ATV Adventures: The Fifth Annual Ticaboo Fall Rally — riding in dinosaur country
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- Squeezing through The Narrows at Ticaboo at the Ticaboo Rally.
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- Riding red rock canyons with the Henry Mountains in the distance at the Ticaboo Rally.
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- Riding red rock canyons at the Ticaboo Rally.
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- Lynn Blamires
The opportunities for riding OHVs in the mountains are ending in the northern part of the state for 2023. As I look out my window to the east, there is snow on Francis Peak.
That is not the case in the Henry Mountains by North Lake Powell. Ticaboo is where the last rally of the year will be held. The Fifth Annual Ticaboo Fall Rally is scheduled for Nov. 3-4. This is a great time to ride the Red Rock canyons and the Henry Mountains by Lake Powell.
Deluxe rooms are available at the Ticaboo Lodge for the rally. If you would rather rough it, tent camping is available on location. If you bring an RV, you can get a site with full hookups.
Registration is $50 and includes two days of guided rides and a neck gator printed with a map of the Ticaboo Trails. Half of the registration money goes to support the Prehistoric Museum in Price. The donation from the rally is the largest donation to the museum during the year. This support goes to enhance programs offered to the public.
In addition, the rides will include commentary and information from Utah’s own paleontologist: Josh Lively, museum curator. He will be on the rides to give interpretive discussions about the area’s geology and dinosaur history. It adds fun to the ride to have his expertise and knowledge. You will be impressed by what you will learn about dinosaurs.
Rides will also include some fossil hunting and rock hounding. It will be easy to see reasons to return to this country and explore the hundreds of miles of trail in the Henry Mountain/Robber’s Roost Trail System.
The schedule for this event starts on Nov. 2. Arrival and check-in will occur throughout the day because of the time and distance to make the trip from points north.
Arrive early and take a trail called “The Narrows at Ticaboo.” It is a slot canyon you can drive through. I did and it was a one-of-a-kind experience. Also, there are trails to overlooks of Lake Powell that are worth taking. Staff will help you with maps and directions.
Because Ticaboo is in a designated dark sky location, a night ride will give you a look at the sky you won’t see in the city. That is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Registration is available at https://northlakepowell.com/annual-ticaboo-fall-rally. You won’t be able to buy meal tickets at the rally because the caterer needs a count. A full schedule, description and prices are on the website. Oct. 28 is the last day you can purchase meal tickets. Oct. 31 is the last day you can register.
Two guided rides are offered this year. The first ride is labeled “The Taste of Ticaboo” and is focused on the evidence of ancient creatures that once roamed the land. You will enjoy riding through red rock canyons against a dark blue sky. You will find Lively on this trail. He will have a table set up with samples of dinosaur bones and other specimens. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about dinosaur activity in this area. Things you learn will enable you to talk about dinosaurs to your children and grandchildren. When it comes to kids, it pays to know dinosaurs.
The other trail makes a loop around Mount Hiller. There are interesting historical sites to see on this trail. Mining is a part of the history you will learn about. You will also visit the historic Starr Ranch and learn about its history.
There is also a chance to do some fossil hunting and rock hounding. You will find colorful specimens of coprolite (petrified dinosaur dung). You may find some gastroliths (dinosaur stomach stones). You will know these by their greasy, smooth feel.
“At Your Leisure” will be at the rally filming a show. In compliance with the rally theme, riders are asked to dress their OHVs to look like their favorite dinosaur. Prizes will be given for the best-dressed entry. The best-dressed machine will be featured on “AYL.” A three-night stay at Ticaboo Lodge will be awarded to the winner for their next trip.
It is all a part of the fun of the Ticaboo Fall Rally. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and enjoy the red rock canyons at the rally.
Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.