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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Hanksville, UT

Home Care Hanksville, UT

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Hanksville Historical Meeting Hall gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Hanksville, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Hanksville, UT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need ongoing caregiver and companion services. Very thoughtful and experienced caregivers and admin staff who care deeply about the details and about customer satisfaction. Brent and Lea have been incredibly supportive and flexible, and caregivers Aarylyn, Sabrina, Lydia, and Hailie have been accommodating, patient, professional and safe. They regularly take my loved one on outings in the community to help her claim her independance and have become a vital part of her healthcare and happiness. LOVE THIS PLACE!!”

Jackie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a caregiver with ABC, and I am so happy with the company!! They are so flexible and understanding with my schedule:) such genuine people and the clients are amazing!! They truly embody the name of the company... Not just for the clients but also for their employees???? it makes for an amazing place to work ????”

Rebecca E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”

Loretta
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”

Loretta
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TESTIMONIALS

“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what any family could ever ask for when handling care. They only have the best of the best caregivers that love to help! Their training and communication is top notch. Love this company! I refer all my friends and family! Couldn’t be more proud of an exceptional company!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”

lydia T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I have had to change my schedule or not be able to work a shift. They make me feel like family, and they strive to help the clients feel the same. We love our clients, caregivers and staff.”

TheXploringKay O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”

aaralyn G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule. Management is so supportive and will do what they can to make everyday at work a good day. They communicate effectively and quickly to ensure nothing is miscommunicated or misunderstood. Working here as been so rewarding and educational.”

Mckinlye G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have worked with them for three years. I am a senior myself and absolutely love working with them. They always try to make sure the client and the caregiver have a good relationship with each other. They are family owned and genuinely care about both client and employees.”

Helen M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their clients and they'll go the extra mile to meet their needs ! Not only that but they care for employees i love the flexibility they give us.”

Aly T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an employer of ABC they have been amazing with flexibility in chosing my schedule so that not only am I able to work but also be home with my kids when I need to be. They are amazing and put their employees first. I love being a member of ABC team.”

Falelua A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your arthritis hurts, but many studies show that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. 2. Eat a balanced diet. Studies show that a variety of nutrients may help ease arthritis symptoms. 3. Lose weight. Being overweight puts undue strain on weight-bearing joints such as your knees, spine, hips, ankles, and feet. 5. Use hot or cold packs. By increasing blood flow, hot compresses can ease pain and stiffness. 6. Keep pain under control. Over-the-counter medications can help ease arthritis pain. 7. Talk to your doctor about supplements and complementary medicine. Many supplements have been tested for the treatment of arthritis. 8. Try splints, braces, and other aids. Devices that support painful joints, such as splints, braces, and canes can help ease your discomfort and prevent injury. 9. Seek support. Living with arthritis isn’t easy. Finding other people that you can talk to and share ideas with can help. Check out arthritis support groups online or in your area. 10. Stay positive. Your mental outlook can have a big impact on how you feel, and how well you function. #SelfCare #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #Disability #GoodHealth #PainRelief #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #WECANHELP #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing #AlwaysBestCare #Exercise #SelfManaging #Tips”

Always B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”

AsAn
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”

Audrey S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about always best cares credentials and talk about mine. But What’s the point of leaving a review if it sounds like everybody else’s. The bottom line is , that they are great at their jobs from the bottom to the top. They have a process and people in place . They keep accountability and are communicative . Ive represented many companies in the past and still do till this day contract with only the best.. If you feel you want to hear more about this company on a deeper level just lmk. Happy Healthy Safe”

Jay R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule! I also like how I get to work on my own, but there are options to work with other CNAs for the care of some of the clients. It’s the best of both worlds! I’ve been with Always best care since 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the clients I work with!”

Olivia S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love always best care ❤️”

Breezy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”

Margot K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need for my 94 year old mom and matches caregivers accordingly. Sometimes, the schedule changes and he works to fill the needs immediately and always with a great attitude! The caregivers are compassionate. Again, I highly recommend Always Best Care.”

shell S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I came to them with some pretty difficult challenges that I was not sure we could work with but they were able to make it happen and truly did more than I thought was even possible. I highly recommend them.”

Mandy M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love working for this company”

Christina P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”

M S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Hanksville, UT?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Hanksville, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Hanksville, UT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Hanksville, UT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Hanksville, UT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Town Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Hanksville, UT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Mowgli's Cafe or visit Wolverton Mill, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Hanksville, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Hanksville, UT

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Hanksville, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Hanksville, UT

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your UT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Hanksville, UT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Hanksville, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Hanksville, UT

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Hanksville, UT

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • WCHC Hanksville Clinic
Home Care Hanksville, UT

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Hanksville, UT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Hanksville, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Hanksville, UT

Latest News in Hanksville, UT

Posts From The Road: Scenic Byway 24 In Utah

Fremont River: The Fremont River travels along Scenic Byway 24 and adds opportunity for trees and other vegetation to grow in the canyon near Capitol Reef National Park. The beautiful red rocks can be seen for miles as you travel the route. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.comBy GARY WARREN Photographer Formerly of Los AlamosWe have spent about three weeks “roaming” around Southern Utah. With no specific route or plans, we entered Utah via I...

Fremont River: The Fremont River travels along Scenic Byway 24 and adds opportunity for trees and other vegetation to grow in the canyon near Capitol Reef National Park. The beautiful red rocks can be seen for miles as you travel the route. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

By GARY WARREN Photographer Formerly of Los Alamos

We have spent about three weeks “roaming” around Southern Utah. With no specific route or plans, we entered Utah via Interstate 15 at St. George, Utah and moved around the southern part of the state. To say that Southern Utah displays some of the most magnificent landscapes is an understatement. There seems to be jaw-dropping views around every bend in the road.

This post will feature one of several Scenic Byways that are found in this part of Utah, Scenic Byway 24. A simple name for a beautiful drive of about 75 miles from Loa, Utah to Hanksville, Utah. Our “basecamp” was in Hanksville, and we explored from there.

The drive that we took from Hanksville to Torrey covers the majority of the Scenic Byway. As you leave Hanksville, the landscape is nice, high desert, but vegetation is not the star of the show, there just isn’t much of it!

However, driving westward on Highway 24 the scenery begins to change and the magical geographic wonders make their selves the reason that this highway is a Scenic Byway. Beautiful rock formations of several colors begin to show but the dominant color is red. This is red rock country.

Scenic Byway 24 really takes on magnificence as you drive through the canyon toward the farming community of Fruita, Utah. Fruita was settled by the Mormons over 100 years ago. They built some structures and houses and planted over 3,000 fruit trees in the valley near the Fremont River which still exist today. The primary entrance to Capitol Reef National Park and the park’s visitor center are the next landmarks just past the orchards at Fruita.

After passing the entrance to Capitol Reef, the landscape opens up a bit into the Fremont River Valley. While the canyon has opened up, the views and landscape are just as impressive as you drive along the red rocks and formations for a few miles into Torrey.

Torrey is a small village that has a few restaurants, stores and offers good camping at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet. Torrey can be a great escape from hot desert temperatures in the summer as the climate is much cooler due to the elevation. Torrey is also the point where Scenic Byways 24 and Scenic Byway 12 meet. As you travel westward on Scenic Byway 24, you drive into the Fishlake National Forest.

We took a break at Torrey for a while and then began our drive back to Hanksville. Driving the same road but from west to east revealed many additional fabulous red rock landscapes and vistas. This is just one of several scenic drives that we enjoyed while roaming around Southern Utah.

This entire scenic drive offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking the many trails is an obvious example. Other activities such as photography, bird watching near the river, biking, and camping are just a few of the outdoor opportunities as you travel and admire this amazing and beautiful part of Utah.

Editor’s note: Longtime Los Alamos photographer Gary Warren and his wife Marilyn are traveling around the country, and he shares his photographs, which appear in the “Posts from the Road” series published in the Sunday edition of the Los Alamos Daily Post.

The Castle: This formation just west of Capitol Reef is known as the Castle. The formation does look like a castle as you view it from different angles. Again, the colors of the rock formations create an incredible view for visitors. The lower red layer swirls around in every direction and then levels out to horizontal layers as it progresses up toward the Castle which is made up of very vertical spires. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Torrey: The landscape near Torrey changes a bit as the valley opens up but the red rock formations continue to amaze viewers. The elevation has risen, and Torrey becomes juniper and pinon country before changing to pine, fir, and aspen in the forest higher in elevation. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Fremont River Valley: This scene is part of the Fremont River Valley looking toward the red rock cliffs. The river is in the distance behind the photographer and is not visible in this view. The multi-colored rock cliffs and formations with the pinon and juniper in the foreground are a sight for the eyes! Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Twisted Trees: These twisted trees along the Fremont River and adjacent rock wall appear to be battling for attention as their dark trunks and branches move about in the new spring growth. The trees were not that small but are dwarfed by the huge red rock canyon wall. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com

Hanksville suffered terrible flash floods: Here they are a year later

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutesThis archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.HANKSVILLE, Wayne County — It started with a simple idea: Why not live and work where you love?Daniel Cahoon has been visiting Hanksville and the surrounding area for nearly 30 years."There's something about thi...

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

HANKSVILLE, Wayne County — It started with a simple idea: Why not live and work where you love?

Daniel Cahoon has been visiting Hanksville and the surrounding area for nearly 30 years.

"There's something about this place that got in my blood," he said.

Now, he's making Hanksville his permanent home.

He is even moving his family to the small Wayne County town from Kansas City because he's starting a business. Cahoon and his brother own Muddy Creek Mining Company, where they will be renting luxury cabins and showing off the area's history.

"We're putting in what we think is going to be an amazing destination for folks who want to visit this part of Utah," Cahoon said.

Lake Powell and Goblin Valley State Park are nearby, as well as Capitol Reef National Park, Robber's Roost, Factory Butte, and plenty of room to explore.

"I got to tell you, Hanksville is in the middle of everywhere," Cahoon said with a laugh.

However, just last year, Hanksville was in the middle of one of the worst floods anybody here can remember. The Fremont River went over its banks and flooded most of the town.

"It devastated the town. I think everybody in town was affected by it in some way or the other," Cahoon said.

Roads, homes, and businesses were flooded. It seemed like the water would never stop or go away.

"I look back at the pictures and it just made me cry. I can't even believe it," Lisa Wells said. She is Hankville's town clerk.

She said the town is still waiting for federal money that was promised to clear out channels, fix roads that were damaged, and repair the town's water and sewer system.

"We've got engineers and we've got the plans, but we still haven't gotten the funding yet in place," she said.

Thanks to residents and volunteers, the town dug out and repaired what it could. Businesses slowly started to reopen.

And new businesses, like Cahoon's, who started his plans in February, are investing in Hanksville's future.

"The fact that I can be part of that recovery, and we think we can do something even more than what was here, is really exciting to me," Cahoon said.

Maybe the next flood will involve tourists. Wells, who has lived in Hanksville for most of her life, thinks it's possible.

"I do. I really do. Some people don't, but I'm like, yeah," she said with a laugh. "I think it will. We've got enough people in this town that are trying to make it happen."

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Culinary community helps cheese farm that lost goats in Hanksville floods

Mesa Farms is renowned for its farming methods and for giving back to the community.| Updated: 9:41 a.m.Every year, Randy Ramsley replaces his nanny goats with kid goats and raises these herds like he would children. And when the Sept. 1 floods sank his farm and took 11 goats, it was a financial loss, but also a personal one.Ramsley’s farm is located near the banks of the Fremont River and when it swelled over its banks after a monsoon storm, the waters rose too fast for the goats that make his signature cheese a...

Mesa Farms is renowned for its farming methods and for giving back to the community.

| Updated: 9:41 a.m.

Every year, Randy Ramsley replaces his nanny goats with kid goats and raises these herds like he would children. And when the Sept. 1 floods sank his farm and took 11 goats, it was a financial loss, but also a personal one.

Ramsley’s farm is located near the banks of the Fremont River and when it swelled over its banks after a monsoon storm, the waters rose too fast for the goats that make his signature cheese and they drowned. Now the culinary community all over Utah is raising money to help him rebuild his 50-acre Mesa Farms and Market.

More than six feet of water flashed through the towns of Hanksville and Cainesville over two weeks ago, impacting the livelihoods of hundreds of people. With no official state or federal emergency relief money to assist these towns, locals have relied on online fundraisers to cover the millions in damages the floods left behind.

“Randy works as hard as anyone I’ve ever heard about or met, and he is very far from wealthy,” says Matt Caputo, CEO for the market and deli Caputos, who buys cheese from Mesa Farms.

Caputo added that Ramsley operates a farm that has helped many people and organizations who value regenerative farming techniques, which focus on growing food and raising livestock without harming the land. That’s partly why he sells his cheese at Caputos.

“He does it for different reasons, and in this capitalist world, doing something for those reasons is really hard to do,” Caputo said.

Ramsley’s passion creates incredible, high-quality cheese, according to Caputo. Caputos ages the cheese from Mesa Farms and sells it for $25 to $32 per pound.

“Randy’s cheese tastes natural, and it tastes like a place that it comes from,” Caputo said. “You can taste the vibrancy and the health of his animals in his cheese.”

Since the fundraiser was launched, donors gave about $13,000, enough to help him restock most of his lost herd with the help of other goat farmers in the Salt Lake Valley. Any extra money will be used to help with the upkeep of his fencing and the hay he will need to buy this year.

Before the floods, Mesa Farms offered help to local communities, including the Navajo Nation.

Cynthia Wilson, traditional foods program director for Utah Diné Bikéyah, says that Mesa Farms partnered with the nonprofit to give 18 goats to Diné sheep producers in San Juan County during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilson, who is Navajo (Diné), says Mesa Farms became a food resource for many Indigenous families from the Four Corners region.

Wilson added that Mesa Farms is a leader on food sovereignty — making healthy foods with the most environmentally sustainable methods for the nearby community. She thinks many of Mesa Farms’ methods could help farmers and ranchers in the Navajo Nation.

“For someone like Randy and Mesa Farm and Market, it is an example of what we are trying to restore here in our communities, among Indigenous Peoples, restoring Navajo churro sheep and reconnecting back to the holistic use of an animal,” Wilson said.

For Ramsley, the outpouring of financial support is getting him back on his feet. “Having lost those 11 would have set me back a year in being able to keep my herd genetics and productivity up, but because of the fundraiser and because of sheer luck, I’ve been able to locate some replacement yearlings,” he said.

What exactly are they doing at the Mars analog research site in Utah's southeast desert?

EYE on UTAH: Individuals from across the planet Earth participate in weeks-long missions at a facility in Wayne County, Utah, designed to mimic the conditions found on Mars. The Mars Society's Desert Research Station acts as an analog for the fourth planet from the Sun in an effort to advance technology to use when the Earthlings on the Blue Planet eventually travel the nearby Red Planet. (Photo: Amanda Gilbert, KUTV)HANKSVILLE, Utah (KUTV) — Researchers from as far as France and Canada are in southeast Utah for a Mars simulatio...

EYE on UTAH: Individuals from across the planet Earth participate in weeks-long missions at a facility in Wayne County, Utah, designed to mimic the conditions found on Mars. The Mars Society's Desert Research Station acts as an analog for the fourth planet from the Sun in an effort to advance technology to use when the Earthlings on the Blue Planet eventually travel the nearby Red Planet. (Photo: Amanda Gilbert, KUTV)

HANKSVILLE, Utah (KUTV) — Researchers from as far as France and Canada are in southeast Utah for a Mars simulation.

Past the Goblin Hoodos and through the town of Hanksville - with a population nearing 200 - and miles further off the less-traveled roads, is an area of the state that sure feels like Mars.

On Wednesday, Eye on Utah showed you the Mars Desert Research Station in Wayne County, where a crew is participating in a nearly two-week mission at the remote location, chosen because of its similarity to the Red Planet's terrain.

Founded by the Mars Society, a nonprofit that gives people a taste of what it's like to live on Earth's next-door neighbor, the facility is home for the seven-member crew as they conduct futuristic research over their 12 days at the site.

That research includes 14 different experiments.

Cécile Renaud, Greenhab officer and crew biologist, is using blue-green algae to help grow plants in harsh environments.

"This soil was developed by NASA to mimic Mars soil," she said. "And we have one seed that sprouted here."

Over at the Musk Observatory - named after Tesla founder and Twitter owner Elon Musk, whose foundation provided a grant to the Mars Society to establish the facility - the crew closely observes the sun. The equipment allows them to see sunspots and forecast the weather on the solar system's central body.

The mission is one that can take a toll, the crew members said.

"Even if you exercise two hours a day, which is what the astronauts in the (International) Space Station do, they still see bone loss," said the crew's medical officer, Audrey Derobertmasure.

Outside the facility, you'll spot a Mars rover prototype.

Erin Kennedy, the crew's engineer, is trying to get an internship with the NASA team that works on the Mars rovers. In that effort, she built her own.

It's designed to be powered by the wind.

"(It) would look for interesting geological activities on Mars," she said. "So, eruptions on Mars."

NASA is hoping to send people to the Red Planet within the next 15 years or so.

Get more information on the Mars Society and the facility in Wayne County at marssociety.org.

2News is keeping our Eye on Utah with all the stories that are important to you. Check out the Eye on Utah section of KUTV.com for the latest spotlights on outstanding Utahns. If you know of a Utah story that needs to be told, email the details to [email protected].

How I beat my fear of slot canyons, despite ‘127 hours’

HANKSVILLE, Utah — “Within an hour of being trapped, I knew I had to cut off my arm,” Aron Ralston said.The world’s most famous canyoneer had just landed in Denver. He was talking with me on his cellphone, and his voice sounded positively jovial.“Of course, my knife was so dull I couldn’t saw through the skin. It took me until Day 4 to figure out that the only solution was to stab myself.”He paused to laugh. You might even describe it as a guffaw.“That’s what y...

HANKSVILLE, Utah — “Within an hour of being trapped, I knew I had to cut off my arm,” Aron Ralston said.

The world’s most famous canyoneer had just landed in Denver. He was talking with me on his cellphone, and his voice sounded positively jovial.

“Of course, my knife was so dull I couldn’t saw through the skin. It took me until Day 4 to figure out that the only solution was to stab myself.”

He paused to laugh. You might even describe it as a guffaw.

“That’s what you call a lightbulb moment,” he said with relish.

In case you’re unfamiliar with Ralston’s story (as related in the 2010 movie “127 Hours”), here are the facts: During a solo canyoneering trip in southern Utah, he was trapped by an 800-pound boulder. To free himself, he was forced to amputate his right arm.

“I’m no more or less equipped for something extraordinary than anyone else,” Ralston said. “We’re all just waiting for that boulder in our lives to bring us to that same point.”

I was flabbergasted by his positive attitude, given the trauma of his experience. I was also appalled by his story. After all, I was about to embark on my first canyoneering trip to southeastern Utah, just a few miles from where Ralston had spent his five-day season in hell.

I had signed up for a three-day technical canyoneering course in Robbers Roost wilderness, one of the most remote areas of the United States. The oddball sport involves moving up and down steep-sided slot canyons using a variety of methods, including climbing, crawling and rappelling. And, in my case, praying, cursing and regretting my decision to leave Los Angeles.

Canyoneering has gained popularity in recent years. Strangely, “127 Hours” seems to have encouraged more people to try it, especially in Utah. After landing in Salt Lake City on a clear September day, I made a last call to my wife before picking up my rental car and venturing into a cellphone service abyss.

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I did have one important advantage though. My instructor, Christopher Hagedorn, has been leading classes and expeditions in this area for upward of 10 years. His company, Get in the Wild Adventures, has thrived throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Not surprising, I suppose. Canyoneering is by its very nature a socially distanced activity.

“I spent a good part of my life following the dream of being an astronaut,” he said the first day at our training camp, about 20 minutes’ drive from Hanksville, Utah.

“When I realized that wasn’t going to happen, I figured this was the closest I’d ever get to being on another planet.”

I could see what he meant as I scanned the extraterrestrial topography around me. The rust-colored rock formations were straight out of the 1990 sci-fi classic “Total Recall.” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s classic line — “Get your ass to Mars” — flashed briefly through my mind.

Hagedorn’s gentle voice shook me from my daydream. I and 10 other would-be canyoneers were hunkering down on a sun-warmed cliff, attempting to grasp the fundamentals. Terror has a way of focusing the mind, and I hung on his every word as he spent the first morning explaining the basics of roping and climbing.

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Without getting caught up in technicalities — and there are plenty of technicalities to get caught up in — here is a brief glossary of terms:

Stemming: crawling crab-style along the slippery sides of a yawning chasm

Cairn anchor: a hastily constructed pile of rocks from which you will shortly be dangling

Fireman’s billet: holding the rope tightly above your head to stop your classmate from tumbling to almost-certain death

Free-rappelling: hanging in open space, then descending to the canyon floor while trying not to cry

These definitions may not be entirely accurate. But this is how they sounded to me, sitting in the glaring sun with cottonmouth and sweaty palms.

I was relieved when we finally left camp Friday afternoon. All this talk of 100-foot free rappels was enough to give me a heart attack. I was ready to face a bona fide canyon.

It turned out to be a relatively easy start: “a PG-13-rated canyon,” in Hagedorn’s words. There were no cliffs in this section of the gorge and no need for ropes. We clambered up the narrow sandstone walls for perhaps two hours, then clambered back down.

There was a pleasing rhythm to this arduous process, and although our knees and elbows took a beating, we finished the day without any catastrophes, our limbs miraculously intact.

Saturday was more testing. We were to visit the so-called Stairway to Heaven, a deep gulley that included several 90- and 100-foot rappels. We started on the Angel Trail, “the only path in 6 million acres,” Hagedorn said.

This outrageously isolated corner of desert was once a hideout for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. But even those fearless outlaws weren’t foolish enough to tackle the landscape with ropes. As I leaned over the side of a jagged sandstone ledge, I spied a gap in the cliff like the crease in a giant’s elbow.

Reluctantly, I pulled on my harness, which felt like an ugly, cumbersome garter belt.

Travel & Experiences

April 29, 2021

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As Ralston had told me during our interview: “In Robbers Roost, even by the shortest line, you’re 30, maybe 40 miles from civilization.” For a city boy like myself, this was a terrifying prospect, especially considering what I was about to do.

I grasped the rope, then unhooked myself from the safety binding. I could scarcely breathe. But once I’d hiked my leg over the ledge and was able to see the wall of rock in front of me, I felt oddly calm.

The journey to the canyon floor was clumsily executed — I even managed to rip my T-shirt in the carabiner — but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. I let loose a mini-whoop of joy when my feet touched the sand on the canyon floor.

Rappelling was not as repulsive as I’d imagined. The second and third tries were easier than the first. I even found myself eager for more. On Friday morning, I’d been a canyon virgin. By Saturday afternoon, I was something of a canyon floozy.

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My final dangle over the desert floor felt almost casual. With fear at bay, I was able to absorb the landscape and wonder at its scale and beauty. As I peered at the otherworldly rock formations for the last time, I was reminded of my interview with Ralston.

“There’s a boulder for each and every one of us,” he had said when we’d talked a few days earlier. “If it’s not a chunk of sandstone, it’s cancer or it’s divorce. We can choose to turn that trauma into a tragedy or we can turn it into a triumph.”

I wasn’t in the throes of a divorce. And thank goodness, I didn’t have cancer. But I’d made it through the weekend unscathed, and for that I was glad, perhaps even a little triumphant.

As my feet touched the “Martian” sand, I was grateful for gravity and for all the good things I took for granted in this short, alien and wholly miraculous life.

Get in the Wild Adventures, [(818) 381-9453, getinthewild.com] in Hanksville, Utah, offers a three-day technical canyoneering course with a focus on climbing techniques, trip planning, problem solving and team building. From $445 per person. One-day trips are also available, including a “127 Hours Adventure” in Bluejohn Canyon, the location of Ralston’s five-day ordeal. Prices start at $289 per person. Trips are offered year-round.

Where to stay

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Whispering Sands Motel, (435) 542-3238,; 90 S. Highway 95, Hanksville, Utah. Doubles from $89 a night.

Red Sands Hotel & Spa, (435) 425-3688; 670 E. Highway 24, Torrey, Utah. Doubles from $110 a night.

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