While I was in Utah for Easter Jeep Safari, I figured I might as well cross a few other items off my “Utah-Must Do” list. One of these destinations is a beautiful 15 pool hot spring that I’ve been gawking about on my Pintrest page for over a year now. Okay, so 5th Water Hot Springs is just about an hour from 191, but it’s way too amazing not to blog about. To get there, I traveled south on I-15 from Salt Lake City and then got off on Hwy 6 in Spanish Fork. There was a sign for Diamond Fork that led 10 miles back on a windy road to where we parked to begin the 2.5 mile hike up the hot springs. Let me say, it was worth all of the 2.5 mile hike; I would do it again even if it was 10 miles! During the entire trek up, the gorgeous flowing river is on your right subtly changing colors from a deep blue, to an almost tropical green, and then to a glacier like icy blue. The water at that point is anything but icy though. By the time is reaches that light blue shade, you can smell the sulfur and see the steam rising from the stream. As if this view wasn’t spectacular enough, to “top” it all off, a breathtaking waterfall! The waterfall towers 20-ish feet high and is an invigorating place to cool off when you get too hot in the spring pools. All of the soak stations vary in temperature, ironically the hottest being right under the chilly waterfall . So if being blasted with cold water isn’t what you had in mind to cool off, simply move downstream. This sight seriously is one of the most beautiful and most relaxing I’ve experienced in Utah. Definitely something to add to your “must-do” list if it;s not on there already .

On a last note, of course nothing this beautiful is a secret, so do not be discouraged when the parking lot is full. There is a constant cycle of people in and out of the pools. You will get a turn and even if you have to wait a few minutes, it is beyond worth the wait.

Did you miss your chance to get an Easter Jeep Safari shirt at the vendor expo in Moab? You are in luck! We still have a few left. There is a few of each color left in both Mens and Womens. Also, we’ll be running the EJS special online; 1 for $20 or 2 for $30. Send me an email if you are interested. Info@US191.com

EJS Logo Back Tag

The Charlie Steen Story

The Sunset Grill is in the former home of Uranium King Charlie Steen.  In the early 1950s Moab was a small farming community.  Arches and Canyonlands were places only a lucky few experienced.  In 1952 Charles A. Steen, geologist and prospector, put Moab on the world map.

The Atomic Energy Commission was offering a $10,000 reward for finding domestic uranium. Charlie had the knowledge and skills it would take to locate the uranium. While other miners were content gathering small amounts of surface deposits around Moab, Charlie wanted more. After three long years of searching with his family nearly destitute, and his resources expended, he made his final attempt to extract ore samples 240 feet beneath the earth’s surface.

Having broken his drill bit at 180 feet, he went into town.  He stopped for gas, not realizing what lay in the back of his jeep, ore samples he found at 70 feet.  The attendant approached the jeep with a Geiger counter.  They were both surprised by the activity it created.  It was July 3rd, 1952 and Charlie had finally hit his “paydirt.”

Life of course changed dramatically for the Steens.  They went from using a washboard in the river to having their laundry flown by Charlie’s private pilot to Grand Junction, Colorado.  Every year there was a new red Lincoln Continental, and because of poor television reception in Moab, Charlie put a television in his plane, and would fly his family over Moab to watch their favorite shows.

Charlie was a generous person.  He donated property to local schools and churches.  He built “Steenville,” a housing development for his employees, and offered low interest mortgage loans.  Charlie also bought a mountain and built his dream home.  Complete with green house, servants quarters, and the largest swimming pool in the state.  Roses lined the street below and flowers grew everywhere.  Longtime locals can tell of his $50,000 poker game, rubbing noses with celebrities like Henry Fonda, or even an “I Love Lucy” episode, where Lucy tries to get Ricky to join her in the hunt for uranium.

After 9 successful years, Charlie moved his family from Moab to a 22,000-sq. ft. house in Reno, Nevada.  After years of living in a true millionaires fashion, Charlie and his wife M.L., moved from Reno to Colorado.  They have passed on now, but will always be remembered as Moab’s most famous millionaire.

Charlie’s former home is now the Sunset Grill.  Come up and see the the “Million Dollar View” he created.   On display at the restaurant are 3-foot replicas of Charlie’s discovery boots, cast in bronze.

The Clayton family invites you to join us for an enjoyable evening at Charlie’s.  So come up and experience “Dining above the Rest.”

I got home at about 1 am last night after what was yet another great Jeep Safari Week. Although the weather was not as warm as it was in years past, it did not scare the crowd away nor stop anyone from enjoying the adventurous trails set up by Red Rock 4 Wheeler’s for the event. One of my personal favorites of these trails, is a spectator point called “Potato Salad”. This hill climb gets it’s name from the choppy rock that, from a distance, looks like a potato salad. Below is a video of a jeep who has almost mastered this climb.

The last two days of the event is the vendor expo; where myself and many other businesses were there to offer either the perfect accessory or necessity to your 4 wheel drive, information on where to play or stay with your jeep, and of course, the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by.  I must say I enjoy the expo as much as the trail riding because it is a place to connect with like-minded people that are all there for the same reason; the love for adventure. US191 offers so much to those seeking any thrill, and Moab is a cultivation hub of those living their dream of adventure.

LIVE OUT LOUD!

Parking Behind the Expo

The Perfect Sales Dog

St. Patrick’s Day in Bozeman 

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday in which green shoes, hair, beer and underwear are all encouraged! Don’t get caught without wearing green on March 17th or you might just get pinched! If you’re feeling really festive, here is a list of fun stuff to do in and around Bozeman this St. Patrick’s Day . These suggestions allow you to spend your day out in the sun and end your night with some green beer and rockin good tunes

Skier Jam at Bridger Bowl
The Jam Competition begins at noon. There is a $10 entry fee and registration is from 8:30-10AM. Each participant will be judged on two runs through the slopestyle course

Or i skiing isn’t your thing…..

Cure for the Common at The Zebra Cocktail Lounge at 9PM

Cure for the Common is a 5-piece funk-rock arsenal originating from Bozeman, Montana. Combining their affinity for deep dance grooves with a love for searing progressive rock peaks, the boys have found a home on the national circuit with an all-original Electro Thunder Funksound that has been shaking a nation one stage at a time.

Friday, March 11, 2016 from 8:00am throughSunday, March 13, 2016 at 6:00pm

The West Yellowstone EXPO is recognized worldwide as the “Largest Snowmobile Event in the West.” Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, and Yamaha will unveil their new 2017 snowmobile lines to the public and for the first time in the Rocky Mountain West! Clothing, aftermarket parts, and powersports exhibits will also be on display at the Exhibition Hall located at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn Conference Center. 

This event also includes snowmobile racing for children and adults, a vintage sled show, live bands, a casino night and so much more!

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.

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.