ST. GEORGE — Geological treasures are abundant in Southern Utah, but there’s only one special kind of rock worth a bundle of cash from Summit Athletic Club. Grab a map, lace up your shoes and hit the trails for your chance to become a “rock star” during the 11th annual Find the Summit Rock contest.
Find the Summit Rock has grown into a beloved summertime tradition for Southern Utah locals, and Summit Athletic Club has once again joined forces with Canyon Media‘s radio stations to host this epic riddle-solving adventure. Over the next three weeks, they’ll be giving away up to $33,000 through six different rock-hunting opportunities.
“I look forward to this every year,” said Amy Chesley, co-host of the 99.9 KONY Country morning show. “We can’t tell you where the rock is, but we can help you find it, and that’s what makes me happy.”
Sharpen your skills before the main event by searching for three mini rocks with daily hunts this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Beginning at 8 a.m., clues will be shared on-air to listeners of 99.9 KONY Country, Planet 105.1, 95.9 The Hawk and Sunny 101.5 every hour until the rock is found. If you miss any of the clues, you can also find them on the Instagram feeds of Summit Athletic Club and each radio station.
However, you can get a jump on the first clue at Summit Athletic Club. It will be posted at their River Road, Bluff Street and new Sunset Boulevard locations at 7:30 a.m. each day.
And don’t worry! If you find a mini rock, you’re still eligible to hunt for a big rock and potentially take home a total payout of $11,000.
“Really, it’s about getting out there and searching,” Summit Athletic Club general manager Cally Peterson said. “If you think you know where it is, don’t wait.”
The big rocks will be up for grabs during the weeks of May 30 and June 5. Only one clue will be given daily until each rock is found. The clue will be revealed to radio listeners during the first break of the 8 a.m. broadcast and on Instagram.
Time is of the essence, so be sure to tune in every morning. Once the first rock is found, the contest starts all over again the following Monday with new clues on the location of the second rock.
For the grand finale on Saturday, June 17, one clue will be given on the radio and via Instagram every hour beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing until the rock is found.
Each mini rock is worth $1,000 if discovered while wearing the official 2023 Find the Summit Rock T-shirt; otherwise, the payout is $500. The big rocks are worth $10,000 each, or $5,000 without a T-shirt. A limited quantity of T-shirts are available to purchase for $15 each at Summit Athletic Club’s three St. George locations. Buying a T-shirt also grants you unlimited access to Summit Athletic Club through the end of June.
This year, due to the runoff caused by record snowpack levels, rocks will not be hidden within 100 yards of the Virgin River. Safety always comes first, so be sure to avoid flowing water and protect yourself against the summer heat. Use sunscreen, wear a hat and drink lots of water!
“Just enjoy being outside,” Peterson said. “By participating, you’ll see trails and parks and places you didn’t even know existed in St. George.”
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