Strawberry is fun

DESCRIPTION 

Strawberry is a mountainous area that is below tree line and offers miles of open Snowkiting terrain along the border of a giant alpine reservoir.  Situated between 7500 – 8000 feet elevation, Strawbs receives a good snow pack and holds its conditions well into spring time.  The frozen reservoir itself offers flat riding for all abilities and access to the far reaches of the area.  Along the shoreline are roadside parking areas that lead to dozens of terrain parks and moderate hill climbing.  While a push from the north or south brings better winds, it seems any snowkiter that makes the journey on a windy day will be rewarded. This area offers all levels of terrain and is a great place for honing skills on slopes that are gradual and not too steep.

HISTORY 

Due to its location along the old Utah/Colorado route Highway 40, Strawberry saw numerous Snowkite sessions from various pioneers traveling across the territory in the early days.  2001 found local Snowkiters on a more regular basis exploring the main areas with easy access.  In 2003 further exploration lead to more consistent terrain riding and better understanding of the areas micro-meteorology.  In 2004 Chasta began exploring Strawberry and has spent a month in Utah every season since, there are routes he has pioneered here that have still not been repeated yet.  Strawbs is currently considered a local favorite and secret to the outside world that has not discovered the goodness that is just an hours drive from Salt Lake City.

THE RIDING AREAS 

Daniels Summit - While this area is often out of the wind line, some snowkiters may stay and/or launch from near here. Snowmobile rentals and access start here.  The first open riding is just south of  the lodge around 8000 foot elevation.

Strawberry River - A paved parking area on the north side of the road near milepost 37 on Hwy. 40.  A great area that funnels Northwest wind.  Flat snow leading to terrain in most directions.  Starting point for many Triangle routes and XC tours to the Bull Springs area.

Bull Springs -  A massive open area near milepost 38 on the south side of Hwy 40, with XC potential that leads to terrain on the south-western side of the fields.  There is no parking here, so riders must shuttle in and  temporarily pick up & drop off or take a downwind tour to this spot.

Strawberry Bay - Turn-off on West Strawberry Road around milepost 40, to access the terrain on the west side of the reservoir, Strawberry Bay and the Marina Lodge.  This is a great place to stay, with riding all around the hotel, leading to every spot in the region.

 Chicken Creek West - Just before milepost 42 on Highway 40, this is a large parking area on the south side of the highway.  Terrain riding and access to the lake are both in reach of this prime location on Strawberry Reservoir.

Chicken Creek East -  Just after milepost 42 on Highway 40 is another paved parking area.  CC East offers fun hills to session with both lake and land riding.

Gravel Pit/Terrain park - Just off milepost 44 on Hwy. 40 is an amazing playground with terrain for every direction of wind.  Just beyond is an old railroad track that presents both quarter pipes and massive half-pipe riding cut out of the landscape.  Parking is limited here, and often accessed from other parking areas.

 Ladders - Milepost 45 marks the ladders day use area.  Not always plowed, but a good marker for the Gravel Pit area with access to terrain riding.

Overlook - A Parking area along Hwy 40 just after milepost 46.  Usually plowed out, this is the staging point for tours across the reservoir and into the narrows section of Strawberry.  There is wind formed terrain, gradual slopes and miles of open lake to explore here.  

Soldier Creek Bay - Several miles east on Hwy 40, this is the pick up spot for Snowkiters who ride downwind thru the 'Narrows' Of Strawbs.  

 
LODGING-

                Strawberry Bay Lodge & Marina-  435-548-2500  www.strawberrybay.com

                Daniels Summit Lodge- Highway 40 Daniels Summit Pass, Utah 435-548-2300 www.danielssummit.com

ENTERTAINMENT

                Daniels Summit Lodge- Convenience Store and Restaurant

                There are many restaurants and fast food options in Heber which will be the last city you will hit before reaching Strawberry.