Stream flows have been up this year and rafting conditions are excellent. There is still time to get in on high flows on classic Colorado River sections like Cataract, Westwater and the Grand Canyon. As summer progresses flows will ease a bit but these famous canyons will continue to offer plenty of excitement for whitewater enthusiasts. Many other river sections offer moderate rapids or flatwater perfect for people seeking the beauty and tranquility of the river without extreme adventure. Call and we'll set up a trip for you: 1-888-881-1120 Boating conditions remain very good at Lake Powell. The lake is low, meaning it is only 300 feet deep — down from its usual 400-foot depth. There's plenty of water to boat, ski and fish. There are more sandy beaches exposed this year because of the low water level. Some of the best fishing ever took place at the lake this spring, and action should remain good through the summer and fall. This is a great time to visit the lake. Houseboats are still available for some summer dates. Give us a call and we'll find one for you: 1-888-881-1120

Golf The Mountains High

A new 36-hole golf course will open on June 23 at Soldier Hollow, in Heber Valley east of Provo.

Soldier Hollow is a part of Wasatch Mountain State Park. The park already boasts one 36-hole course, which has become a favorite with locals and visitors alike, and which earned a 4-star rating from Golf Digest. The new course is expected to be every bit as nice.

Mention Utah and golf in the same sentence and most people think of St. George, where well-designed courses are set in desert canyons, with Zion Park and Snow Canyon serving as backdrops. The Heber Valley is virtually the antithesis of St. George. Heber is know as Utah's Little Switzerland. The surrounding mountains are reminiscent of the Alps, with craggy peaks and forested foothills giving way to quaint communities, lakes, streams and picturesque farms.

St. George offers delightfully mild winters — golfing conditions there are ideal during spring, fall and winter. Heber Valley is cool and inviting during the summer and picks up deep snow during the winter. Wasatch Mountain State Park served as the venue for several Olympic events during 2002.

If you are a golf enthusiast, we've got you covered year-round.

The Heber Valley also offers excellent trout fishing on the Provo River and in Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs. And it serves as a gateway to the High Uinta Mountains — the highest mountains in Utah — where you'll find excellent camping, hiking and backpacking, plus over 1,000 fishable lakes and streams.

Upcoming Major Events

BEST OF STATE WEEK, June 14-20. This is the second annual celebration honoring outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations throughout Utah. Events will include performances, recreational activities, dining opportunities.

Mormon Miracle Pageant will be June 17-19 and 22-26 in Manti. This is outdoor pageant depicts the history and culture of pioneer settlers, staged on the hillside below the LDS Temple. Grounds open at 6 pm; the pageant begins at about 9:30 pm. Free.

Utah Shakespearean Festival runs June 24-Sept. 4. This Tony Award-winning festival features six plays each summer, plus a variety of free activities (literary, music, costume and actor seminars, play orientations, the very popular Greenshow). This summer's productions include The Taming of the Shrew, Henry IV Part One, The Winter's Tale, Morning's at Seven, Forever Plaid and My Fair Lady.

Utah's Best Dam MS 150 Bike Tour, June 26-27, Logan. This is a challenging two days, 150 miles, of sweat and smiles to raise money to help people with multiple sclerosis. Organized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, this is Utah's largest organized cycling event and attracts over 1,500 cyclists and 300 volunteers. Routes have been designed for all ages and abilities.

Northern Ute Tribe Pow Wow, July 1-4. This event features Native American Contest Pow Wow dances plus arts & crafts and food booths. During the Pow Wow a rodeo, softball, hand game, golf and bowling tournaments will take place. Contact Robert J. Colorow, 435-722-8541.

Fourth of July Celebrations will occur in virtually every community in Utah. Visitors are always welcome to participate. Watch for pancake breakfasts, parades and fireworks.

America's Freedom Festival at Provo runs July 2-3 & 5. It ranks as one of America's top celebrations.

Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, July 7-10 in Vernal. "Voted by PRCA Cowboys and contract personnel as one of the Top Five Rodeo's In The World." Pre-show at 6:30 pm, rodeo at 7:30 pm. Western Park, 302 East 200 South, Vernal. Tickets available at Davis Jubilee, Roosevelt (435-722-2296), Vernal (435-789-2001) and the Vernal Chamber of Commerce (435-789-1352). Contact Vernal Chamber of Commerce 435-789-1352.

Park City International Music Festival, July 12-Aug. 15. "As classical music festivals go, nobody does it better than Park City" wrote Deseret News music critic Edward Reichel. Concerts will be presented in Park City and Salt Lake City.

Bryce Canyon 1/2 Marathon & 5K Run, July 17. The 1/2 Marathon starts at Ruby's Inn at Bryce (elev. 8,464 ft). The course heads north, then turns east onto National Scenic Byway 12. It descends through Bryce Canyon National Park, through the town of Tropic and ends in Cannonville (elev. 6,000 ft). The 5K run is out and back on Kodachrome Road and begins and ends at the Cannonville Town Park. 800-444-6689.

Festival of the American West, Jul. 30-Aug. 7, Logan. This award-winning festival is known for its accuracy in offering visitors a realistic understanding and appreciation of our history. The festival has twice been awarded the prestigious Freedom Foundation Award and has been chose six years in a row as one of the top 100 attractions in North America by the American Bus Association.

Check our comprehensive events listing for other activities.

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