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 Old Post Corral 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 Veyo, 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.”
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“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 Veyo Pool Resort 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 Chips n' Salsa Mexican Restaurant or visit Brigham and Amelia Young Home, 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 Veyo, 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 Veyo, 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 Veyo, 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.
ST. GEORGE — A short-lived brush fire in Veyo drew multiple firefighting agencies to the scene Saturday afternoon, with high winds quickly spreading the flames. Just as quickly, fire crews knocked them down.The agencies were dispatched to the incident at 3:28 p.m. near an area of North Block Road in Veyo, according to a social media post from the Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue.When Dammeron Valley’s in-station fire crew arrived on the scene, they found the fire was threatening multiple outbuildings...
ST. GEORGE — A short-lived brush fire in Veyo drew multiple firefighting agencies to the scene Saturday afternoon, with high winds quickly spreading the flames. Just as quickly, fire crews knocked them down.
The agencies were dispatched to the incident at 3:28 p.m. near an area of North Block Road in Veyo, according to a social media post from the Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue.
When Dammeron Valley’s in-station fire crew arrived on the scene, they found the fire was threatening multiple outbuildings and homes.
A local fire official who spoke with St. George News said homeowners were seen trying to put out the fire using water from their garden hoses.
One member of the responding fire departments had been at a Veyo gas station when they saw smoke, tracked it to the growing fire and began to battle the blaze, while also calling other agencies for assistance.
The backup firefighters were able to jump on the fire with what the fire official described as a “monitor” — a water cannon mounted on the front of a wildfire truck — and curtailed flames advancing on nearby structures and one parked vehicle.
Agencies that responded along with Dammeron Valley Fire include the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Enterprise Fire Department, Gunlock Volunteer Fire Department, Santa Clara/Ivins Fire and Rescue and the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
The fire is estimated to have burned between 1.5 to 2 acres before being contained. Fire crews entered mop up mode by 7 p.m., with at least one agency remaining on site to watch for flare-ups.
While multiple structures were threatened, none were reported to have been damaged by the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
“Despite a wet spring and cooler temperatures, fire risks in our Wildland Urban Interface remain a significant risk,” the Dammeron Valley Fire post states. “Please contain fires to established fire pits or grills and never leave a fire unattended. If you see smoke call 911 to report the potential fire.”
Veyo was the site of the larger West Veyo Fire that reached nearly 3,000 acres in July 2020. Another fire, called the Veyo Pool Fire happened in August of the same year and burned up to 100 acres before being contained.
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VEYO, Utah – The western half of Veyo, a town in Washington County, has been evacuated due to a new wildfire.The Veyo West Fire has burned an estimated 1,100 acres and was zero percent contained as of Monday night. Veyo is approximately 18 miles north of St. George.Officials have also issued evacuations for the town of Brookside, which is north of Veyo. Crews said they were experiencing active fire behavior in the area. VEYO WEST FIRE: Evacuations have been ordered in Veyo and Brookside, which ...
VEYO, Utah – The western half of Veyo, a town in Washington County, has been evacuated due to a new wildfire.
The Veyo West Fire has burned an estimated 1,100 acres and was zero percent contained as of Monday night. Veyo is approximately 18 miles north of St. George.
Officials have also issued evacuations for the town of Brookside, which is north of Veyo. Crews said they were experiencing active fire behavior in the area.
VEYO WEST FIRE: Evacuations have been ordered in Veyo and Brookside, which is where this doorbell camera is located.SR-18 and secondary roads in the area have been closed. Updates here: https://ksltv.com/441276/evacuations-ordered-due-to-veyo-west-fire/(Video courtesy: Paula Radmall)
Air and ground resources were deployed to the area and no cause has been given for the fire.
Fire officials said state Route 18 has been closed in the area, along with secondary roads west of S.R. 18 and north of Gunlock Road.
Red flag warnings were in effect across central and southern Utah on Monday, with winds gusting up to 40 mph and low humidity across the area.
Red Flag Warnings for hazardous fire weather conditions due to gusty winds and dry conditions will continue through tomorrow. #utwx pic.twitter.com/xQpSq89h6U
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 13, 2020
Firefighters have stopped forward progress on the Goshen Canyon Fire, which burned an estimated 215 acres in southern Utah County.
Officials said all evacuations have been lifted and the fire was at 50 percent containment Monday night.
Utah County fire officials said the fire was started by a cigarette dropped onto dry grass in the area.
A third wildfire was reported Monday in Duchesne County near Indian Canyon. Officials said the Abbott Fire has burned an estimated 20-30 acres and multiple resources were responding to the area. They believe it was caused by lightning.
The #AbbottFire is burning 10 mi SW of Duchesne. Federal, state & local crews on scene. 20-30 acres in size. No structures threatening. Crews suspect it was caused by lightning caused.
Photos: Mike Lefler, Duchesne County Fire & Emergency Management#utfire pic.twitter.com/7dPVpzv0pK
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 14, 2020
Southern Utah’s “volcano country” encompasses extinct natural wonders — and homemade pie Editor’s note • This article is part of 150 Things To Do, a reporting project and newsletter exploring the best that Utah has to offer. Click here to sign up for the 150 Things weekly newsletter.The tiny town of Veyo, Utah — just 20 minutes northwest of St. George with a ...
Editor’s note • This article is part of 150 Things To Do, a reporting project and newsletter exploring the best that Utah has to offer. Click here to sign up for the 150 Things weekly newsletter.
The tiny town of Veyo, Utah — just 20 minutes northwest of St. George with a total population of 822 — sits nestled in the shadow of a volcano.
“Volcano country,” its welcome sign reads. A little over eight and a half miles south of Veyo, just south of picturesque Diamond Valley, is the Santa Clara Volcano.
No need to worry: Neither the Veyo Volcano nor the Santa Clara Volcano will erupt ever again.
That’s because they’re both cinder cones — also called scoria cones — said recently retired BYU geology professor Eric Christiansen.
And cinder cones are monogenetic, meaning they erupt only once, he said.
Christiansen was part of a research team that, in 2013, discovered evidence that a supervolcano near Wah Wah Springs erupted 30 million years ago, burying a region that stretches from central Utah to central Nevada and from Fillmore in the north to Cedar City in the south.
The eruption lasted for a week and spewed more than 5,500 cubic kilometers of magma, making it about 5,000 times larger than the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption. Ash has been found as far away as Nebraska. In southern Utah, deposits from this eruption are 13,000 feet thick.
It collapsed into a caldera — the technical term for a volcano’s crater; essentially a giant hole in the ground — after its eruption, but this caldera was difficult to map because fault lines stretched it out over time.
“Imagine drawing a circle on a piece of paper and then cutting it with scissors in about four different places, and then stretching it apart,” Christiansen said, adding that his team worked across five different mountain ranges to determine where all the caldera’s pieces were.
(Kaitlyn Bancroft | The Salt Lake Tribune) Veyo, Utah (near St. George) sits in the shadow of the Veyo Volcano.
He also said the Wah Wah Springs eruption happened too long ago to be responsible for southwest Utah’s current landscape.
But the tectonic stretching that broke up the supervolcano’s caldera is the same type of stretching which shaped the stunning natural beauty that southwest Utah is known for today, Christiansen said.
And while the Veyo Volcano and the Santa Clara Volcano are extinct, he said cinder cones group together, meaning the area has the potential for more volcanic activity.
“I think a lot of people believe we’re not in a volcanically active region,” Christiansen said. “And I would like to put forth that we are in a volcanically active region. It’s just [that eruptions] don’t happen very often.”
So while you’re not likely to see new volcanic action in southwest Utah any time soon, there’s still plenty of evidence that the Earth’s fire once blazed hot and furious above ground.
Here’s how to explore the Veyo Volcano and the Santa Clara Volcano.
The Veyo Volcano doesn’t have an established trail, but it is open to visitors. Hikers should come prepared — and be mindful that the volcano is covered in loose, rocky terrain that could quickly cause someone to lose their footing on the steep incline.
To explore the Veyo Volcano, look for a pullout on the west side of Highway 18 about a mile south of downtown Veyo. Here you’ll see a gate with a yellow sign asking visitors to close the gate behind them. The gate is held shut with a simple chain and swivel snap; there is no lock.
(Kaitlyn Bancroft | The Salt Lake Tribune) The gate through which visitors can access the dirt road leading to the Veyo Volcano in Veyo, Utah.
When you’ve gone through the gate, you can walk or drive along a bumpy dirt road that runs towards and then alongside the volcano. A muddy stream creates a striking slash of green on the landscape, while the nearby town spills out below.
(Kaitlyn Bancroft | The Salt Lake Tribune) A small stream runs near the Veyo Volcano in Veyo.
Once you’re close enough to the volcano, you can begin climbing at any time, though the west side seems to have a gentler upwards slope.
The ground will become increasingly covered with loose pieces of black and red rock as you get closer to the volcano. Pale green stalks with hardy orange blossoms burst out of the charred terrain.
(Kaitlyn Bancroft | The Salt Lake Tribune) Green plants with orange buds grow within the rocky soil surrounding the Veyo Volcano in Veyo, Utah.
When you’ve had your fill of exploring the Veyo Volcano, there’s more volcano-themed fun to be had in Veyo itself. Swing by Veyo Pies for a slice — Or three. Or eight. We’re not judging! — of their signature Veyo Volcano pie: layers of cream cheese, chocolate and butterscotch, ensconced in a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream. (And yes, it’s every bit as guiltily delicious as it sounds.)
The outside of Veyo Pies in Veyo, Utah. (Kaitlyn Bancroft)
(Kaitlyn Bancroft | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Veyo Volcano pie features layers of cream cheese, chocolate and butterscotch ensconced in a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream. Try it at Veyo Pies in Veyo, Utah.
You can also sample any of their other 24 pies, which include a variety of fruit, cream and specialty pies, or from their pastry selection which includes turnovers, cookies and doughnuts. Pies can be purchased whole or by the slice.
And if you’re hungry for more than dessert, just across the street from Veyo Pies is the Slice of Veyo pizzeria.
In addition to traditional pizzas, pastas and paninis, their menu features the Veyo Volcano pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, jalapenos) and the Maui Volcano pizza (Canadian bacon, pineapple, jalapenos), both of which are made with the restaurant’s spicy “lava sauce.”
(Kristina Bancroft) Salt Lake Tribune reporter Kaitlyn Bancroft stands outside the Slice of Veyo pizzeria in Veyo, Utah.
If you’re looking to check more than one volcano off your list, hit up the Santa Clara Volcano as you drive back to St. George along Highway 18, located just past the turn-in to Diamond Valley (total drive time is about 10 minutes).
Unlike the Veyo Volcano, the Santa Clara Volcano has an established hiking trail. As you pass Diamond Valley, keep an eye out for the easy-to-miss trailhead marker for the Cinder Cone Trail.
(Kaitlyn Bancroft | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Cinder Cone trail takes hikers to the top of the Santa Clara Volcano, located just south of Diamond Valley, Utah.
The Hike St. George website ranks the 1.9 miles roundtrip hike as moderately difficult due to the trail’s steepness and slipperiness.
Still, if you can handle the hike’s 500 feet of elevation, the top offers beautiful views of Snow Canyon and Dameron Valley, the website states.
Once at the top, visitors can also hike down into a crater and check out a small rock fort and rock wall.
Editor’s note • 150 Things To Do is a reporting project and weekly newsletter made possible by the generous support of the Utah Office of Tourism. Sign up for the 150 Things newsletter here.
Firefighters were able to slow a previously fast-moving wildfire overnight in West Veyo, raising containment to 40%.As of Friday morning, the Veyo West Fire had spread to 2,618 acres a decrease from the previously reported 2,900 acres after an infrared flight recorded a more accurate figure.Isolated dry thunderstorms plague the area as fire crews fight to gain a handle on rocky terrain. The fire has not made significant movement in over a day, but it is still smoldering.All evacuations put in place at the ...
Firefighters were able to slow a previously fast-moving wildfire overnight in West Veyo, raising containment to 40%.
As of Friday morning, the Veyo West Fire had spread to 2,618 acres a decrease from the previously reported 2,900 acres after an infrared flight recorded a more accurate figure.
Isolated dry thunderstorms plague the area as fire crews fight to gain a handle on rocky terrain. The fire has not made significant movement in over a day, but it is still smoldering.
All evacuations put in place at the beginning of the week have been canceled.
The blaze, driven by winds and running through dry grass, sagebrush and juniper trees along the west side of state Route 18, forced evacuations in multiple communities as it moved its way northward.
An estimated 800 homes in the area were threatened.
The highway was closed at various times in different locations Monday night north of Veyo. Long lines of cars, many of which were on their way to Enterprise or other communities northward, were turned back and told to take an hours-long detour back to St. George and up Interstate 15 to Cedar City.
Several buildings have been destroyed, including one home and one mobile home.
More:FLDS family loses their home to raging Veyo West Fire, fundraiser started
Fighting the fire were seven federal engines, local fire departments, multiple air tankers and three helicopters. There are currently 203 firefighters assigned to the blaze.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it would help cover the state’s costs in fighting the blaze, with FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approving the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant after determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would “constitute a major disaster,” according to a release from the agency.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs
Veyo is a small town about 20 miles north of St. George and is the latest victim of the summer's fires.
Extreme heat and red flag warnings have been in place most of the past week. A new red flag warning was put in place Thursday for the southern Utah mountains.
K. Sophie Will is the National Parks Reporter for The Spectrum & Daily News through the Report for America initiative by The GroundTruth Project. Follow her on Twitter at @ksophiewill or email her at [email protected].
IVINS — Cyclists from throughout Washington County gathered at Unity Park in Ivins Saturday morning to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Veyo Loop bike route.A collaboration between the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance, Road Respect, The Utah Department of Transportation, the Washington County Commission, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and various cities in Washington County, the Veyo Loop was design...
IVINS — Cyclists from throughout Washington County gathered at Unity Park in Ivins Saturday morning to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Veyo Loop bike route.
A collaboration between the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance, Road Respect, The Utah Department of Transportation, the Washington County Commission, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and various cities in Washington County, the Veyo Loop was designated as the county’s first official bike route complete with directional signs marking the route.
In May, during National Bike Month, Washington County became the first county in the state to receive an official designation as a “County Road Respect Community” — a county that promotes cycling safety and respect between cyclists and motorists.
Creating safe bike routes and fostering good relations between drivers and cyclists are important qualifications to becoming a “Road Respect Community.” The Veyo Loop designation is part of Washington County’s commitment to creating a two-way street of respect between motorists and cyclists.
“The main thing with the goal of road respect is for education purposes,” Washington County Commissioner Zachary Renstrom, said.
Road respect education is twofold: one, to educate motorists to be aware of cyclists on the road, to know that they do have a right to be there and to give them proper space; and two, to educate cyclists to be respectful on the roads and to know and understand the laws.
Cyclists at the ribbon-cutting participated in an inaugural ride of the officially designated Veyo Loop. Before they pedaled off, Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance secretary Kai Reed implored them to be ambassadors for all other cyclists.
“Let’s prove our point that cyclists and motorists can share the road,” Reed said.
The basic Veyo Loop begins in Ivins, then travels toward Gunlock Reservoir and rises above the town of Gunlock to Veyo. At Veyo, cyclists head south via state Route 18 toward St. George, then return to Ivins.
The route is a popular training route for competitors in the Ironman 70.3 St. George and was part of the full Ironman St. George course. Riders love it not only for the challenge the route presents — particularly the climb out of Gunlock toward Veyo — but also its breathtaking scenery, Renstrom said.
Another reason the route is popular is because of Veyo Pies, a signature stop along the route where cyclists can enjoy a piece of pie before continuing on their ride.
“If you don’t stop and get a piece of pie or a cookie, you’re crazy,” board member of the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance and passionate cycling advocate Marc Mortensen said.
Riders can choose to ride the loop clockwise or counterclockwise and can make detours through the Kayenta development in Ivins as well as through Snow Canyon State Park. Signage has been placed along the route to guide cyclists who choose to take alternate paths, Reed said. Snow Canyon State Park is a fee area and cyclists should be prepared to pay the bike fee if they choose to cut through the park.
Cyclists in attendance at the ribbon-cutting received welcome news from Ivins Mayor Chris Hart who announced that improvements to the top portion of the road through Snow Canyon State Park have been approved. Among other things, the road, beginning from the point where the Whiptail Trail — the park’s paved cycling and walking trail — ends, the road will be widened to create bigger shoulders where cyclists can safely ride, he said.
Ivins City received its designation as a “Road Respect Community” in 2014. Though Hart admits that he didn’t always have a strong understanding of the need to have a community that supports cycling, he is now committed to cycling and creating a safe community for cyclists to ride in.
“We welcome you,” Hart said to the cyclists at the ceremony.
More county bike route designations are in the works.
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