7-23 Sulphur Creek 6.5 M^2, 113 liter Mistral

[layne.peterson]

Spent the weekend camping at Bear Lake with Cindy and when we couldn't take another day of the heat and sunburn we headed for the Uintahs. En route we decided to stop in at Sulphur for a quick wind check. Rick McClain was escaping the heat in SLC and hoping for some wind but it didn't look promising for sailing especially with the weekend forecast. We pulled out for the Uintahs when about 3 miles up the road we hit a head wind which appeared to be generated from some rain clouds higher up in the mountains. After another couple miles decided that it might be strong enough for some quick rides back at the lake so we turned around. Arrived back at Sulphur at almost the same time as the wind. Rode for about an hour of ~20+/- side-off shore. The island is partially exposed and there are a few weeds to keep your speed in check but the water was nice with shorty. Beware of heavy traffic delays on I-80 between Echo and Evanston due to road work. Rick mentioned at alternate route through the mountains at Coalville. Not sure if it is on any maps but worth looking into.

[Trip Houk]

To All,
The alternate route to Sulfur goes up Chalk Creek Canyon from Coalville: The route follows 133 East from 100 North and Main Street in Coalville. You'll travel about 16 miles through rolling farmland before you come to a split in the road at the Sulfur Creek Gas Facility at the State Line. Go left (North) towards Evanston for about 3 miles where the road turns to good dirt.
The road will split again without any distinguishing marking. Take the right fork (East) and follow road to the intersection of route 150 south of Evanston. If you've choosen the correct route you will find yourself just south of the turn-off for Sulfur Creek Resevoir. If not you may find yourself exploring Thousand Oaks Ranch and Lost Lakes. I've tried both routes!
The (right) route will reward you with lovely views and deposit you surprisingly close to your destination in relatively short travel time. Good luck.

[Trip Houk]

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?fo ... &geodiff=1

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&c ... |691999351

[Carl Christensen]

how long does the scenic route take from SLC? it sure sounds nice, especially if 80 is all balled up. the last time i went to sulphur it was clear sailing.

[JimSouthwick]

Another alternative route is the Mirror Lake Highway, UT150. Also very scenic although, admittedly, a bit roundabout for sailors coming from SLC.

[Rick McClain]

The drive time is almost the same; IF I-80 is running smoothly. The distance via Chalk Creek is about 10 miles shorter, with a little washboard, but not much. A couple of weeks ago, it took me over an hour to get from the middle exit in Evanston (the usual Mirror Lake Highway turn-off) to the one on the west end of town. I-80 was down to one lane with a lot of sitting still. If I had been thinking, I would have exited at the west end and headed south at that exit, which would have led me back to Chalk Creek and I would have gotten home a LOT sooner. It took about 2 3/4 hours that evening. This week, however, both lanes were open and there was clear sailing and low flying all the way home. Work on the westbound lanes appears to be almost finished; at least for the moment.

[Carl Christensen]

Thanks Rick. Obviously, it would be good to know before you go. Spending an hour stuck in traffic in Evanston sounds suboptimal.