ATV Adventures: 35th National ATV Jamboree in Fillmore set for fun
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- Crossing Chalk Creek, one of the favorite trails up Chalk Creek Canyon offered at the National ATV Jamboree.
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- Coming through shady Dry Wash, a trail offered on the National ATV Jamboree.
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- Riding on the Fillmore Loop, a favorite trail out of Fillmore.
Billed as the oldest ATV jamboree in Utah, Fillmore has been hosting the National ATV Jamboree since 1987. It is dubbed “national” because they claim that it was the first to be held in the nation. The dates for this year’s event are set for Tuesday, June 21, through Saturday, June 25.
Registration is online, but the opening day on Tuesday starts at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. During that time, riders will pick up their packets and choose the rides they would like to take. Registration online closes at midnight on June 13 so event planners can put the finishing touches on the jamboree. There is still time and the jamboree is not full yet, so don’t hesitate to sign up.
The National ATV Jamboree was my introduction to the Paiute ATV Trail. I think a jamboree is one of the best ways to learn about where to ride. If you are a new rider, this is where you want to be. You will meet likeminded friends and learn about where to ride.
Registration fees remain at $120 per person and it is one of the best bangs for your buck. Fees include three breakfasts, three full dinners, an ice cream social, a jamboree T-shirt, and a swag bag full of coupons and other goodies.
This jamboree is also accommodating those who come early to register on Tuesday. Several two-hour rides are scheduled to whet the riding appetites before the main events begin.
Food trucks have found their way to Fillmore in all their varieties, and riders will be able to purchase lunch from them on Friday during the day and on Saturday during the free car show on the Pod.
Jamboree headquarters will be situated at the Pod west of the Territorial State House. Meals will be served in the park by the Pod.
The jamboree is the reason people will be coming to Fillmore, but there is more to see in the city and the people of Fillmore want you to see more of what they have to offer. Of course, there is the Territorial State House, which I have enjoyed, but the city spent $1.5 million on a new city park that has a lot to offer young children. It is a peaceful place for families. The jamboree packet will also include a pass for free swimming for the family during this event.
In reviewing the rides offered this year, I see some of my favorite trails. The Fillmore Loop, for example, takes you on a ride up Sand Rock Ridge to the top of the mountain. On the second leg, you ride the ridges at over 9,000 feet and feel like you are on top of the world. The third leg drops you down into Chalk Creek Canyon and through some water crossings that are sure to get your feet wet. Wider side-by-sides will stay on the main road because of a 50-inch restriction on Chalk Creek.
The Dry Wash/Big Oaks ride is listed as a beginner’s ride, but it is another of my favorites. It does have a 60-inch restriction, but with the right size machine you will enjoy the shaded trail through Dry Wash.
Wednesday night after dinner, a ride will leave the city for what has been dubbed “The Starry Night Ride.” When you can get far enough away from light pollution, which doesn’t happen very often in our everyday lives, the night sky offers a celestial experience that will be a highlight of your trip to Fillmore. Bring a comfortable camp chair and plan to spend some time under the stars.
A couple of the rides go to Richfield — one features Mexican food and the other Chinese. I am always up for a lunch run. There are also some trails that are new to me. I am excited about this jamboree. If you can fit it into your schedule, I look forward to seeing you there.
The Paiute Trail System features three trail classifications — 50-inch, 60-inch and open. While most of the rides at the jamboree are on open trails, only two are on 60-inch trails. Seven of the rides are on 50-inch trails that will require smaller machines to be able to enjoy.
Go to millardcounty.com/events/atv-utv-jamboree to find information on the jamboree. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and I will see you at the Fillmore National ATV Jamboree.
Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.