ROAD TRIP ROUND UP

Hit the Road for Mystery, History, Trails and Bails this Spring

By Tonya Poole, 3-30-06

	Photo by Chris Lombardi

Thermometers are creeping up all over the Rockies, and with the rising mercury will soon come droves of road warriors crawling out of their garages – on bikes, in cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, station wagons and RVs. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have the road to myself. So we don't wait for summer around here: as soon the scarves are packed away for another year, we throw the backpacks in the truck and make tracks for the road. And rather than tour the old standbys (where there's often so many tourists that's all we often end up doing... standing by), we'll be heading off in search of out-of-the-way places this year. If you're so inclined, too, try these lesser-traveled jewels of the Rockies.

Kanab, Utah
It's no secret that mystery springs eternal in the Four Corners region, but especially so in southern Kane County, Utah, where Montezuma's Treasure is said to be buried in one of the area's lakes. The landscape is as colorful as the lore here, with attractions like the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Kodachrome Basin and Utah's famous red rocks nearby.
http://www.kaneutah.com

Gallup, New Mexico
Trade your cowboy boots for hiking boots and travel to the unique western New Mexico community of Gallup, where the impressive Gallup Trails 2010 project is well underway with the establishment of five breathtaking (literally in some cases, figuratively in others) trails for hiking, biking and climbing. At the end of the day, more than 100 trading posts, galleries and shops and more than 20 dining options await trail-beaten travelers.
http://gallupnm.org

Sheridan, Wyoming
True West magazine's pick for Top Western Town of 2006 may be small, but it isn't shy when it comes to history and adventure. How long has it been since you've been spelunking, golfing and hang gliding in the same day? Visit in May for a fun selection of hoe downs, rodeos and roping shows.
http://www.sheridanwyoming.org

St. Anthony, Idaho
If your idea of a road trip comes with four fat tires and a pair of handlebars, head for eastern Idaho to ATV magazine's favorite spot: the St. Anthony Dunes, situated on ten thousand acres of sandy playground surrounded by some of our region's most dramatic landscapes. And when you're ready to trade in your motor for something a little more primitive, saddled horses are usually standing by.
http://www.id.blm.gov/recreation/sandunes

Drive safely, and don't forget to check Gas Buddy on your way out the door for least-of-all-evils gas prices en route.

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