Wolf Creek Utah
Adventure Central
by Robert Painter
 Would
you like to play golf on a course where deer, fox and birds are the
obstacles? Yes, they do have sand traps and roughs as well. The views
are spectacular and I’m only kidding about the critters being obstacles.
But, you’ll likely see at least some of them if you play the 18-hole
championship course. It is the only Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
golf course in Utah. You can check it out on the Audubon website, but
what it means is that Wolf Creek Utah has committed to reducing pesticide
and water usage and keeping it more environmentally sound. If you stay
in one of the homes along the course you won’t have to worry so much about
walking barefoot in the grass!
  But, I didn’t come here to play golf. Looking at all
the great adventures available at Wolf Creek I chose white water rafting to
begin my fun. I have rafted around the world, from the ultra-smooth float
trips down the Snake River past the Tetons to the sometimes raging Quijos
River in Ecuador, site of the 2005 World Rafting Championships. Every raft
trip is a pleasure and has its own rewards.
  The
Weber River is a mild class II, but for a beginner offers plenty of splash
and dash and the guide will make sure you get wet – that’s part of the fun.
Even the more experienced rafters will enjoy the fabulous scenery along the
way. And, you won’t see the Devil’s Slide on any other raft trip
in the world! You may spot an eagle among the high cliffs so stay alert.
And when you get to the low bridge – watch out! If the water is high
you may clear the bridge by only inches – keep your head (and body) down.
 My
next adventure turned out to be my favorite. I wish I’d had a bit more
time, but sometimes you just can’t squeeze in everything. Back to
another section of the Weber River to get my feet wet again. Of
course, with waders you’ll stay pretty dry, but you will be walking in
water. This time it’s fly fishing and it’s something everyone needs to
try at least once in your life. The problem is, once you try it you
may be hooked. Hopefully, not by the one attached to your line.
 This was my second experience with fly fishing and was
actually very different from the first time. Last year in Maine I had my
first lesson and that was with dry flies. This time was with wet flies and
a float. Just being in the water as the river rolls past is a rare treat.
Perfecting the cast is a rewarding experience that is hard to explain. If
you haven’t seen the movie A River Runs Through It you might want to rent a
copy to get an idea of the feeling I’m thinking of. Believe me, fly fishing
in a river in Utah is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. You don’t
even have to catch fish to reap the rewards, but if you do land a beautiful
15 inch rainbow you’ll have an even greater reward – dinner for two! If you
have a big appetite, keep fishing.
 There are plenty of hiking trails in the area. You can
pick up a map of trails and bike paths in Weber County that details 54
hiking trails and 8 major bike routes. The hiking trails are rated from
easy to difficult. The length of the trail, elevation, trail surface,
location of trail head and general description of the trail are provided.
Once you’ve completed these 54 hikes you will have completed at least part
of the Great Western Trail that will eventually link to a trail leading from
Canada to Mexico – happy hiking!
 Some of the bike routes are easy “in town” loops and
some are much more strenuous. One of them is a long and fast “coast” down
the Monte Cristo bike route.
 If you need a bit more of an adrenaline rush you can
always hit the mountain bike trail at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort. And I’m
not talking about just a gentle cruise down the hill. Take the scenic chair
lift to the top with your bike – yes, they have hooks on the side of the
chair lifts for your bike – and ride down the extreme downhill mountain
route. Of course, you can take a much more family friendly route down the
hill and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise more slowly down the
slopes.
  In
addition to the golf there are certainly some more relaxing adventures and
activities to fill your days. Get up early one morning and take a hot
air balloon ride through the valley. If I say spectacular scenery one
more time you may want to scream, but it really is a wonderful way to see
the valley and the surrounding mountains from a great vantage point.
And, if you have a fear of heights, don’t worry. I’ve been
ballooning for years and have spoken with many people who have confirmed
that the balloon experience does not engender the fear of heights that you
might think it would. So give it a try, I think you’ll love it.
Just think of the champagne you’ll have at the end of the flight – it’s part
of the deal.
 I hope there will be a Chuck Wagon Cookout while you’re
visiting. The barbecued beef brisket was perfect and along with the beans
and corn on the cob it was hard to save room enough for the blueberry
cobbler prepared in an iron Dutch oven. And don’t label yourself as a city
slicker and slice the corn off the cob with a knife – your teeth will work
just fine. While you’re waiting for chow you might want to join in some of
the fun activities like pitching horseshoes, tomahawk throw or maybe trying
your hand with a bow and a few arrows shooting a deer – not a live one, of
course.
My visit included a stay in a beautiful 4 bedroom, 3
bath home snuggled up against the green of the 15th hole of the private 18
hole, 7,018 yard Wolf Creek Utah golf course. Another 18 holes are currently
being designed by Golf Hall of Famer Larry Nelson. The home included a hot
tub overlooking the golf course, a gas log fireplace, washer & dryer, and
lots of other amenities. Bring along the kids or some of your best
friends and for only about $100 per person per night you can stay in a
fabulous, spacious home.
There are also one bedroom condos available that run a
bit less and, of course, there is the Red Moose Lodge with lots of extras
including a pool, hot tub and fire pit to gather round on the cool mountain
evenings to meet and chat with your new friends.
If you have a wedding or even a company meeting in your
future you might want to look at the Pineview Lodge, a beautiful space that
can accommodate 250 seated for dinner and up to 500 standing around guests.
They have all the state-of-the-art equipment you might need. But, give them
a call and let them fill you in on the details. And, in case you’re
wondering, they do have a full liquor license and there is an on-site liquor
store for the convenience of your group. Plus, they do catering.
I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that I haven’t mentioned
winter activities. Well, my visit was in the summer, but I’m hoping to head
back up either this winter or next, depending on my schedule. Remember,
this is Utah, home of the not-so-long-ago winter Olympics. In addition to
its own ski resort, runs and lifts (remember, I mentioned them when I told
you about the downhill biking.) Wolf Creek Utah is close by neighboring
Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski areas. So, if you’re a skier or
snowboarder you’ll find plenty of action when you visit. I want to get back
for cross-country skiing.
 I should also mention that all this beauty and fun is
only about an hour from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Look for
Eden on your map.
I’ll leave you with one last treat to think about. The
night sky here is an amateur astronomers dream. Behind the mountain and
away from the lights of Salt Lake City the star views are simply
sensational. Bring your telescope if you have one, but if you don’t you
might want to check and see if the Ogden Astronomical Society is setting up
anywhere nearby on one of your nights in the area. If you can manage this
treat they’ll probably let you gaze through one of their giant telescopes
and you’ll see some close-up views you may never have seen before. But, if
that doesn’t work out, just take a chair or grab a blanket and lie on your
back on the edge of the 15th hole green and watch the stars and the
airplanes and the satellites as they pass overhead, completely oblivious to
the fact that you are keeping an eye on them.
Keep on Traveling.
When You Go:
Wolf Creek Utah:
http://www.wolfcreekresort.com/. Check here for accommodations,
activities schedules, balloon festival, even a video.
Hiking/Biking Trails Map:
www.weberpathways.org. One of the best county trails & bike route maps
you’ll find anywhere.
Find out about the rest of Ogden Valley:
www.ovga.org.
Story and photos by Robert Painter.
Rpainter2006@comcast.net.
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