🎯 NEW ROUTE: Hit the Dragon tunnel with perfect morning light, then snowmobile when snow is softer!
🏡 Airbnb 223 Hunter Ridge Drive
Brian Head, UT 84719
🚗 Rental Return Tuesday, Dec 23
6:00 PM
🏍️ Snowmobile 1.5 hours of
pure adrenaline
🌡️ Temperature 20°F to 65°F
Epic contrast!

🐉 DAY 1: Dragon First, Mountains After

Monday, December 22

🌙 4:30 AM – Vegas Departure

Route: I-15 N → Exit 51 → Dragon
Distance: 165 mi | Time: 2.5 hrs

✅ PREP CHECKLIST

  • Pack breakfast & lunch from Vegas
  • Fill gas tank
  • Download offline maps
  • Charge all devices
  • Pack headlamp for Dragon

🐉 7:00 AM – Belly of the Dragon

FREE | 0.5 mi RT | 45 min

📸 Photography Tips

  • 7-8:30 AM = perfect soft light
  • Use wide-angle/panorama mode
  • Low angles shooting up walls
  • Take video walking through

🚗 Access Tips

  • 2-mile dirt road from highway
  • Drive SLOW (10-15 mph)
  • Watch for ruts and rocks
  • Grippy shoes - can be slippery
  • Bring headlamp for dark sections

☕ 8:15 AM – Breakfast

Eat Vegas breakfast in car with desert views!

🚗 8:45 AM – Drive to Brian Head

Route: I-15 N → Exit 75 → UT-143 N
Distance: 95 mi | Time: 1 hr 45 min

🚗 WINTER DRIVING
  • UT-143 climbs 5,000→9,600 ft
  • Check conditions: (435) 677-2035
  • If icy: 25-35 mph on curves
  • Lower gear downhill
  • Brake BEFORE curves

🏔️ 10:30 AM – Arrive Brian Head

Check-in: 4:00 PM

⭐ RECOMMENDED: Head straight to Thunder Mountain (539 N Hwy 143). Try for 11 AM slot. Call from Dragon parking lot to confirm!

🏍️ 11:00 AM – Snowmobile Tour

$300 (2 machines) or $500 (4 solo) | 1.5 hrs

👗 What to Wear

  • Layers: base + fleece + jacket
  • Waterproof snow pants
  • Insulated gloves (NOT cotton!)
  • Warm hat under helmet
  • Neck gaiter/balaclava
  • Waterproof boots

🎯 Riding Tips

  • Lean INTO turns
  • Throttle = right thumb
  • Stand up over bumps
  • Stay loose on handlebars
  • Follow guide's line

🥵 12:30 PM – Post-Ride

Legendary hot cocoa at Thunder Mountain! ☕

🥪 1:00 PM – Lunch

Eat Vegas lunch at Cedar Breaks lot or Brian Head overlook

🏔️ 2:00 PM – Cedar Breaks

FREE | 45 min | 10 min from Brian Head

⚠️ BUNDLE UP! 10,000+ ft, super windy! Bring gloves & warm hat.

🏡 4:00 PM – Airbnb Check-In

223 Hunter Ridge Drive

  • Unload gear
  • Hang wet clothes to dry
  • Prep tomorrow's cooler
  • Charge devices

🍝 6:30 PM – Dinner

Cook pasta at Airbnb - cozy night in! 🍷

🌙 Evening – Relax

Games, wine, stargazing 🌟 Early bedtime - tomorrow is desert day!


🚀 DAY 2: Outpost X Desert Finale

Tuesday, December 23

✅ 8:30 AM – Check Out & Drive

Route: UT-143 S → I-15 S → Exit 51
Distance: 75 mi | Time: 1 hr 15 min

🚗 Remember: Return car at 6 PM!

🚀 9:45 AM-3:00 PM – OUTPOST X

$173 for 4 people (~$43/person!)

Sci-fi glamping resort with Star Wars vibes 🌟

Schedule:

  • 10:00-11:30 AM: X-Spa (hot tubs, cold plunge, sauna)
  • 11:30 AM-12:15 PM: Sand Cruisers (electric desert tour)
  • 12:30-1:30 PM: Lunch at Kaan Lounge
  • 1:30-2:15 PM: Game room, trampolines, rock wall
  • 2:15-3:00 PM: Photo safari with installations

🛁 SPA TIPS

  • Bring swimsuits & towels
  • Flip flops for pools
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen (desert sun!)

📸 PHOTO TIPS

  • Rent themed costumes ($20-30)
  • TOTALLY worth it!
  • Low angles = massive structures
  • Use portrait mode

🚗 3:00 PM – Drive to Vegas

Distance: 165 mi | Time: 2.5 hrs

Arrival: ~5:30 PM
Return car: 6:00 PM ✅


📋 PACKING CHECKLIST

Category Items
🎒 Must-Haves Breakfast & lunch, cooler, thermoses, water bottles, snacks
❄️ Winter Gear Jacket, snow pants, gloves, hat, neck gaiter, boots, extra layers
🏊 Outpost X Swimsuits, towels, flip flops, sunscreen, sunglasses
📸 Tech Phone, car charger, camera/GoPro, batteries, SD cards, headlamp
🚗 Emergency Blanket, flashlight, first aid, paper maps

⏰ QUICK TIMING

Day 1 Activity
4:30 AMLeave Vegas
7:00 AMBelly of Dragon
10:30 AMArrive Brian Head
11:00 AMSnowmobile tour
2:00 PMCedar Breaks
4:00 PMCheck in Airbnb
Day 2 Activity
8:30 AMCheck out & drive
9:45 AMArrive Outpost X
3:00 PMLeave for Vegas
6:00 PMReturn rental car

🎯 KEY SUCCESS TIPS

  • Fill gas tank night before
  • Pack car night before
  • Set alarm for 4:00 AM
  • Download offline maps
  • Call Thunder Mountain from Dragon lot
  • Drive slow on Dragon dirt road
  • Check UT-143 conditions before climbing
  • Book Outpost X passes online in advance
  • Rent themed costumes at Outpost X

🐉 Have an EPIC adventure! 🏔️🚀

You're gonna crush this trip!