July Newsletter 2024

Newsletter Julie Snyder July 8, 2024

I’ve been on quite a health journey this past year. Recently, I discovered I need surgery on both my right knee and left hip to alleviate pain and discomfort. Instead of undergoing two surgeries (since they won’t do both at the same time), I opted to explore alternative treatments. A friend recommended a doctor who uses stem cells for orthopedic issues. The risks included the cost and the possibility it might not work.

On May 28th, after my second set of injections (out of a planned three), my condition worsened. Within a week, I could barely walk, my hip and knee joints were swollen with fluid, and I had a fever. I was hospitalized and prepped for emergency surgery due to a potential septic hip. After several consultations, numerous blood tests, and fluid aspirates from my hip and knee, we decided to wait and see if my body could heal on its own.

Fast forward to today—it’s still unclear what went wrong. Did I have a major inflammatory response? Did my body reject the stem cells? Were they bad? I’m now on steroids and working to regain my strength, but it’s been a tough road. I’m incredibly grateful to my supportive husband for taking care of me and the kids, and to my friends and family for all their love and support. Yesterday, I managed to hike my favorite trail, Iron Canyon. I know I’ll get better; it’s just a matter of time.

🍸 New Local Hotspot: Premiere Park City

Utah’s coolest hot new cocktail lounge, Premiere Park City, is open on Main Street just in time for Summer! Located near the top of Main Street in Park City, Premiere’s chic rustic decor fits the unique charm of Park City’s lively and rustic character. The spacious 5,000-square-foot venue reflects a chic, high-end speakeasy reminiscent of the Gilded Age that still pays tribute to the iconic mountain setting that flanks this new lounge. Complete with three giant disco balls to set the mood for dancing late into the night and unique cocktail concoctions like the Mandarin Dream Margarita, the Premiere cocktail lounge is slated to become Park City’s destination for fantastic cuisine, drinks, and live music. 268 Main St. Park City, UT 84060

⛺ Utah Camping Guide: Car, Glamping, and Backcountry

Car Camping

Visit Monte Cristo, Utah and get away from the heat and into the high elevation. Visit the meadows full of wildflowers and hike the trails just off of highway 30 miles outside of Huntsville, Utah in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Mountains. You can reserve drive up campsites at the Monte Cristo campground here.

Kodachrome Basin is a landscape so iconic that it was named after the photographic film that helped popularize it. This incredible state park is full of chimney rocks, sand pipes, and many colorful layers of sediment. The most popular attraction, Chimney Rock, stands at 170 feet tall. The park has drive-up camping spots, and numerous hiking trails and mountain biking trails, and it is an extraordinary destination for photography – both day and night. As a state park, dogs are allowed. Kodachrome Basin can make for a great day-long excursion if you prefer to setup basecamp in a nearby town such as Boulder, Escalante, or Panguitch. Learn more and reserve a camping spot here:

Glamping

Want to get away and enjoy the outdoors but not sacrifice comfort? Utah is host to many glamping campgrounds and locations, such as Under Canvas® Zion. Experience the dark sky in a cozy campsite situated in the southwest desert near Zion National Park. Bring your family or keep it small and spend time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful landscape of southern Utah.

Conveniently located on the eastern shore of Bear Lake in Northern Utah, Conestoga Ranch is a good choice for those who don’t want to choose between the beach or the mountains. The resort can accommodate up to a hundred guests at a time and the entire resort has WiFi. In addition to having classic grand canvas tents, they also offer the option to glamp in a 4-person or 6-person prairie-style wagon. You’ll forget you’re in the wild with all of the resort amenities including a general store, restaurant, game tent, laundry and bathhouse. Yoga classes and massages are available as well as complimentary cruiser bikes, cooking classes and wine seminars. The Campfire Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers take-out and picnic lunch options.

Just eight miles east of Kanab near the Arizona border, Basecamp 37 is a good spot for glampers planning to visit Kanab, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, The Wave and Antelope Canyon. At this glamping resort, you’ll find five luxuriously appointed safari-style tents with king-size beds with fancy linens and other thoughtful details, like a small cooler and headlamps. No need to buy or bring single-use plastic water bottles, the glamping tents have insulated reusable drinkware. Solar-powered charging banks are provided so you can keep your cameras and phones charged.

There’s WiFi available at the glampground as well as washrooms with hot showers near the tents. You can book multiple tents so it’s great for groups of up to 10 people.

Backcountry Camping

Looking for something more challenging? Disconnect from technology, cars, and get moving on the backcountry trails. A local favorite is Amethyst Lake by way of Stillwater and Amethyst Lake Trail. It might be more challenging than other options, but whether hiking solo, with a partner, or even with an adventurous dog, the breathtaking landscape of Utah makes it all worthwhile.

For an even bigger challenge, you can hike to the highest point in Utah at Kings Peak (13,528 FT). Generally done over two or three days, the hike is about 25 miles out and back and definitely not for the uninitiated. If you’re seeking something more formidable and rewarding this is an excellent hike to do with friends and family. Ideally, hike with others who are experienced in hiking long miles. Starting at Henry’s Fork trailhead, you will gain about 4,000 feet of elevation. There are a few small lakes to camp at and enjoy some rest time but be sure to take in the incredible views and walk around a bit. Pack-in and pack-out and stay in the designated camping areas and give yourself time! It’s an incredible hike.

🏄 Local Activity: Park City SUP

Enjoy your Park City summer vacation on a stand-up paddle board! Park City SUP is all about giving you the best adventure on the water. All levels are welcome. Park City SUP offers private and group lessons and tours at Pebble Beach Deer Valley, the Provo River, or the Jordanelle Reservoir. Your day includes board, paddle, and personal flotation device rental, followed by detailed instructions according to your experience level. And of course, most importantly, personal photographs and post-tour snacks and drinks.

Park City SUP also offers classes that are great for anyone looking to learn the sport right from the start and for experienced paddlers who want to improve their paddle stroke technique. Additionally, Park City SUP offers summer camps for kids. Campers will learn all about water safety, equipment, and the basics and techniques of stand-up paddleboarding.