Lets Be Safe Out There.

One important issue, we strive to make our visitors aware of, is safety.  Much of the Four Corners area is a wilderness and, unless you’ve done your homework, many people come to the Center unaware of what to expect when they’re out seeing the sites.

The basics are to carry at least two liters of water per person; leave for your destination with a full tank of gasoline; bring healthy, high protein snacks; and we always recommend bring a meal to have as a picnic.  Charged cellphones are helpful, but in many areas, good luck getting a signal.  The same goes for Wi-Fi and Satellite service, so those GPS units might not be as reliable as you believe them to be.

Instead of depending on battery power, depend on your own brain power.

Bring maps of the area you want to explore; stop at the Center as it has a vast variety of local maps.

Bring a compass with you; it is easy to become lost in a forest and/or canyon area where “it might all look the same”, or landmarks are not easily discernible.

This might sound silly to most, but wear a pedometer!  500 steps equals approximately a quarter of a mile; you’ll know how far you have walked, how far still to go, and how far back to your vehicle, or trailhead entrance.

If you’re only driving around to see sites, depend on your odometer.  From a major roadway, set the odometer to zero to verify the distance you are traveling to a site.  Bring paper and writing utensil with you; mark down road signs, landmarks and those odometer readings to help you get to your destination, or back track if you become lost.

We, at the Monticello Welcome Center, want you to, not only, enjoy your adventure to the fullest, but be safe doing it.

~ Mary Cokenour ~

Summer Fun in the Abajo Mountains.

We’ve seen those commercials about “Come back to the forest, nature is calling you”. Unlike most commercials or info-mercials; what the forest commercial is selling is truthful; fun, excitement, calm, relaxation and exploring a new environment outside your comfort zone.

The Manti-La Sal Forest is situated in the Abajo Mountains; hiking, ATV and 4-wheel drive trails abound. There are creeks to dip those tired feet into and grassy banks to enjoy a picnic meal upon.  There are maps and guides available at the Welcome Center or go to http://www.visitmonticello.org/ where you can upload and print out trail maps.

 

There are three lakes to camp around: Loyds, Monticello and Foy.   While the campsites are for primitive camping, there are restrooms at Monticello Lake.  The campsites must have a stone encircled fire ring; check with the National Forest Service or the Welcome Center to make sure there are no restrictions due to drought.  You must bring your own firewood with you; even though you’re in the forest, the trees are not to be cut without a permit.

 

Besides the many varieties of trees, there are also wildflowers.  Be careful of where you ride or walk to keep from damaging any of the plant life.  Photo ops for wildlife are abundant; mule deer, elk, chipmunks, squirrels, wild turkey and a variety of birds; but there are also predators like bobcats, mountains lions and bears.  Be aware of your surroundings at all times; make sure all food and drink items are stowed away safely.  Books and guides about the plant and wild life can be purchased at the Welcome Center.

 

At all times, make sure your vehicles have full tanks of gas, carry bottled water and snacks high in protein and carbs; there are no convenience stores in the mountains or forest; have charged cellphones, but be aware that a signal may not be easily available.  We here at the Welcome Center want you to have, not just a fun adventure, but a safe one as well.

Enjoy the forest, nature is calling you!!!

 

~ Mary Cokenour ~