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
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 The Henrieville Sign 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 Henrieville, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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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“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah”
“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super”
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“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work”
“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule.”
“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have”
“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their”
“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an”
“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about”
“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need”
“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I”
“Love working for this company”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take”
“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!!”
“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 ????”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”
“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.”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 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!”
“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!”
“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”
“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!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Love working for this company”
“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!!????”
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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
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.
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 Henrieville Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 Dining Room at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon or visit Snowfield Monument “Franciscan Fathersâ€, 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
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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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.
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 Henrieville, 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.
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:
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 Henrieville, 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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 Henrieville, 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.
Some evocative names swirl around a scenic road in southern Utah. The men who built it called it The Poison Road; its craggy terrain is known as desert slickrock; it is surrounded by the Box-Death Hollow wilderness area; and it winds around a town called Salt Gulch. The road’s name is most evocative of all: Hell’s Backbone.There are two roads between the towns of Boulder and Escalante, Utah. One, a lovely route over Scenic Byway 12, is paved. The other, Hell’s Backbone, is most certainly not. Both roads were built in...
Some evocative names swirl around a scenic road in southern Utah. The men who built it called it The Poison Road; its craggy terrain is known as desert slickrock; it is surrounded by the Box-Death Hollow wilderness area; and it winds around a town called Salt Gulch. The road’s name is most evocative of all: Hell’s Backbone.
There are two roads between the towns of Boulder and Escalante, Utah. One, a lovely route over Scenic Byway 12, is paved. The other, Hell’s Backbone, is most certainly not. Both roads were built in the early 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (the CCC), the construction and public works arm of the Works Projects Administration (the WPA). Before 1933 there were no automobile routes to Boulder or between the two towns, there were only wagon routes and mule trails. When the CCC was formed under the WPA, the two towns asked for funding to bring them into the 20th century. They got it, starting with a gravel road along the ridge called Hells’ Backbone. Given the sheer drop along some stretches, it was the CCC crews who dubbed it the Poison Road – one false step, and down you go.
It only took the CCC a couple of years to complete Hell’s Backbone Road, which is still gravel today. It took a few more years to complete the paved road, which was finished by 1940. It is still the smooth, all-weather route between Boulder and Escalante. Both roads boast ridiculously beautiful western scenery, but only one has a bridge that can make an acrophobic’s heart skip a beat.
Know Before You Go
Hell's Backbone Road is about a 35 mile drive between Boulder and Escalante, Utah. It can be treacherous travel in the wrong weather or under the wrong road conditions, so check before making the trip and plan for about a 2-hour drive between the two towns. The road is closed in the winter, so if traveling between Boulder and Escalante in the snowy months, Scenic Byway Rt. 12 is the route. To get to the road from Boulder, Utah, follow Rt. 12 south for about 5 miles and Hell's Backbone Road (a/k/a FR-153) will be a right turn. And if heights aren't your thing, there's always the Hell's Backbone Grill in downtown Boulder.
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Ready to take the “distance” part of “social distancing” to the next level? Check out our Best American Summer Road Trip Ideas for a look at the wildest and weirdest pit stops across the country. Southern Utah is among the most geologically significant landscapes on Earth. Within a day’s drive, you’ll come across slot canyons, hoodoos, natural bridges, arches, petrified fores...
Ready to take the “distance” part of “social distancing” to the next level? Check out our Best American Summer Road Trip Ideas for a look at the wildest and weirdest pit stops across the country.
Southern Utah is among the most geologically significant landscapes on Earth. Within a day’s drive, you’ll come across slot canyons, hoodoos, natural bridges, arches, petrified forests, snow-capped mountains... much of it all within the same view, so long as you know where to look.
Though a geologist could spend a lifetime trying to unlock the region’s mysteries, you’d easily blast past it all if you never ventured off the freeway. Do not make that mistake. In fact, veer as far away from Interstates 70 and 15 as you possibly can. About halfway between them you’ll find State Route 12, AKA the “Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.”
In just under 123 miles you’ll pass two national parks, one national monument, a national forest, and a state park specifically named for its photogenic qualities. You’ll see sites that served as backdrops for famous westerns and otherworldly science-fiction flicks. But as cinematic as it feels, it’s all very real. And it's afforded only to the most adventurous of road warriors. When it was completed in 1940 by a New Deal-era public works project, it was nicknamed the Million Dollar Road. You’ll soon come to see that they were selling it way short.
MORE: Get a look at even more of the most beautiful places in Utah
At its northern terminus, SR-12 runs into UT-24 just outside the small town of Torrey. But before you make your way south, start with a detour down Scenic Drive. Located 11 miles to the east in Fruita, the 16-mile round trip winds through Capitol Reef National Park, revealing stunning panorama around each passing turn. Along multiple vistas you can spy a glimpse of the Golden Throne, a 7,041-foot dome of Navajo sandstone that towers above a 100-mile long monocline known as the Waterpocket Fold.MORE: Check the status of every national park here
Fifteen miles down SR-12, pull over to the left for an unfettered view of Capitol Reef and its namesake geologic formation. Upthrust, rusty-red earth stands in stark contrast to the green meadows directly before you. Dominating the distant background are the snow-capped Henry Mountains, an offshoot of the Rockies soaring 11,500 feet towards the sky.
Bend along 30 minutes of canyon road before arriving in the town of Boulder, which resides under the shadows of its namesake 11,316-foot peak. Here you’ll find archeological remains from a native tribe of Puebloans (once mistakenly referred to as the Anasazi), who thrived throughout the region from approximately 1 AD until their mysterious disappearance some 1,300 years later. This particular site showcases the remains of this ancient village, including in-tact artifacts such as pottery and weapons. It’s open year-round, seven days a week, except on major holidays.
Here’s where things start to get really interesting. About 3 miles south of the park, keep watch for Burr Trail Road on you left. This is easily one of the most magical off-road detours in the continental United States. If you don’t have a 4WD vehicle, you’ll still be good to enjoy the first 18 miles of its sealed road. Admire the massive red cliffs of Long Canyon that tower overhead, on opposing sides of pavement. But when the gravel begins, the panorama kicks into overdrive. At the crest of the legendary Burr Trail Switchbacks you’ll marvel at unobstructed views of the Henrys out across open expanses of Capitol Reef. Then get ready to zig-zag your way down 800 feet of canyon wall before turning around and ascending the whole way back into Boulder. The round-trip adventure will take you a scant 2.5 hours total.
If you possess not even the slightest respect for heights (and you’re traveling between late spring and early fall) you can make use of this 38-mile gravel bypass between the towns of Boulder and Escalante. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, the off-road alternative climbs above 9,000 feet in elevation, snaking through the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness along the way. The harrowing climax is its eponymous bridge: a 14-foot-wide vehicular tightrope with 1,500 feet of sheer vertical on either side. MORE: Utah is also great for stargazers
Even if you don’t feel like tempting fate on a dirt-road of death, SR-12 has plenty of its own hair-raising shenanigans to share. Just outside of Boulder, the road traverses an area known as The Hogback. This is a narrow section of S-turns riding a spine with steep canyons on either side of the roadway... and there are no guardrails, so maybe keep it within the lines. Eleven miles south of town is a turnoff for Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead. The 130-foot-tall cascade at the end of this three-mile hike empties into an emerald-hued swimming hole, which provides welcome reprieve from southern Utah’s hot, dry summers.
After you’ve cooled down, rev yourself back up along SR-12 as it slaloms the serpentine crevasses of ever-narrowing canyons. Soon you’ll find yourself a mile-high in the town of Escalante. With a population of 808, this is the bustling metropolis of Grand Staircase: a geological formation exposing two dozen layers of sedimentary rock over an area of 1 million acres. Check out petrified forests and fossilized dinosaur bones in the town park (no big deal), then load up on local craft beer and overstuffed paninis at the 4th West Pub before a night of glamping at the Escalante Yurts.MORE: Got a taste for glamping? Here are 12 more incredible sites.
Load up on the snacks provided in your yurt, because you’ve got a full day of trekking ahead. Start by backtracking 4.5 miles east of town to find this easy-to-miss dirt road on the right. It affords access to some of the most exceptional -- and remote -- hiking the American Southwest has to offer. Hole in the Rock is a historic trail tracing the route that Mormon pioneers forged back in 1879, before crossing the Colorado River.
Today you can drive it 62 miles from SR-12 to the western shore of Lake Powell, though you won’t need to waste nearly that much gas to trek to world-class slot canyons. Spooky Gulch, Peek-a-Boo Gulch, and Golden Cathedral are but a few of the photogenic marvels you’ll find here. But tracking them down requires an advanced degree of orienteering: trails are not consistently marked and no facilities or services are provided. As with any slot canyon, an extreme danger exists in the form of flash floods, so check the weather throughout the entire region before heading out. Novice adventurers can still enjoy the eerie sandstone formations of Devils Garden, just 12.2 miles south of highway 12 along Hole in the Rock.MORE: Hole in the Rock is also the name of Utah’s best roadside attraction
About an hour west of Escalante, in the tiny village of Cannonville, turn left on Main Street and follow signs to Kodachrome Basin. Named after the famous brand of color film (the original Instagram), this state park features a garden of some 67 sandstone spires. The red and orange rock towers are known as sedimentary pipes. They point towards the heavens -- some resembling oversized chimneys, others appearing more like giants' hands determined to declare that Utah is, in fact, number one. The area is a reliable destination for horseback riding, climbing, and even more slot-canyon hiking… all without all the foot traffic you’ll encounter in nearby Bryce Canyon and Zion. MORE: Kodachrome is just one of Utah’s stellar state parks
Speaking of avoiding crowds: look for this trailhead about three miles north of Tropic and you can enjoy a taste of Bryce Canyon’s geologic grandeur without having to share it with throngs of tourists. An easy one-mile round-trip hike leads you past the same sorts of mesmerizing hoodoos that made the adjacent park an international attraction. The spindly, totem pole-like structures form when softer rock is capped by a layer of sturdier stone, causing uneven erosion from top to bottom as it weathers. You'll hike along their base on your way to a natural grotto that shelters icicles in the winter and lichen in the summer.
Several miles up the road you’ll enter the town of Bryce -- gateway to its eponymous canyon and national park. Of course you’ll want to divert five miles south on UT-63 to reach world-famous Inspiration Point, but you hardly need an internet article to tell you that much. What’s far less publicized -- and doesn't come with a $35 entry fee -- is the incredible Arches Trail just 20 more minutes up Highway 12.
After the Red Canyon Visitor Center, turn right on Casto Canyon Road and follow it two final miles to the Losee Canyon Trailhead. From here you’ll embark on a 1.5-mile trek that loops past no less than 15 rock arches along the way. When you’re back on the pavement, you’ll drive through two more of them before highway 12 ends at its junction with US-89. For all you’ve seen and done over the past two days, you journey is far from finished; Zion, Vermillion Cliffs, and the Grand Canyon are all within several scenic hours drive of here. Pick a direction and keep driving.
Brad Japhe is a freelance journalist with a wicked case of the get-up-and-gos. He enjoys his whisky neat and his IPA hazy. Although currently under quarantine on the Big Island of Hawaii, he’s usually found at the junction of food, booze, and travel. Follow him @Journeys_with_Japhe.
SALT LAKE CITY — The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for several areas in south-central Utah, including Henrieville, Tropic and other areas along the Paria River. Accumulating heavy rainfall near Bryce Canyon over the Paria River headwaters has prompted a FLASH FLOOD WARNING that includes Henrieville, Tropic, and other areas along the Paria River! REMEMBER, it can take several hours for flood waters to propagate downstream ...
SALT LAKE CITY — The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for several areas in south-central Utah, including Henrieville, Tropic and other areas along the Paria River.
Accumulating heavy rainfall near Bryce Canyon over the Paria River headwaters has prompted a FLASH FLOOD WARNING that includes Henrieville, Tropic, and other areas along the Paria River! REMEMBER, it can take several hours for flood waters to propagate downstream #UTwx https://t.co/lK8NRpSkNT
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 24, 2020
The flash flood warnings included one for Capitol Reef National Park.
Flash Flood Warning including @CapitolReefNPS through 5:45 PM. https://t.co/JaSd3JWWE6
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 24, 2020
Another flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City includes Grover and Fruita, Utah, in Wayne County.
Flash Flood Warning including Grover UT, Fruita UT until 5:45 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/sPsWdEtmG2
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 24, 2020
Residents of the Hildale/Colorado City area were also given a flash flood warning extending through 4:30 p.m. MDT.
A thunderstorm producing heavy rainfall has prompted this flash flood warning. The main threat area associated with this warning will be in the Hildale/ Colorado City area #UTwx https://t.co/uIsRrfaD4D
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 24, 2020
When issuing a flash flood warning, the National Weather Service suggests that those in the affected areas move immediately to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
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Named after its unique topography and impressive rock formations, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a beautiful area of desert scenery.The area consists of nearly 2 million acres of unbelievable canyons and naturally expansive vistas. Associated hiking trails have numerous stops and the views into the valley are absolutely incredible. Visitors can walk around and step on the ancient and fossil-rich rockland, which has remained almost as it appears today for more than 70 million years.In fact, dinosaur fossils dated...
Named after its unique topography and impressive rock formations, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a beautiful area of desert scenery.
The area consists of nearly 2 million acres of unbelievable canyons and naturally expansive vistas. Associated hiking trails have numerous stops and the views into the valley are absolutely incredible. Visitors can walk around and step on the ancient and fossil-rich rockland, which has remained almost as it appears today for more than 70 million years.
In fact, dinosaur fossils dated to over 75 million years ago have been found around the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, particularly since the year 2000 when archaeological exploration has picked up significantly in the area. The oldest dinosaur fossil found so far was unearthed near the Arizona state border and astonished researchers with its 75-million-year age.
Hikers commonly see the shapes and fossils of fish, turtles, sharks’ teeth, and dinosaurs embedded in the rock underfoot and around the trails. But signs of ancient humans abound as well, with petroglyphs carved by early humans scattered throughout the many rock formations.
Containing the Navajo Sandstone geological formation, the National Monument is also home to thousands of mysterious iron oxide concretions known as Moqui marbles, thunderballs, or shaman stones. They come in many shapes and sizes, but many of the Moqui marbles are spherical sandstones coated with hematite. It’s still uncertain how they were formed, although there is a number of theories, sometimes likened to the Martian “blueberries.”
Visitors are advised to remember that every fossil or carving found is precious and irreplaceable, and as such, it should be left for others to be able to enjoy them too.
Know Before You Go
Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Canyons in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a hidden secret and well worth the hour drive down a gravel washboard Hole-in-the-Rock road. It's one of the best slot canyons in Utah (possibly USA) with many holes to climb up and crawl through. At its narrowest it's 12 inches wide.
natural history geological oddities water plants geology ruins
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By David Collins —123 Miles of Cyclist Friendly Scenic Byway AdventureAlthough parts of this scenic byway show many faces and feature common nicknames, it seems to me The Grand Century is an appropriate name for rolling through it on a bicycle. The Grand Century is a suitable name for three reasons:The route is bathed in stunning scenery, clips a national park, features charming townships, dramatic alpine overlooks, red cliffs and a stretch dubbed “The Million Dollar Road”. It’s a cyclist’...
By David Collins —
Although parts of this scenic byway show many faces and feature common nicknames, it seems to me The Grand Century is an appropriate name for rolling through it on a bicycle. The Grand Century is a suitable name for three reasons:
The route is bathed in stunning scenery, clips a national park, features charming townships, dramatic alpine overlooks, red cliffs and a stretch dubbed “The Million Dollar Road”. It’s a cyclist’s dream – filled with unforgettable imagery and points of historical interest.
Extended shoulder seasons are usually the best time to ride but depending on your skills, equipment, local conditions and road closures, you might be able to ride it throughout much of the year. Be weather aware, riding conditions can swiftly change.
Excursions and explorations are part of the fun of unsupported bicycle touring at your own pace. Mileage estimates are approximate and may vary depending on your tracking system and whims of the ride. Be sure to tell someone your plans and allow them to track your location using a smartphone or other device.
Solo or unsupported distance cycling often presents potentially dangerous situations related to terrain, weather, equipment, traffic, navigation and mental awareness. Even experienced cyclists must plan carefully and use wise judgment to successfully mitigate inherent risks of the sport or terminate a ride before it turns injurious or deadly. If you are new to the sport or have never ridden a bicycle more than 100 miles in a single day, learn the ropes with a seasoned buddy or local cycling club before strapping on this ride.
Make sure to check maps, plan your route and check local road conditions before you go. As with any ride, be aware of your surroundings and of roadway traffic.
Time to fill water bottles, stuff gear bags, click in and start pedaling The Grand Century.
Scenic Byway 12. Begins in Panguitch and through Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, Cannonville, Henrieville, Escalante and Boulder – ends in Torrey. 123 miles.
All paved. Three high mountain passes (one of which tops out above 9600 feet), canyons; river bottoms; long rolling risers; open range; agricultural zones and winding/bending undulated miles throughout. Although there are multiple cycling (Share the Road) signs posted along the way, many segments have narrow (or no) paved shoulders and sharp curves.
Geologic wonders including volcanic tuff, prehistoric landslides, slumps, columnar joints, basaltic boulders, hoodoos, honeycomb cliffs, stonepecker holes, exposed ancient bedrock strata and bubble caves; active and temporarily dormant rivers (Pariah, Escalante); Red Canyon; Dixie National Forest; giant cliff curtain rising behind Cannonville; Kodachrome Basin (see Still Have Legs); The Hogsback section of The Million Dollar Road (a razor thin ridge road with steep cliff drops on either side – proceed with caution and enjoy breathtaking vistas); Anasazi State Park Museum; a short sip of Bryce Canyon National Park; a long swig of Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument; a handful of charming and sometimes quirky towns (Panguitch, Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, Cannonville, Henrieville, Escalante, Boulder and Torrey); Visitor Centers including: Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon (three miles south of the byway’s junction), Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Escalante Interagency; the original Torrey log schoolhouse; while not quickly accessible on the ride, it’s nice to know there’s evidence of giant prehistoric residents – multiple dinosaur tracks litter the Escalante area (one site contains more than 250, two of which include indications of tail drags).
Several colorful roadside cliff backdrops (chocolate, vermilion, white, gray and banded); noteworthy overlooks including The Blues, Head of the Rocks, Boynton, Homestead, Larb Hollow and Steep Creek; Red Canyon archways (the road passes through); Bryce Airport sign; Dixie National Forest backdrops; Ebenezer Bryce’s cabin in Tropic; Kodachrome Basin State Park sign; laser-cut steel Welcome to Henrieville sign on the west side of town; Upper Valley Granaries cliff formation (a small stone structure constructed by ancient Puebloans is wedged into the cliff but can’t readily be seen without binoculars); The Hogsback – DANGER – be cautious and only stop when weather permits and the road is empty.
Mountain lions, bobcats, elk, deer, pronghorn (antelope), black bear, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, jays, lizards, snakes, fox, coyote, jack rabbits, porcupines and little ground scurriers.
Red Cliff in Torrey. The table clothes are plasticky, your silver comes in a parchment sleeve and they serve pizza and steak burgers, but don’t let that fool you. Other places may have classier environs or even better fare, but nobody has Red Cliff’s homemade hot plate of meat lasagna. Every day the owner makes a batch of it – a lovely ode to all comfort food. Loaded with meatballish tang and served with shards of parm on top and sweet savory red sauce you’ll sop with breadsticks, it’s the perfect plate of protein and carbs after an extended day in the saddle. The portion is generous, but after you taste the first bite, you won’t be surprised to find yourself ordering another plate when the last bite is gone.
Add a brief detour through Kodachrome Basin State Park. More than 50 sand pipes ranging from 6 to 170 feet tall can scratch anyone’s geological itch. If you’re carrying lightweight shoes in your gear, shod your dogs and stretch your legs on the wonderous 2.9 Panorama Trail. It won’t take long in your excursion to understand why a National Geographic Society Expedition named the basin after the color perfect Kodak film of the day.
David Collins is a cycling enthusiast and amateur randonneur. Follow him on Instagram @rockypumpkin
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