Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
I have recently spent some fascinating days visiting with business leaders in the Uintah Basin. I found great and interesting businesses and rediscovered the beauty of some of the state's most dramatic scenery.
During the next several days, I will be highlighting some of the business leaders that I met. Today, let me just talk about the area. Vernal and the surrounding communities, part of Utah's Dinosaurland, really provide some spectacular opportunities for tourism and recreation. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area covers approximately 201,000 acres of scenic land surrounding Flaming Gorge Lake. The Gorge is 91 miles long and features more than 375 miles of shoreline ranging from low flats to sheer cliffs. Lake facilities include nine boat ramps as well as marinas with services, supplies and boat rentals.
The Dinosaur National Monument preserves the canyon corridors of the Green and Yampa Rivers and a sandstone wall containing the fossilized bones of prehistoric creatures. The Quarry Visitor Center built over the quarry face, displays more than 1600 bones. The Colorado Park headquarters offers an audio-visual program and exhibits.
The Uintah Mountain Range and the High Uintas Wilderness Area can be found within Ashley National Forest. The Uintas form the largest east-to-west oriented mountain range in the Western Hemisphere. Kings Peak, at 13,528 feet, is Utah's highest point. There are many recreation opportunities within Ashley National Forest with great hiking, backpacking, fishing, camping, boating, mountain biking and white-water rating. Incidentally, the city of Vernal once bore the name of Ashley as well, after General W.H. Ashley came through in 1825 and left his name imprint on both the creek and valley.
Well, you probably already know what a great part of the state is in the Uintah Basin. I needed to really visit, to again recognize the region's beauty and great opportunities.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
