ATV Adventures: 36th annual OHV jamboree in Fillmore spells adventure
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- Robin’s Valley is one of the rides on the Fillmore jamboree. It’s a beautiful valley high in the mountains above Fillmore.
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- On the 50-inch restricted-width trail in Chalk Creek Canyon.
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- Coming through the upper Chalk Canyon 50-inch gate, one of the trails at the National UTV/ATV Jamboree.
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- Lynn Blamires
Billed as the oldest OHV jamboree in Utah, Fillmore has been hosting the National ATV Jamboree since 1987. It is dubbed “National” because it was the first to be held in the nation. The dates for this year’s event are set for Tuesday, June 20, through Friday, June 23. Jamboree headquarters will be situated at the POD west of the Territorial State House.
Registration is online at https://millardcounty.com/events/utv-atv-jamboree. 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 their rides. Registration closes at midnight on June 14 so event planners can put the finishing touches on the event. An extra poker hand for the poker run is a bonus for signing up before the end of March. So sign up now for the bonus and the fun.
National UTV/ATV Jamboree was my introduction to the Paiute ATV Trail. I think that 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 like-minded friends and learn about great places to ride.
Registration fees are $120 per person and include three breakfasts, two 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.
Wednesday will feature a Dark Sky Night Ride. The last three years, there has been trouble with clouds and weather, so this year it is changed from a starry night ride to a dark sky ride.
No dinner is provided for Wednesday night, but a variety of food trucks will be on-site to give a choice in dinner ideas. Meals will be served in the park by the POD. Thursday riders are invited to sample local cuisine around town for dinner.
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 x sides will stay on the main road because of a 50-inch restriction on Chalk Creek.
Some of the rides require trailering. Jamboree organizers want you to get some experience with other trail systems near Fillmore. Amasa Basin, the Mineral Mountains and the Cricket Mountains are included in the trails to choose from.
The Dry Wash/Big Oaks ride is listed as a beginner’s ride, but it is one 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.
A couple of lunch runs go to Richfield — one features Mexican food and the other Chinese. I am always up for a lunch run. While most of the rides at the jamboree are on open trails, only two are on 60-inch trails and seven of the rides are on 50-inch trails that will require smaller machines to be able to enjoy.
The jamboree ends on Friday, but there is reason to stay over an extra day. The Old Capital Car Show will be at the park on Saturday and you will have a chance to design your own trail to ride that day. Staff will even provide a guide to take you on trails you may have missed or just to see some new country.
When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and plan to ride at the Fillmore National UTV/ATV Jamboree.
Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.