brian-head

Brian Head + Belly of the Dragon + Outpost X (see html page)

📅 December 22–23, 2025 | 👥 4 Adventurers

🎯 NEW ROUTE: Hit the Dragon tunnel with perfect morning light, then snowmobile when snow is softer!

## 🐉 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

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✅ 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, 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; 11:30 AM-12:15 PM: Sand Cruisers; 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.

**🛁 SPA TIPS:** Bring swimsuits & towels, flip flops for pools, water bottle, sunscreen.

**📸 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 ✅

## 🎯 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