Third Annual Swell ATV Jamboree – The Swell And Its History
As always, keep the rubber side down- Quadman
Written By Lynn R. Blamires for My Local Utah
Immerse yourself in the heart of the wild at the Swell ATV Jamboree, a thrilling celebration of the majestic San Rafael Swell. With April’s arrival comes the prime opportunity to traverse the rugged canyons and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas that define this iconic landscape. Mark your calendars for three exhilarating days of exploration amid the enchanting terrain of the Swell, where every twist and turn promises an unforgettable adventure.
Clear Your Calendar
April 25 – 28, 2024. Wednesday, April 25th is a travel day, but if you can arrive early enough, you can get in some extra riding. Headquarters for this year’s event are at the Big Mountain Lodge in Ferron, Utah, a full-service resort in a small town of just 1,480 People. Brad and Julie Benson are your hosts. They offer a well-stocked convenience store with a hot deli cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and a variety of trail treats. The Lodge Pizzeria is open daily and offers pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The Grub Box Drive-in across the street is now a part of the Big Mountain Lodge complex and provides an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, shakes, and more at reasonable prices. The Lodge also features 15 comfortable cabins with private restrooms, microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs with satellite reception. An additional nine recently refurbished rooms are inside the Lodge. Plenty of pull-throughs with full hookups are ready to accommodate those with travel trailers and fifth-wheels. The Lodge’s amenities include a laundromat, conference room, rec room, and gas station with non-ethanol gas. Now that you know you can sleep comfortably, won’t run out of gas, and won’t go hungry, let’s talk about the Jamboree. It is sponsored by the Big Mountain Lodge and supported by Emery County.
Registration Details
Fees for the Jamboree are $40 per person to cover the cost of permits required by Federal Agencies. The rest of the event amenities are ala cart. A Swell Jamboree T-shirt is available for $20. A BBQ rib dinner and a Mexican dinner with drinks and dessert will be served in the banquet room – tickets are $20 each. Sack lunches for the trail are available to order for $10 each. You can also enter a drawing for a Backou brand E-bike provided by Steadmans Motorsports of Tooele. You need to register to be involved. Two days of guided rides are included in the $40 fee. Two trails are scheduled for the Jamboree.
Trails Being Offered This Year:
Thursday, 03/26 – Buckhorn Indian Panel and the Little Grand Canyon
Riders will trailer to the Buckhorn Information Center to unload. This backcountry rest stop is complete with a vault toilet and picnic tables. Traveling south, you will come to the Wedge Overlook, which has spectacular views deep into the Little Grand Canyon. The trail backtracks to the staging area and then heads east into the Buckhorn Draw, where you will view the Indian art on the famous Buckhorn Panel. Riders will also see a dinosaur track and the swinging bridge that spans the San Rafael River. The trail will then lead to Furniture Draw, where you will see remnants of the Chinese Railroad and learn about its interesting history. The ride is 60 miles long and is rated easy.
Friday, 03/27 – The Copper Globe Mine
Riders will trailer via the Moore Cutoff Road to I-70 and stage at the county gravel pit on the north side at exit 116. Crossing over the Interstate, the ride goes into Cat Canyon and across Link Flats and to two separate overlooks – one is a view of the area of operations for the Lucky Strike Mine, and the other is called Picture Window. Both overlooks provide magnificent vistas of Reds Canyon. From there, the trail heads to the Copper Globe Mine. The possibility of seeing wild horses along this route is very likely. Before reaching the mine, stopping at a gravesite with a unique story will take you back to the day it happened. The area of the mine is fascinating to see, and the history is exciting and fun to learn about. This ride is rated easy to intermediate. It is 50 miles long and is restricted to machines no more than 70 inches wide.
Saturday, 03/28 – The San Rafael Swell Poker Run
The Castle Country OHV Association sponsors this poker run and is separate from the Swell Jamboree. Poker hands are available for purchase for some fantastic prizes. Details are available at the Jamboree. The route for the poker run is one of the best trails in the Swell.
The San Rafael Swell, located in south-central Utah, is a geological wonder characterized by its stunning sandstone formations, deep canyons, and expansive desert landscapes. This vast area spans approximately 75 by 40 miles, offering adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts a playground for exploration and discovery. The Swell boasts diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and off-roading. Visitors can marvel at the intricate rock formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion. With its rugged beauty and remote wilderness, the San Rafael Swell beckons those seeking adventure amidst the captivating splendor of the Utah desert.
The cap is 50 people, which makes it easy to make friends, so clear your calendar for this great Jamboree. When you enter the backcountry, take plenty of water and keep a keen eye on the weather forecast. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the backcountry, and being aware of any incoming storms or shifts in temperature can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, always inform someone of your planned route and expected return time before heading out, and carry essential safety gear such as a map, compass, first aid kit, and emergency supplies. Remember, preparation is vital to a successful backcountry adventure. As always, keep the rubber side down.