Early Summer 2013 Issue

Bridges and Binkies

Roadtripping with Tots in Tow

By Aaron Lovell

Two years ago, we met up with friends at Natural Bridges National Monument, a lesser-known collection of wonders in southeastern Utah. To commemorate the trip we decked out our fleet of SUVs and minivans in vinyl stickers—something akin to the ubiquitous Ragnar decal, but in the shape of Owachomo Bridge. With fresh vinyl pegged to our rear glass, we traveled from points north and south for a weekend of camping, biking, and canyoneering...with 14 kids aged under one to 10 years.

Vino and Velos

Exploring Colorado’s Western Slope by Bike

By Jenny Willden

Sun baked my shoulders as I pedaled past vineyards and orchards, ripe fruit hanging off the bending branches. We biked along country blacktop then down a long dirt road to Maison La Belle Vie, a French winery surrounded by a flowering courtyard. Samples of every varietal flowed as we rode from one outstanding winery to the next, and the experience made me feel briefly transported from Colorado to Napa. No, this isn’t the nation’s most famous wine country, but it’s only five hours from Salt Lake City and the wines are, dare I say, just as palate pleasing.

Where the Pavement Ends

Rafting on the Main Salmon River: America’s River of No Return

By Nick Como

The Main Salmon River is the government name you might find on a map. However, a more often used and apt moniker heard in river-running circles is, “The River of No Return,” derived from the simple fact that there’s no reasonable exit for close to a hundred miles. But the Salmon’s most alluring and unique attraction is that its frothy rapids, skyscraper-sized pines, and crystal clear water are as far from a paved road as possible in America.