FALL XP

Paunsagaunt XP …  The Randy Coleman Memorial Ride

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

August 28 thru September 1, 2008

This five day loop ride takes place on the Paunsagaunt Plateau which forms the spectacular cliffs and canyons of Bryce National Park. This beautiful area has to be one of the most special places on earth. The Paunsagaunt is a high mountain valley with large open meadows rimmed with heavy timber and outcroppings of blazing pink cliffs that have eroded into bizarre shapes. The area has clear running streams in all the draws and is world famous for its deer and elk herds. While the rest of the west is sweltering in the late summer heat, the XP Riders are enjoying mid day temperatures in the mid 70’s. The views from the rim trails overlook all of Southern Utah from the Escalante Grand Staircase on the east, the Grand Canyon on the south, to Zion and Cedar Breaks on the west. The Paunsagaunt XP was Randy Coleman’s favorite ride. Randy, a long time XP Gold Medal Rider and a friend to everyone who knew him, peacefully passed away while attending the ride in 2006. The 2007 ride and all future Paunsagaunt rides will be dedicated to his memory 

BASE CAMP:  In previous years, there has been a conflict with hunters and other forest users, who like to camp in areas we use for the ride. The previous camping areas, next to Kanab Creek, are of environmental concern to the fish and wildlife people. The Kanab Creek Road receives heavy use over the Labor Day weekend and exposed our group and camp to unnecessary traffic and dust, as well as shocking some forest users, who were expecting a less crowded forest experience. These conflicts escalated in 2006, as much of the open camping along the East Fork of the Sevier River is now closed, driving many campers into the side drainages. Another major issue with our previous camp was the amount of cleanup required at the end of the rides. Because of complaints from other forest users, we were required to bag all of the hay and manure from the camp area and haul it over 40 miles to the county landfill. In previous years, we been forced to haul over 20,000 pounds of hay and manure to the dump after each ride.

Last year we moved the camp across the Kanab Creek road, but still within view of previous year’s camps.  The new site offered us privacy that was unavailable at the previous location. The forest service was pleased with the move and will allow us to continue using it. We are fortunate that we are able to continue to have a place to camp in that area. The camp site will be more organized this year and we will open up a loop road that will improve access and parking.

Directions:  Base camp is located at Sand Pass in the Kanab Creek drainage south of Tropic Reservoir. From US Hwy 89, south of Panguitch, Utah, go 11 miles east on State Hwy 12. You will pass a Chevron station on the right, then a rest area on the left.  Just past the rest area, turn right on the Utah Scenic Byway towards Tropic Reservoir. Stay on this road for 13 miles, passing Tropic Reservoir. Turn right on the Upper Kanab Creek Road, which is just past the Kane County Line.  We will post an XP Sign and ribbons on that junction.  Go 0.6 miles and turn right into the camp. 

Trail: The forest service has added many miles to the Under the Rim trail system, a spectacular new single track equestrian and hiking trail that runs under the pink cliffs edging the plateau. We are able to improve the ride every year by making use of these new trails. The well marked trails on the top of the plateau wind through the forest and are punctuated by breathtaking peekaboo view points as they take the riders to access points for the under the rim trails. The footing is good, the weather is cool and there is plenty of natural water along the trail. The trails are relatively easy and we enjoy a high level of completion for the five days.

Awards: Individual daily awards are available for the first to finish and the horse in the best condition. An overall best conditioned horse and first to finish awards will be presented. Daily participation awards will be given to all riders. Riders who complete all five days will receive jackets, crew bags or plaques. 

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