Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park to Moab, UT

[Spud]

I think I'll swing down there this weekend. I'll be staying right near Bryce Canyon, then on to Moab the next day.

Two possible routes:

1. south to Kanab, UT, Page, AZ, through Monument Valley (AZ 160), north through Blanding, Monticello to Moab. (470 miles).

2. NW from Bryce to Escalante, Capitol Reef Nat'l Park, (HWY 12)to Hanksville, South on the 95 to Blanding, then up to Moab. It's the shorter route (350 miles).

I'm sure it's all spectacular, but for those that know the area, is one route definitely better? Thanks for any input...

 

[BwanaDik]

Check out this RR for a good idea of what to expect on Route #1. Great scienery (sp?) up at the top around Jacob Lake but pretty straight, high speed roads once you're down the hill.

From about post #7 down.

Ride Report

Utah 95 looks cool. I thought some of it was dirt but apparently not

Utah 95

Edit: My mistake, it's SR-1668/276 that's dirt and has a ferry.

Or you could reverse back up thru Escalante and Capital Reef.

 

[Wolfhound]

My favorite ride in Utah - 12 - 24 - 95 ! One of the most scenic rides in the country . . .

 

[TellurideFJR]

I vote for #2 and have ridden both. Between Page and Kayenta there is much of nothing.

 

[Greb]

You'd better not miss Highway 12, Torrey to Escalante is spectacular. May be a little chilly this time of year.

 

[beemerdons]

My favorite ride in Utah - 12 - 24 - 95 ! One of the most scenic rides in the country . . .

+1, Gunny and Ditto!

BwanaDik, Great Ride Report! I enjoyed it 2 years ago and it's still a fantastic pictorial!!!

 

[SacramentoMike]

I haven't tried the first route, but I did the second one. It takes FOREVER to cover that distance.

You'll be stopping every five minutes to take pictures and gawk. Incredible country.

 

[Ignacio]

I vote for #2 and have ridden both. Between Page and Kayenta there is much of nothing.

Agree. The stretch between Hanksville and Natural Bridges is REALLY cool...especially in the evening. You think the Road Runner will zoom by with a coyote in tow.

Escalante to Torrey is my favorite road in the world.

The Page and Kayenta...not so much.

 

[MCRIDER007]

Its a no-brainer, ride #2 is one of the best rides you can find anywhere.

 

[Spud]

Just the kind of feedback I was hoping for. Thanks guys. Route #2 it is. I'm looking forward to FINALLY getting out this year. Spring has been brutal in Idaho--was snowing yesterday (not sticking). Can't wait to get South--60's will feel fantastic.

 

[wheatonFJR]

You'd better not miss Highway 12, Torrey to Escalante is spectacular...

Looking forward to that towards the end of the day May 15th, based on what you and others are saying. :yahoo:

We are heading from Denver area to Tropic that day...as airboss and I blast out to Kali. Thanks for the info. :clapping:

 

[Bungie]

The ride from Bryce up through to Torrey = kicks major butt ass. One of the highlights of our trip last Sept.!

 

[CORE]

For sure Route #2

will be taking a simliar route this coming weekend and staying in moab friday night then over to colorado, new mexico and back into arizona sunday. Have a couple new people attending the ride so we are trying to keep down to 700-800 miles a day.

 

[canyonman]

take utah 261 south from 95 just past natural bridges towards garden of the gods and goosenecks state park adds a little to your trip but you won't mind.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I'd love that road...but some midwest weenies that I sometimes ride with would be crying that there is gravel on the road...WTF is up with that? :lol: ...and I'm a weenie on gravel as it is...but these guys must really be pussies to whine like they do.

Really like those pictures... :clapping:

 

[CAJW]

I vote for #2 and have ridden both. Between Page and Kayenta there is much of nothing.

+1 uh, er.... I mean yes to what he said, my vote is for route #2!

 

[Jim in Phoenix]

I've been on both - neither is a loser but take #2 if you can only do one. Also, Moki Dugway will add spice to your ride and is an interesting detour (see photos above by CanyonMan).

 

[Spud]

Thanks again for the route advise. The trip's in the bag... Ride report here:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=137554

I rather like this picture...

 

[oio]

I've ridden Mokee Dugway 2-up on my FJR with a full load of luggage. No problem... Yes, gravel, but the switchbacks are paved.