While planning my next trip to Jackson Hole , I stumbled upon this through the Teton Aviation Center. What better way to experience one of the most gorgeous mountain ranges then by air? This GRAND adventure is definitely going on the must do list for this fall!

Click on the video link below for some footage that will blow your mind and information on how to join in such a grand experience!

“Soar the Tetons on one of our scenic glider rides and experience this beautiful mountain range from a birds-eye view. Enjoy a leisurely soar and let the magic of motorless flight in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenic areas provide you with the adventure of a lifetime. Or, for groups up to three people, enjoy a powered tour of area mountain ranges in a Cessna. We are dedicated to providing the safest, most comfortable and enjoyable flights possible.”

“Mineral waters seeping up from the earth’s crust. Relaxing under the star-filled night sky. There is nothing quite like your first experience in a natural hot springs. Discovered by early settlers, the geothermally heated waters have been enjoyed for over 100 years by locals and travelers alike.”

I couldn’t agree more with this statement. My personal favorite Hot Spring spot close to US 191 is Norris Hot Springs. Known as “Water of the Gods“.  I prefer this one for many reasons; first and foremost it’s natural appeal.  Norris pool and seating is made of entirely of wood giving it a rustic feel that is classy, yet comfortable. Another major draw to Norris is it’s geodesic dome  poolside stage.

The live music that takes place on the weekend provides a fun and relaxing environment I have yet to experience at any other Montana hot spring. To top it all off, Norris has an amazing selection of  eats and beverages. In the summer, some menu features are all Montana grass-fed beef and bison and a variety of fresh salads grown in on-site gardens. Pair one of these with a good wine or a tasty local microwbrew in a luxurious soak : heaven.

Perhaps one night is not enough at such an amazing venue? If you care to stay awhile, Norris also has 9 full service RV sites and 4 tent sites offering beautiful views and access to the hot springs pool. Whether it is for a visit or a stay, Water of the Gods is something every human should experience for themselves.

42 Montana Highway 84

Norris, MT 59745

406-685-3303          
Swim and soak – $5.00
Swimsuit and towel rental available – $l.00 each
Enjoy a soak and music – $7.00
Music starts at 7:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Two weeks ago I went to the Flaming Gorge with the intention of camping for two nights. The second night the weather had different plans. In the spring there is no telling at 6000 feet what kind of weather you may encounter. The temperature dropped down to below freezing and unfortunately for the best view point of the gorge, the snow made the visibility less than fair.  Regardless of the weather not cooperating , I was still able to get some great shots. The view of the gorge never ceases to take my breath away.

Mesa Verde National Park was founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 ” to preserve the works of man”. This was the first park of its kind. The Park is home to 4700 archeological sites, 600 of which are cliff dwellings.

Mesa Verde

When I toured the park in November of this past year I couldn’t help but feel like I had hopped into the  DeLorean and traveled back in time. To be able to look thousands of years back to how the pueblos lived and survived was awe inspiring.

A Little over a week ago a group of friends and I decided to voyage to the confluence of the Green and Colorado river . The trail-head is found deep in Canyonlands National Park and is an 11 mile round trip hike. We had a perfect Spring day for it. The sun was out, but the weather was not too hot for a long hike.  The dessert flowers and cacti were just starting to really bloom, making it a beautiful colorful walk.

Indian Paint Brush

view of the Needles

While the moderate trail is relatively easy, there and some cliffs to be mindful of and a short ladder is in place at one point to help transition one of these rocks. Total elevation change for the hike is 200 feet. I didn’t really feel the elevation change being that there are a lot of lengthy flat stretches in two different valleys and one long plateau.

The scenery is great throughout, but my favorite view along the hike was of the needles. We stopped with this great view to have lunch and re-hydrate.

We arrived at the confluence at about 2pm, roughly three and a half hours after we started, but we took lots of breaks for photos and lunch.

There is nothing quite like the view of the Confluence for the first time with your own two eyes. For this reason, I’n leaving the photo out. This is definitely something you want to see for yourself! The red color of the Colorado meeting the almost turquoise color of the Green is spectacular. The reason why the dividing line between the two is so visible is doe to the temperature differences in the rivers. Further downstream, they do eventually mix.

A side note for those of you who do not like to hike or are unable. There is a Jeep Safari trail that also takes you to the confluence. It is definitely a longer road, but I am told is equally as enjoyable.

Camping “Behind The Rocks” was definitely the greatest suggestion I received as far as free camping and a GREAT VIEW OF THE ECLIPSE! I was on my way to go camp in a canyon when I got the call from my friend in Seattle telling me that if i was sleeping under the western sky that night, that I had better make sure that I had a good view of the eclipse. I had not seen a lunar eclipse in my life. I instantly called my local Moab friend to ask him where i could get the best view and he responded without hesitation  “Behind The Rocks”.

To get to Behind The Rocks, head south on US 191 just a little bit out of town (apx 5 miles). You will notice that southbound on 191 has a turing lane for a bit while just ascending uphill. At the very top of this hill (the first hill on your way out of town), you will see a sign for “Behind The Rocks” to your right. All along the road is great free camping. The spot that I chose was wide out in the open and very secluded. Perfect for the eclipse. Even just a few miles outside of Moab, there was virtually no light pollution.

I found this spot to be a great great break from the hustle and bustle of Jeep Safari Week while actually being super close to some of the activities. One of the events actually took place right across US 191 to the other direction; area BFE. This is home to one of Jeep Safari Weeks highlighted events, the hill-climb. I was amazed that being this close I did not have Jeepers through my campsite all night.

Don’t get me wrong, I love 4-wheeling, but I also love my peace and quiet too

Eclipse, especially for my first sight of a beautiful lunar eclipse. 

Camping at Ken’s Lake has all of the amenities and accommodations that one c could ask for. Ken’s Lake campground is just 10 miles south of Moab off US 191. This would be a great spot if you choose to travel luxuriously in a larger motor-home. While camping is 15.00 a night (slightly more pricey) , everything you could want is in a short distance. Fishing is permitted on the lake, however motorized vehicles are not. The campsite is also portable to hiking and horseback riding trails. In my opinion though, all of these amenities pale in comparison to the landscape. Ken’s Lake is surrounded by sights of the La Sal Mountain range, the red-rock fins of Moab, but most notably a beautiful waterfall.

When I first was driving into the campground, I couldn’t help but notice the giant waterfall. I thought it was a bit odd that I hadn’t seen it in the past. Later, when taking to a local, I was informed that it may not have been running last time i was in the area being hat sometimes that flow of water is directed into the Colorado.

Ken’s Lake Waterfall

Nonetheless, it was ever so enjoyable on this trip. On my first hike up to the base, which was just a short easy 1/4 of a mile walk, I noticed there was a little fire pit on the opposite side of the river just under the fall.  I thought “what a great place to cook dinner” and indeed it was. The photo below is a picture I took as the sun was setting and I was just sitting down to eat. Pure serenity. Considering Jeep Week is one of the busiest weeks in Moab, I felt blessed to have my dinner journey to be undisturbed.

The waterfall at Ken’s Lake will always be one of my most treasured Moab memeories

There are many camping sites along Kane Creek Road. While all were beautiful in bloom with the Spring, there were two that stuck out to me in particular. The more well known of these two would be Moonflower Campground, located just 3 mile off US 191. The entrance to Moonflower is lined with petroglyphs . There was a small flowing creek (I imagine from the rainfall) that leads the way into Moonflower Canyon. All Along this creek through the breathtaking canyon are wonderful unique camping sites. The canyon walls not only provide shelter but a gorgeous landscape. There were about 6 (out of 8) prime camping sites in Moonflower and they are on a first come/first served basis. Camping is 10.00 a night, but definitely worth every penny.

The second site that really stuck out to me was a bit further up the road. This is one i did not find listed on the BLM map. The campground is called Spring Site. It is slightly less protected as it is not in its own Canyon, but does have large trees at each site to provide shae and shelter. I appreciated the open layout and great climbing near by. This one only has 4 sites. Itis right along Kanes Creek which provides  a great water source and the soothing sound of a flowing stream.

Out of the many campgrounds on Kanes Creek, I found these to be the most scenic, secluded, resourceful, spacious, and over all a great place to camp!

Moonflower Canyon

Moab Jeep Safari Week

I can’t believe almost a week has gone by since Jeep Safari Week . It was absolutely amazing for US191.com to be a part of the event this year. Spreading awareness of what beauty and adventure US 191 holds is always such a positive experience. To hear things like “I had no idea it went that far” or “how many national parks?”  Is what our website is all about. I’ve always loved playing tour guide and as a result many people decided to take US 191 on their journey home.

Jeep Safari Week

The time is here again to kick off another amazing week in Moab! Easter jeep safari has been taking place in Moab since the 80’s and each year it seems to get a little bigger and a little better.
COME MEET MEMBERS OF THE US191 TEAM ! We are so pleased to be a part of the expo for Jeep Safari this year! We have made shirts specific for this event, so be sure to get your Jeep Safari souvenir!
The expo will take place on Thursday the 17th ( 7am-8pm) and Friday the 18th (7am-6pm) inside and outside of the Spanish Trail Arena just south of Moab right off US 191 ! This part of the event is open to the general public. Come see everything 4 -wheeling and get information on future 4 – wheeling.
This 9 day event attracts people from all over the world. Each day offers 9 different locations/trails to be explored departing from Moab . “Big Saturday ” caps off the event with the largest ever single trail ride departure happening . 30 groups line up in downtown Moab to head off in very direction to hit 30 different trails!
There is still time and space to register online for this awesome event at www.rr4w.com !
A few things you will want to know before hand, despite the name, not just jeeps are allowed. There are no restrictions as to what type of make and model, but high ground clearance and 2 speed transfer case are expected in whatever you choose to drive. NO ATV’s or UTV’s. vehicles must have an integral metal top or roll bar. All cars must be road legal with proper brakes, safety belts, etc. recommended items include a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tow strap, spare tire, and jack. Be sure to pack your food, non-alcoholic beverage , plenty of water, sun protection , and proper gear for unpredictable weather.
Please be sure to swing by the booth, can’t wait to see all of you 4-wheeling fans in Moab this week!