More than 200 enthusiasts from several states have registered for six days of fun at the annual Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree that starts Monday at Richfield and rides on the popular Paiute ATV Trail.
"We have finally struck on something that makes this area a destination point for visitors," said Carma Thomas, executive director of the Sevier County Travel Council. And the popularity of the trail isn't just during the Jamboree.Visitors from most states and many foreign countries are finding something unusual and enjoyable on the only trail of its kind in the nation. More than 200 miles in length with many side routes, the Paiute ATV Trail traverses a variety of alpine mountain and other spectacular scenery at varying elevations up to about 11,000 feet.
The Jamboree in Richfield is one of two held each season to better accommodate visitors and is under the planning and direction of Roger Foisey. Another ATV jamboree is held in Fillmore in early summer.
Among special events this year will be a 275-mile Mountain Man Marathon, a "Ladies Day Special," poker run, eight different trail rides, entertainment, dinner and an awards ceremony.
Registration for a single rider is $60, couples $100, and in groups of five or more $45 per person. For more information call 1-800-662-8898.
Here is the schedule of events:
- Monday, Sept. 18 - 9-11 a.m., late registration, maps, T-shirts and information at Richfield City Park. 1 p.m., Mountain Man Marathon (Monday through Thursday) or 30-mile Richfield Ride No. 1. (Thompson Basin through Anna-bella).
- Tuesday, Sept. 19 - 8 a.m. 185-mile Richfield Ride No. 2 (Richfield, Cove Mountain, Monroe Mountain, Monroe and Richfield); or 40-mile Circleville Ride No. 3 (Circleville, Wades Canyon, Three Creeks, Puffer Lake, Rigger Park, Wades Canyon).
- Wednesday, Sept. 20 - 8 a.m., continental breakfast at park; Richfield Ride No. 5 (Richfield to Aurora via Sevier Valley, return along top of Pahvant Range). 9 a.m., 50-mile Piute Ride No. 4 (Marysvale, Bullion Canyon, Mining Park, Hennessey Point, Deer Creek, Marysvale, hike around mining park and ghost town).
- Thursday, Sept. 21 - 8 a.m., continental breakfast; 50-mile Ladies Day Ride No. 6, women only (Corn Creek, Rockwood, Elsinore); Richfield Ride V, 80 miles (Cove Mountain Bear Valley, Sand Ledges, Sweetwater, Upper Broad-head Lake; Durfey's, Bear Ridge, Bell Rock Ridge).
- Friday, Sept. 22 - 8 a.m., breakfast at Salina City Park. Salina Ride No. 8 (three rides involving portions of the Great Western and Paiute trails).
- Saturday, Sept. 23 - 9 a.m., Poker Run across Pahvant Range to Fillmore; noon, lunch in Fillmore; 6 p.m. Awards, dinner, entertainment swimming at Richfield Lions Park.