Southern Utah ride

[artistonFJR]

Has anyone listening had the Southern Utah experience that involves the Markaguant High Plateau Scenic Byway (route 14 off of I-15, from Cedar City East, towards 89)? I am most likely headed there at the end of May for a solo ride and running trip. Info I am looking for includes:

***road conditions (ie is it fairly well maintained, bad crown, gravelly, etc) and yes, I am aware these things change, caution first.

***are there any populated wide-spots for gas/eats/motel/camping that are hidden gems (could stop in Cedar Cty but what.. gonna eat at a Dennys when there is some little-known burger joint tucked among the twisties?!)

***Is there someone in the St George area, or thereabouts, that would like to meet up and tool around for a couple hours, FJR or not? Not looking for full trip riders, just a meet n greet, or a contact.

This is one of those areas that is in my own "backyard" so I keep putting it of as a destination! Silly me. Got the perfect traveling vehicle, some time, and no more excuses.

C

 

[DaveT]

In answer to your questions:

***road conditions (ie is it fairly well maintained, bad crown, gravelly, etc) and yes, I am aware these things change, caution first.

--Great road, beautiful climb out of Cedar City up to the top of the plateau, and you can also whip on up to Cedar Breaks National Monument if you wish. Not a long ride, but very nice either way. That is very high country, so the snow stay until late. In fact, I don't think that the road to Cedar Breaks opens until mid-May or so. Following are a couple of photos taken on UT-14:

Taken in late April:

Taken in late September:

You might also want to consider runing into the Kolob Canyon area of Zion NP (just off of I-15 south of Cedar City); not a long ride, but very beautiful:

 

[artistonFJR]

Dave, you're Fantastic!!! Thanks for the pics and the info. I will be exploring the area as best I can, and really appreciate the positive report!

Now, if this month would just fly by....

Chris

 

[Bugnatr]

Southern Utah is Vacationland. Can't really go wrong anywhere down there. Grand staircase between Cedar City and Torrey via hwy 12 is a must ride!

 

[weekend rider]

to eat or not to eat, If Momma Sorta's pizza is open I would not even try there Pizza. Ate there several years ago it was terrible

 

[havocdog]

I've only driven it on 4 wheels in winter, but 143 from Parawon to Brian Head has some nice twists and a fierce double switchback. https://www.brianhead.com/about_getting_here.htm

In Brian Head village, Cedar Breaks Lodge & Spa has the Double Black Diamond Steakhouse - cooks a good steak. www.cedarbreakslodge.com

More casual: Pizano's Pizzeria (owner is a transplant from Brooklyn, NY) has good Italian food.

I'm told that a road to Brian Head peak is open in summer - views would be spectacular. There is at least one overlook into Cedar Breaks just past the village on 143. Check out the website for more stuff to do.

From 143, you may be able to pick up 148 back to 14 (should be open this time of year).