Lynn Blamires, Special to the Standard-Examiner

The jamboree season is now in full swing with Kanab lining up for the second jamboree of the year. The jamboree opens on Wednesday, April 20, and goes through Saturday. Kane County is hosting this year’s event with guides being provided from the UT/AZ ATV Club.

This year to help with the cost of accommodations, the Parry Lodge is offering jamboree patrons a 15% discount. Make your reservations and mention the jamboree to take advantage of this offer.

A limit of 300 riders has been set to assure a memorable jamboree experience. Registrations are already at 200 so it is important to act quickly to be a part of this year’s event.

Fees are $150 per rider and include three breakfasts, two dinners, a fun welcome package and three days of trail rides through Kanab’s beautiful red rock country. Each ride is limited to 21 machines so register early for good choices.

The jamboree opens on Wednesday, allowing riders to check in, pick up registration packets and become more acquainted with the itinerary. Guides will also be available to talk about the trails offered. The day winds up at 6:30 p.m. with an ice cream social to open the jamboree.

Lynn Blamires, Special to the Standard-Examiner

The best way I found to learn about trails is to sign up for a jamboree. Not only do you ride with guides who know the trails, you learn more about the country through which you are riding, including the history and geography. I have learned a lot about ATV accessories from other riders and I have always been fascinated about why people live where they do.

The trails in Kane County have been collectively named after Montezuma. I have ridden many of them and they are worth the trip.

One of them is the “Hoodoo Run.” This 45-mile ride starts at the Crocodile/Johnson Canyon staging area. These hoodoos are found in Brown Canyon. I love a good hoodoo, but I am even more interested in the Native American water glyphs said to be found on this trail. I saw my first water glyph on Lost Spring Mesa east of Hurricane and became captivated by their history and purpose. American Indians used them to communicate places to find water and good camping spots to fellow travelers.

Another ride I can recommend is “Peekaboo.” Peekaboo is a two-part slot canyon that is accessible by ATV. It has all the features of a good slot canyon including tight places, logs and debris high overhead from previous flash floods. I was fascinated by the Moqui Indian steps carved in the rock face of a wall in the first canyon. Apparently it was used for access to alcoves with granaries and other storage places high above. I also love the way that sunlight finds ways to illuminate these canyons. It is called a two-part slot canyon because after passing through the tight passages of the first canyon, the walls give way to a large, open area before squeezing down into the second section.

Finding an arch on a trail is always a treat for me, but it is always better to have them pointed out by a guide who can provide more information about the feature. For that reason, I would like to take the “Button Cabin Trail.” This trail starts at Nephi Pasture off the Johnson Canyon Road and goes right to the Inch Worm Arch. A hike down a slight hill gives a better view of this double arch. You will also see a well-preserved Native American granary. The ride continues through Nephi Pasture and Snake Canyon to view both Elephant Arches. Finally, the ride goes by Button Cabin after which the ride was named.

Photo supplied

Scenery is the name of the game at this jamboree and for that reason I recommend the Hidden Lake ride. Located in Kanab Canyon, Hidden Lake is an underground water feature that has a spectacular entrance. A trip through the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and pet cemetery will be a special treat for animal lovers.

The Hog Canyon Trails are a part of the Montezuma Trail System and are also among the rides featured at this event. I have learned that rides through Hog Canyon go from mild to wild.

These are only some of the rides offered at this year’s jamboree. Go to visitsouthernutah.com/kanab-atv-jamboree for registrations and a description of the rides. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and enjoy one of Utah’s great jamborees.

Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.

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