PROSPECTOR RAIL TRAIL

If you are looking for a parkway trail away from the crowds, and want to see farm animals; this is the rail trail for you.

 

GREAT PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG

SOUTH: 400 North 900 West, Bountiful, Utah.  GPS: 40°53'38.5"N 111°54'23.8"W

NORTH: Birnam Woods trail parking. 

Trail connects to the Legacy Parkway trail. 

GPS: 40°55'01.4"N 111°54'07.9"W

MILEAGE: 3.2 miles,

ELEVATION GAIN: 30'

This is a non-motorized trail, out and back 

on a paved Rio Grande railroad.

DID MARY HAVE ANY CHILDREN BESIDES JESUS?

BIBLE QUESTIONS?

According to the people who lived in Nazareth, Mary had a large family and Jesus had half brothers and half sisters.

"Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?" "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Jose and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him." Mark 6:1-3 NASB

 According to the Apostle Paul, he met James the half brother of Jesus in Jerusalem. 

"Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother." Galatians 1:18-19 NASB

James, the half brother of Jesus wrote the book of James. And His other half brother Jude, wrote the book of Jude. 

"Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James..." Jude 1:1 NASB

After the ascension, Mary and His brothers gathered in the Upper Room. 

"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." Acts 1:14 NASB

While Jesus was talked to the scribes and Pharisees about the Sign of Jonah. 

"While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak with Him. Matthew 12:46 NASB

Did mother Mary have a sister?

"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas (Alphaeus), and Mary Magdalene." John 19:25 NKJV

SPLIT ROCK LOOP

ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK

SPLIT ROCK LOOP is a wild west 

mountain bike ride on a desert Island.

 

2.7 MILE BENCH 

Ride south on the dirt road.  You will ride up to a bench,  then climb up a steep road towards Elephant Rock.  You'll find the SPLIT ROCK LOOP at the top of the hill and a hiking trail to Elephant Rock.

Split Rock Loop begins, riding 1.6 miles, down a rugged road towards the Great Salt Lake.

After reaching the bottom, look for the singletrack trail with switchbacks. Don't follow the shoreline road going south.

You'll climb 3.2 miles, with 680' EG.

Then it is a fast ride down the other side back to the parking lot.

WHITE ROCK BAY PARKING 

TRAILHEAD: 41.023846,-112.239752

RATINGS: Intermediate Technical

MILEAGE: 11.4 MILES

ELEVATION GAIN: 1,370'

RIDE TIME: 3 HOURS

RESTROOMS available

STATE PARK FEE: $15 vehicle, $10 seniors, or $3 to bike onto the Island.

GEAR: Extra tube, flat kit, helmet, first aid, water, energy snacks, pump, jacket, etc.

MAP: Get a map at the Visitor Center.

ADVICE: Stay away from Bison.  

And don't ride on the weeds--there's Goat Head thorns!

You can find more information, and current conditions at the Utah State Parks website.

Antelope Island has many hiking trails to enjoy.

You can get wet in the Great Salt Lake.

There is horse riding and E biking tours.

There's a snack bar by the beach, open March 1 to November first, where you get eat a Buffalo burger.

LEGACY PARKWAY TRAIL

LEGACY PARKWAY

Enjoy a bicycle ride, walk or run on a paved parkway trail from North Salt Lake to Farmington. The trail is free from motorized vehicles.  

DIRECTIONS: Take the west belt route of I-215 north bound. Take exit 27, SR 68, Redwood Road. Turn left on Redwood and drive north. Turn left on Center Street, drive west. Turn left on Foxboro Dr and make an immediate left turn into the Center Street trail head parking area. 

MILEAGE: From Center Street to Farmington and back is 22 miles. 

BIKE TIME: On a mountain bicycle is 1 hour each way. 

 

GEAR: Thorn liners are highly recommended for all mountain bikes. Bring extra tube, patch kit, pump, gloves, helmet, water, jacket, camera, and energy food.

Parley's Trail

A new section of the Parley's Trail opened today! This is a paved parkway trail, that in the future will connect the Bonneville Shoreline trail, by the mouth of Parley's Canyon; down 8 miles to the Jordan River Parkway.

Phase III is open to the public today! The new section joins is a beautiful stretch, running on the north side of Tanner Park.

You can access the trail at Tanner Park, 2695 E. 2760 South (Heritage Way), SLC, Utah. Take the 2300 E. exit on I-80, then turn left at the next street. The park is at the top of the street.

2011 PROJECTS:

Include construction along the south perimeter of Sugarhouse Park. And work will begin on "THE DRAW;" which will connect Sugarhouse Park to Hidden Hollow.

PARLEY's TRAIL

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

BIBLE STUDY AT MARSHALL LAKE

FISHING AT MARSHALL LAKE

Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." John 10:1-3 NKJV 

 "And when he bring out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." John 10:4-5 NKVJ

HIS SHEEP HERE HIS VOICE

 "Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them."         John 10:6 NKJV 

 "Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I AM the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:7-9 NKJV 

JESUS IS THE ONLY DOOR TO SALVATION

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10 NKJV 

Jesus offers abundant life; while the thief wants to steal and destroy it. 

 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But he who is a hireling and not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling, and does not care about the sheep." 

John 10:11-13 NKJV 

Jesus lays down his life for the sheep; while the hired hand flees, leaving the sheep for the wolves.

 "I am the good shepherd, and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; an there will be one flock and one shepherd." John 10:14-16 NKJV

His sheep are the Jewish believers. The other sheep refer to the gentile believers, which will be apart of the one flock 

 "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again. This command I have received from My father." John 10:17:18 NKJV

Jesus has the power to lay down his life and the power to raise himself. 

Do you belong to Jesus? 

Have you entered by His door? 

Do you hear the shepherd's voice? 

Do you follow His word...The Bible?

HIKING UTAH DESERTS

HIKING UTAH DESERTS

Utah is the second driest state. Hiking and mountain biking in deserts may be Hazardous if you do not prepare. But red rock country can be a peaceful, beautiful place to explore if you take time to plan.

HYDRATION: It is important to hydrate yourself with water, before entering the desert. Hydrate yourself the day before. And avoid drinking, coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks, that may cause dehydration.

HATS: Make sure you wear a hat when you are hiking and a helmet, while mountain biking. It is important to protect yourself from UV, putting on sunblock, wearing sunglasses, and wearing light colored clothing.

HEAT EXHAUSTION: Intense sweating, losing one or two quarts of water per hour, cause dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms are pale face, moist skin, headaches, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment is to drink water, sports drinks with electrolytes, energy snacks, rest in shade and wetting the body with water.

HEAT STROKE: Life threatening, when your body loses the ability to cool down itself. Symptoms are dry skin, flushed face, rapid pulse, weakness, high temperature, confusion, poor judgment, unconsciousness, and seizures. Treatment is to cool down the victim immediately! Pour water on head and immerse in cold water if possible. Find shade, and remove excess clothing. And if the victim needs to go to the hospital, send somebody for help.

HYPONATREMIA: Water intoxication has similar symptoms of Heat Exhaustion. It is the result of losing a lot of salt by sweating and drinking too much water. Symptoms are nausea, frequent urination, vomiting, and mental confusion. Seizures may occur. Treatment is to have the person eat salty foods, and slowly drink sports drinks.

HYPOTHERMIA: Even during the Summer months, the weather can change at a moments notice. Make sure you have a good jacket for wind and rain. Hypothermia is life threatening when your body cannot warm itself, due to exhaustion and exposure to wet, cold and windy weather. Symptoms are shivering, poor muscle control, grumbling, and mumbling. Treatment is warm up victim with space blanket, remove wet clothing, put on dry clothing, and find shelter from the elements.

CONCLUSION: Make sure you take extra water, energy snacks, and have salty foods when exploring the deserts. And have water and food stashed in your vehicle when you get back to your vehicle. Check the weather forecast before hiking. Even on the same trail, you drink a lot more water when it is 90 degrees, than when its 70 degrees. During hot Summer days, plan to explore during the early morning and evening hours.

GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

DID JESUS ATONE FOR OUR SINS 

IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE?

"And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. When He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22:39-46 NASB

Hematidrosis is a condition in which capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing them to exude blood, occurring under conditions of emotional stress.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." 

Romans 5:8-9 NKJV 

ARE WE JUSTIFIED BY BLOOD OR SWEAT?

"...first of all that which I also received: that Christ DIED for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." I Corinthians 15:3-4 NKJV 

DID JESUS DIE IN THE GARDEN? 

"and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." Colossians 1:20 NKJV 

"and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood," Revelation 1:5 NKJV 

"knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." I Peter 2:18-19 NKJV

"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 

I John 1:6-7 NKJV 

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Ephesians 1:7 NKJV 

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:13 NKJV 

It was by the shed blood on the cross, where he suffered and died; that we have opportunity of forgiveness, if we repent from our sins and believe in Jesus.

"But as many received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,"  John 1:12 NKJV 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 NKJV 

SALVATION BY GRACE?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

ARE WE SAVED BY GRACE AND WORKS

OR BY GOD'S GIFT OF GRACE ALONE?

JUSTIFIED TO GOD BY FAITH

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law." Romans 3:28 NKJV

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of GOD." Romans 5:1-2 NKJV

IF YOU CAN BE RIGHTEOUS OBEYING THE LAW, THEN WHY DID WE NEED JESUS TO SACRIFICE HIS LIFE ON THE CROSS TO PAY FOR OUR SINS?
"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."  Galatians 2:21 NKJV

WHAT IS SALVATION BY GRACE?

AFTER WE ARE SAVED, WE ARE CREATED TO DO HIS GOOD WORKS

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been SAVED through FAITH; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of WORKS, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:4-10 NAS

GRACE IS GOD's VALUABLE FREE GIFT.

(If someone gave you a gift and made you work and earn it, would it still be a free gift?)

"But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in Justification." Romans 5:15-16 NKJV

WAGES ARE PAYMENTS FOR OUR WORKS

"For the WAGES of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 NKJV

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25 NAS

HOW ARE WE JUSTIFIED BY WORKS?

After we are saved by grace through faith; we show the world our faith through the love of Christ by doing good works.

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? James 2:14-16 NKJV

OUR FAITH IS DEAD IF WE DO NOTHING

"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 

You believe that GOD is one. You do well; the demons also BELIEVE, and shudder." James 2:17-19 NAS

MERELY BELIEVING THAT JESUS EXISTS IS NOT FAITH.  Demons believe in Jesus; but they are rebellious and don't trust in him. 

"So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be SAVED, you and your household."   

Acts 16:31 NKJV

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil." 

Proverbs 3:5-7 NAS

GRACE AND WORKS ARE POLAR OPPOSITES

"And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." Romans 11:6 NKJV

THE LAW REVEALS US THAT WE ARE SINNERS NEEDING A SAVOIR

"...for ALL have SINNED and fall short of the glory of God, being justified FREELY by His GRACE through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24 NKJV

JESUS LOVES YOU

"But God demonstrates His own LOVE toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 NKJV

CONFESS AND BELIEVE

"...that if you confess with your mouth the LORD Jesus and believe in your heart that God has saved Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation." Romans 10:9-10 NKJV

CALL ON THE NAME OF JESUS

"For whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13 NKJV

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 NKJV

HIKING SLOT CANYONS

It's exciting exploring the slot canyon that God has created. If you want to have a safe journey, make sure you take time to prepare. 

PEEK-A-BOO ~ 2 A II rating
Escalante Grand Staircase, Utah

CANYONEERING RATINGS

1. HIKING ~ non technical slot canyons.
2. BEGINNER CANYONEERING ~ some scrambling and climbing.
3. INTERMEDIATE CANYONEERING ~ rappelling required.
4. ADVANCE CANYONEERING ~ technical climbing and rappelling.

• RISK ~ N (none), R (risky), and X (extreme).
• WATER ~ A (normally dry), B (some pools), and C (water with current).
• TIME ~ I. (few hours), II. (half day), III. (day), IV. (extended day), V. (2 days) and VI. (2 or more days).

PREPARATION

• WEATHER ~ The worst place to be on a rainy day, a narrow drainage. Plan your trip on sunny days. Pick dry months to explore slot canyons. And always have a plan of escape.
• MAPS ~ It's easy to get lost and turned around when you can't see any landmarks or horizon, in a sandstone canyon. Make sure you have a map, compass and maybe even a GPS. Remember your footsteps. And don't listen to strangers telling you there is a short cut back to your car.
• WATER and SALTY FOOD ~ Take extra water and salty food with you, in case you have to spend additional time out in the desert. It is vital to have a supply depot of food and water in your vehicle, when you return.
• ROADS ~ Washes crossing dirt roads can be impassible, even for 4 wheel drive vehicles, when there are flash floods. Bring a small shovel to dig yourself out, in case of emergencies. Contact the BLM office for road closures and updates.
• SUNPROTECTION ~ Make sure you protect yourself from UV. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothing are important.
• FOOTWEAR ~ Test your hiking boots & shoes out on slickrock, before climbing in a slot canyon. Dry test ~ test for traction on dry rock surfaces. Wet test ~ test for traction on wet slickrock. If you use sandals, make sure they are totally secure, and will not fall off you, when climbing.
• JACKET ~ Protect yourself from cold, rain, or wind.
• FIRST AID ~ Being hours from the nearest medical clinic, make sure you have first aid in your pack and extra supplies in your vehicle. Also, learn basic first aid.
• DAYPACK ~ Large daypacks will be an obstacle in tight places. It is good to bring your smaller bicycle daypack. Don't forget important stuff.
• DON'T GO ALONE ~ The worst thing you can do, is to not tell anyone where you are going and hike slot canyons by yourself. You will need someone to give you a boost, climbing up choke stones, and a reaching hand, helping you up scarey places. And if you get heat exhaustion or need first aid, there might not be anyone else present to help you.
• HIKING POLES ~ A must for walking in running water, such as the Zion's Narrows. Muddy slots, are slippery! If you don't want to be covered in muck, a hiking pole may be a life saver.
• LARGE FRAME PERSONS ~ Some slot canyons are tight, even for small frame persons. It might be wise to ask others for advice, before wedging yourself in a tight place.