Rules of the Road: How to Stay Safe and Respect Locals in Joe’s Valley
Joe’s Valley has uniquely awesome climbing access - paved roads from the days of miners past leading right to thousands of sandstone boulders. But Joe's Valley isn’t just for climbers, it’s also a place where Emery County locals live, work, and recreate too. Add hikers, bikers, and other travelers from outside Emery County and you’ve got a melting pot of commuters on tight, windy roads (something’s bound to get sketchy). Here are a few key “rules of the road” from our coalition to keep you and your crew safe while respecting the locals that call Joe’s Valley home.
Cars parked safely in Right Fork. Right on!
THe Rules
Park off the road (all the way over the white line).
Don’t walk in the road.
Take care when crossing or when entering the road from climbing areas (look for oncoming traffic, control dogs, and don’t throw pads into the road).
Make sure the road is clear before pulling out of parking spots.
Obey posted speed limit and traffic signs, especially when you’re driving into town and speed limits are reduced.
Don’t stage your gear in the road when loading your car.
Watch for deer, especially early and late.
Why follow the rules?
To stay safe - it may seem like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but RVs, trucks, and cattle trucks come down these narrow roads. Protect yourself and the people who live, work, and recreate here.
To maintain our easy access to climbing areas.
To not get a traffic/parking ticket.
Some of these rules might seem like no-brainers, but every season we see climbers hiking in middle of the road or parking vans well over the white line, and hear stories from locals who had to lay on the brakes - often with a heavy load of farming or camping equipment in tow. Take it slow, remember the rules, and enjoy the roads that get you to your favorite boulders!