FALL
XP
Paunsagaunt XP
… The Randy Coleman
Memorial Ride
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL
PARK, UTAH
September 2-6,
2010
Bryce
Canyon
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: Camp is across from 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. NEWS
UPDATE: We have been given permission to allow riders
to camp at the old camp location next to Kanab Creek.
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 or plaques.
ENTER THIS
RIDE
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