toilets, and running water, but nothing fancy. Singletree is about 20-25 minutes from Torrey, Pleasant Creek and Lower Bowns about 30. They are much higher in elevation than the areas closer to town and would thus be much cooler if the weather gets very hot. They are all located amongst large stands of Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Fir, and offer virtually unlimited areas to explore on foot or mountain bike. Lower Bowns sits near Lower Bowns Reservoir, a nice place to fish for trout or cool off on a hot afternoon.
Free Camping. A great option for those who don't mind properly roughing it (no running water, no toilets, no internet, no gift shops) is to find yourself a quiet corner of public land and make yourself at home. The vast majority of the land around Torrey is public (about 98%), managed by the BLM, Forest Service, or National Park Service. On NPS land you need permits, dogs are not welcome, etc. However, on BLM and Forest Service land, camping is generally allowed anywhere it is not specifically prohibited (protected areas, in the road, in a creek, etc.). What this means is you can drive down most roads leading out of town, find a nice pullout (often with a fire ring), put your sleeping bags on the ground and enjoy! Be aware of private property!! Though it is limited, it does exist (especially in and around town), and is usually well-marked. As a general rule, people will be angry if they find you on their property.
If you choose to camp outside of campgrounds, PLEASE be respectful of the land. Don't camp directly beside creeks and springs. Pack out ALL your trash. Only build fires in existing rings. Don't collect live wood. Be EXTREMELY careful with fire--keep them small and make sure they're out when you leave. Watch out for the wind. Know how to shit in the woods. Don't drive off-road. Don't be an asshole. For more info on this type of thing, check this out.
OK. So where do you go? A few good places to look for campsites:
Head north out of Torrey on Sand Creek Rd. and bear left at the Forest Service sign. This is the Hell's Hole area, lots of dirt tracks through pinyon-juniper forest, leading generally up into sandstone amphitheaters and canyons and eventually onto Thousand Lakes Mountain. Lots to explore! Watch out for cactus and ATVs!
Head south out of Teasdale on the Coleman Reservoir Rd. This will lead you through some Pinyon-Juniper forest and up onto Boulder Mountain. Dirt roads (generally in bad shape the higher you go) lead in many directions. You could spend a lifetime exploring this area. Watch out for cows and cow shit!
Head south on Highway 12 out of Torrey and turn right onto North Slope Rd. This road is generally in good shape as it leads through sage fields and Pinyon-Juniper forest and up Boulder Mountain into Ponderosa Pine forest. Again, there are many branches leading in all directions, most leading to good camping. Watch out for cows and family reunions!
Head east out of Torrey on Highway 24 and turn right on a dirt road as you go around the big curve just past the SkyRidge B+B. You will quickly come to a gate. Go through it (close it behind you) and head out into a world of rabbitbrush, sage, pinyon and juniper. The road is in generally good shape and if you look hard enough you might find some nice views down into the Fremont River canyon. Watch out for the heat!
These are just the tip of the iceberg. Explore! You will find many, many wonderful spots to pitch a tent. If you have questions, please let us know.
Private Campgrounds. There are two private campgrounds in Torrey that we would recommend, Sand Creek RV Park and Thousand Lakes RV Park. Both offer shaded tent sites, bathrooms, hot showers, internet, etc. They are both located more or less right in town (the Sand Creek's a little closer--also Donna sells her amazing jewelry there), and have gorgeous views in every direction. They also both offer small cabins for rent as well as full RV hook-ups if you're bringing your tour bus! If you want to camp but still have all the usual comforts of your house check out these places.
Public Campgrounds. There are quite a few public campgrounds in the area to choose from, though none that won't require a short drive from Torrey. The Sunglow is a campground run by the US Forest Service just outside the town of Bicknell (about 10-15 minutes west of Torrey). The Sunglow is located at the mouth of some beautiful, small red rock canyons that run off the south side of Thousand Lakes Mountain. The campground is small and sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are basic facilities--toilets and water--but no luxuries.
The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park and is about a 15 minute drive from Torrey. It is easily one of the most beautiful locations for a campground in the country. It sits along the Fremont River, at the base of huge sandstone cliffs, amongst hundred-year-old orchards planted by Mormon pioneers. It can be quite hot down in the Park in July (it sits about 2000 feet lower than Torrey), but the orchards offer a lot of shade, which makes a big difference. Though the campground is large, the sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill up quickly. There are flush toilets and running water (but no showers), and the CG is a great base for exploring the Park.
A few other options exist for those of you willing to drive a little farther. As you drive south down Highway 12, up and over Boulder Mountain, you pass a few campgrounds: Singletree, Pleasant Creek, Lower Bowns, etc. These are all developed campgrounds with labeled sites, toilets, and running water, but nothing fancy. Singletree is about 20-25 minutes from Torrey, Pleasant Creek and Lower Bowns about 30. They are much higher in elevation than the areas closer to town and would thus be much cooler if the weather gets very hot. They are all located amongst large stands of Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Fir, and offer virtually unlimited areas to explore on foot or mountain bike. Lower Bowns sits near Lower Bowns Reservoir, a nice place to fish for trout or cool off on a hot afternoon.
Free Camping. A great option for those who don't mind properly roughing it (no running water, no toilets, no internet, no gift shops) is to find yourself a quiet corner of public land and make yourself at home. The vast majority of the land around Torrey is public (about 98%), managed by the BLM, Forest Service, or National Park Service. On NPS land you need permits, dogs are not welcome, etc. However, on BLM and Forest Service land, camping is generally allowed anywhere it is not specifically prohibited (protected areas, in the road, in a creek, etc.). What this means is you can drive down most roads leading out of town, find a nice pullout (often with a fire ring), put your sleeping bags on the ground and enjoy! Be aware of private property!! Though it is limited, it does exist (especially in and around town), and is usually well-marked. As a general rule, people will be angry if they find you on their property.
If you choose to camp outside of campgrounds, PLEASE be respectful of the land. Don't camp directly beside creeks and springs. Pack out ALL your trash. Only build fires in existing rings. Don't collect live wood. Be EXTREMELY careful with fire--keep them small and make sure they're out when you leave. Watch out for the wind. Know how to shit in the woods. Don't drive off-road. Don't be an asshole. For more info on this type of thing, check this out.
OK. So where do you go? A few good places to look for campsites:
Head north out of Torrey on Sand Creek Rd. and bear left at the Forest Service sign. This is the Hell's Hole area, lots of dirt tracks through pinyon-juniper forest, leading generally up into sandstone amphitheaters and canyons and eventually onto Thousand Lakes Mountain. Lots to explore! Watch out for cactus and ATVs!
Head south out of Teasdale on the Coleman Reservoir Rd. This will lead you through some Pinyon-Juniper forest and up onto Boulder Mountain. Dirt roads (generally in bad shape the higher you go) lead in many directions. You could spend a lifetime exploring this area. Watch out for cows and cow shit!
Head south on Highway 12 out of Torrey and turn right onto North Slope Rd. This road is generally in good shape as it leads through sage fields and Pinyon-Juniper forest and up Boulder Mountain into Ponderosa Pine forest. Again, there are many branches leading in all directions, most leading to good camping. Watch out for cows and family reunions!
Head east out of Torrey on Highway 24 and turn right on a dirt road as you go around the big curve just past the SkyRidge B+B. You will quickly come to a gate. Go through it (close it behind you) and head out into a world of rabbitbrush, sage, pinyon and juniper. The road is in generally good shape and if you look hard enough you might find some nice views down into the Fremont River canyon. Watch out for the heat!
These are just the tip of the iceberg. Explore! You will find many, many wonderful spots to pitch a tent. If you have questions, please let us know.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Yesterday, while fitting Oscar and Daryl for their tuxedos, we realized we've been spending so much time getting ourselves ready for the wedding, we have mostly ignored our guests' needs. Surely you all need to begin preparing as well. So, from this day forward, we will be much more consistent in adding to the site all the info you need (and much that you do not) to get the most out of your time in the County.
We have been inundated by you with questions in the last few weeks about virtually everything wedding and County-related. So we thought we'd begin by answering some of them here. Some are good questions, some are not, and some we made up, but they will all be anonymous, so please keep them coming.
Is it true that Torrey is a three hour drive from an airport?
No! There's an airport in Bicknell, which is only about ten minutes away. Unfortunately, there are no commercial flights in or out, and really it's just a long strip of cement in a sage field. For those of you without access to a private plane, you'll have to fly in to Salt Lake which is about a three hour drive. Luckily the drive is easy, beautiful and essentially traffic-less (once you leave the city behind).
Though most of you probably could get directions from your phone, we will also provide old-fashioned directions, because your phone will work less and less the further you go away from Salt Lake and also we (Ian) don't trust computery things in general.
Before I go someplace new, I like to read as much about that place as I can. Can you recommend some books about the area?
Alright! Hooray for books! Besides being a good way to get yourself ready to be here, Torrey is a great place to sit in the shade for hours or days or years and be quiet with a book. Or just be quiet with the world. There aren't too many books about Torrey in particular, but there are many great ones about the Colorado Plateau and the Utah desert. Anyway, here are a few of our favorites:
Desert Solitaire and The Monkey Wrench Gang, both by Edward Abbey. Ed Abbey is probably the best known writer who deals with this area. He wrote many wonderful things before he died, but these are his two most famous. Desert Solitaire is a non-fiction account of Abbey's time working as a ranger at what was then Arches National Monument outside of Moab. Though it takes place about fifty years ago, it remains extremely relevant. It is part reflection on the natural world and part rant against the excesses of various pieces of American culture and humanity in general. It is beautiful, hilarious, and infuriating. The Monkey Wrench Gang is a fictional (though probably not entirely so) account of a group of "eco-saboteurs" trying to stop the spread of "development" across the Colorado Plataeu. They attempt to accomplish this mostly through small-scale vandalism of the kind that seems almost quaint today. This book was a huge influence on groups that would form later like Earth First!. It is an action-packed and fun read, that is sure to inspire some of you.
Basin & Range, by John McPhee. This book is about geology. For those of you who have ever read anything by John McPhee, you know that it is bound to be far more interesting than you would expect. This book is fascinating and logic-defyingly enjoyable to read. Technically it has little or nothing to do with the geology of the Torrey area specifically, but rather with everything west of here all the way to the Sierras in California. But the book is so good you should read it anyway and then pay close attention to the landscape when you're driving down I-15.
House of Rain, by Craig Childs. Childs has written many books about the Colorado Plateau/Four Corners region, and all are worth reading. This book is an amazing look into the world of the Anasazi, the native people who were the primary inhabitants of the area until around 1200 a.d. when their civilization went through a series of overlapping and mysterious catastrophes, that caused them to abandon settlements and leave behind a great many ruins, vast panels of petroglyphs, and countless artifacts. Childs questions many of the traditional beliefs about who these people were, what happened to them and where they ended up. He is a very talented writer and you don't need to know anything about archaeology to enjoy this book.
Canaries on the Rim, by Chip Ward. This is a look into the strange and disturbing legacy of the US government's use of the vast spaces of Utah, Nevada and Arizona as a dumping and testing ground for nuclear and chemical weapons and waste. This is not a fun book. The effects on the people of these areas has been and continues to be devastating. Downwinders--folks who have the unfortunate luck of living downwind of nuclear fallout--have struggled for decades with bizarre cancers and medical problems. Utah and Nevada are still a dumping ground for strange wastes--nuclear, chemical, biological--and people's health is still being compromised (don't worry, you'll all be fine). Also, Chip Ward lives in Torrey!
Under the Banner of Heaven, by Jon Krakauer. We were hesitant to recommend this book, lest you all get the wrong idea about our Mormon neighbors. In the end, it was just too interesting to leave off the list. Krakauer explores the darkest and strangest sides of LDS church history and present, and this book is frightening but also somewhat misleading. The people he focuses on are a tiny fraction of the Mormon world as a whole. Most of them are not lunatics! But the folks in this book certainly are and it is fascinating and enlightening to hear about them.
OK. That should keep folks busy for a while. More to come later, but the sun is coming out and Oscar and Daryl need to get some mud on their tuxes.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
you made it
howdy folks!
many thanks for the kind words about the save the dates. i had such a good time painting it and i'm glad it made its way to everyone- (frankly, i'm mostly glad everyone could read my handwriting!)it was mentioned that there is some difficulty in communicating through the blog. i don't know if the problem lies with leaving comments, or knowing where to direct emails, etc. to leave a comment follow the link below that says "comments" you'll be asked to give your name (so the blog knows you're not a robot) and maybe copy down a few letters and numbers (more robot-proofing) from a field, then below in the blank field leave the comment. if the blog isn't letting you comment you can always post emails to
wren: wren.ross[at]gmail[dot]com
robin: rbrowdyr[at]gmail[dot]com
or
ian: ipeisner[at]yahoo[dot]com
the countdown is really underway what with the springy weather and all! we'll check back in soon!
wren + ian
Thursday, February 23, 2012
welcome
welcome everyone!
we've designed this blog as a makeshift home to help all those travelers get down to The County (Wayne county to be precise) without a hitch. also, of course, we'd prefer the wedding follow suit.
if you have any questions regarding location, directions, accommodations, etc. this is the place to get them answered. you can direct electronic correspondence to Ian, Wren, Robin or the Peisner parents or leave feedback on the blog itself. we are of the opinion that having an e-homebase will help everyone involved.
on the right side of the blog are links for accommodations, places to go and things to see. as stated in the save the date, we highly recommend making your reservations to stay as soon as possible as the wedding falls mighty close to a holiday. the fourth of the July is one of the busiest weekends in the Southern Utah and, while some of you may be stoked to sleep under the stars, we don't want that to be a last resort.
Robin (Wren's mom) and Susan (Ian's) are great resources for feedback regarding accommodations as they've stayed in nearly every one of them. Robin also has ample local contacts should anyone be interested in finding a house to rent for the duration of their stay.
we will keep you posted as more details firm themselves up. remember sunscreen, see you in July!
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