Western US Trip With Father...Continued

[atxrider]

Hey Everyone,

I recently did a trip with my father throughout the Western US states and got cheated out of a few key states. My ignition went out in Kanab, UT, before I could go through the Utah canyonlands and Colorado (million dollar highway). Although I was able to hot wire the bike and get going, I decided to play it safe and head home. After all, did not want to be late to my own wedding!

Fast forward 7 months. I am back from an extended honeymoon in Europe and have a little time (1 month) before I start working again. My father's friend Steve (K1200LT) is coming down from Washington to ride through Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Cool. We have a chance to truly finish the trip we set out to do 7 months ago.

Here is the rough route:

Super slab from Austin to Page, AZ.

Page to Kanab, UT. Yes, I am tempting fate - Hwy 89.

Kanab, UT to La Verkin, UT - Hwy 89 and 9.

La Verking, UT to Hilldale, UT - Hwy 9 and 89.

Hilldale, UT to Torrey, UT - Hwy 12.

Torrey, UT to Crescent Junction, UT - Hwy 24 and I70.

Crescent Junction, UT to 4 corners - Hwy 191.

Four Corners to Montrose, CO - Hwy 160 and 550.

Montrose, CO to South Fork, CO - Hwy 50 and 149.

From there, we will likely head down and do the Taos loop in NM. My question: Within UT and CO, considering the route, are there any concerns for snow or uncleared roads? Do I need to make plans for an alternate route? Haven't done too much driving in either state (except Breckinridge and Denver) and could use some advice. I am leaving tentatively next Tuesday to meet my father in Page. Oh...are we missing any must sees?

Thanks in advance,

Davy

 

[pinhead]

Your route looks good to me. You'll be hitting a lot of good roads. The only addition I'd suggest is Colorado Highway 92, the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. If you like tight twisties and great views, it's a good one.

As for the snow, the Colorado roads you listed are dry and open as of right now, but this time of year is impossible to predict. You should definitely go for it, but just be prepared to wait out any storms, make alternate plans, or just ride through it.

One word of caution: there is plenty of gravel and sand lingering on the high elevation roads, particularly in the curves. There is also a fair amount of winter road damage that hasn't yet been repaired.

Enjoy the trip and PM me if you're in the area.

Dave

 

[Silver Penguin]

Great roads. Spectacular views. Hanging out with cool people on bikes. This has got to be a wonderful vacation. Promise to post a ride report with pictures?

Have fun and stay safe.

 

[atxrider]

Your route looks good to me. You'll be hitting a lot of good roads. The only addition I'd suggest is Colorado Highway 92, the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. If you like tight twisties and great views, it's a good one.
As for the snow, the Colorado roads you listed are dry and open as of right now, but this time of year is impossible to predict. You should definitely go for it, but just be prepared to wait out any storms, make alternate plans, or just ride through it.

One word of caution: there is plenty of gravel and sand lingering on the high elevation roads, particularly in the curves. There is also a fair amount of winter road damage that hasn't yet been repaired.

Enjoy the trip and PM me if you're in the area.

Dave

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the road recommendation and weather info. I will add 92 to our route. I will definitely PM when we get close to Gunnison.

Great roads. Spectacular views. Hanging out with cool people on bikes. This has got to be a wonderful vacation. Promise to post a ride report with pictures?
Have fun and stay safe.

Thanks SilverPenguin. Definite ride report material. Here is the first part of it...posted a week or so ago: Father Son Trip

 

[mfletch69]

We did a similar trip last summer. I agree with the previous poster abut heding north from Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Ride up the Grand Mesa...very cool.

If you make it to the west Denver area, you will want to ride up Mt Evans, highest paved road in North Am. over 14k'

Also, if you end up in Moab, take one day off, rent a modified Jeep and drive down into the Canyonlands and Arches NP. That was a highlight.

 

[pinhead]

And as long as I'm throwing out recommendations, your route happens to be going through one of my favorite locations on the planet -- between Escalante and Torrey Utah -- so I've got a couple more:

1.) Kiva Koffeehouse is great place to stop, take in the view, and enjoy a good cup o' joe. I've never had great food there so I won't recommend that, but still a wonderful place to stretch and relax for a half an hour. They always seem to be playing the most relaxing Native American flute music on the house stereo.

2.) Burr Trail Grill in Boulder, UT has always treated me well. It is far from fancy, but usually serves up pretty descent road food at a fair price.

I've got a lot more, but I'll leave it at that for now.

 

[TellurideFJR]

Like Pinhead I live in the area and have ridden all of the roads mentioned. Not a bad turn to be had however I would prefer some modification between Torrey and 4 Corners. The route from Hanksville to Crescent Junction is a little bland and IMHO the ride over Cataract Canyon Bridge at the north end of lake powell is better. Either way you will have a great ride.

 

[atxrider]

And as long as I'm throwing out recommendations, your route happens to be going through one of my favorite locations on the planet -- between Escalante and Torrey Utah -- so I've got a couple more:
1.) Kiva Koffeehouse is great place to stop, take in the view, and enjoy a good cup o' joe. I've never had great food there so I won't recommend that, but still a wonderful place to stretch and relax for a half an hour. They always seem to be playing the most relaxing Native American flute music on the house stereo.

2.) Burr Trail Grill in Boulder, UT has always treated me well. It is far from fancy, but usually serves up pretty descent road food at a fair price.

I've got a lot more, but I'll leave it at that for now.

Good stuff pinhead. We will check it out.

Like Pinhead I live in the area and have ridden all of the roads mentioned. Not a bad turn to be had however I would prefer some modification between Torrey and 4 Corners. The route from Hanksville to Crescent Junction is a little bland and IMHO the ride over Cataract Canyon Bridge at the north end of lake powell is better. Either way you will have a great ride.

You are right Telluride. Do you mean to take Hwy 95 through Fry Canyon instead?

Regards,

Davy

 

[Big-D]

It actually looks as though you are rushing through Colorado. All of the area you mention offer great riding, but you’ll still be missing a lot. Some of the cities (or towns & villages) you might want to consider would be Aspen, Leadville, Estes Park and Boulder. If you ride anywhere near these places, you’ll ride some supreme blacktop! Riding over Independence Pass is something you should consider if time (and weather) permits.

The weather in the high country can always surprise you with snow. However, they usually keep the roads clear unless you happen upon a blizzard of some sort. Some of the passes might still be closed, but you should call the highway patrol to find out for sure. Don’t take anyone’s word on it without checking for yourself, because conditions can change really quickly.

Taos is really nice also. Try and stay off of I-25 as much as possible if you really want to experience the beauty of New Mexico. Try to make it as far south as Carrizozo, Ruidoso and Alamogordo. You can always cross back into Texas towards Lubbock, but first ride through Roswell, NM.

Although I now live just short of "Hell" itself, I once called Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs and Denver home!

And since I’m writing this, I may as well ask you how you like Austin? My daughter is considering a Nursing position there, but cannot decide between Austin and San Antonio.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[cpsfjr]

Several suggestions for Utah:

1. Utah 14 (as an alternative to Utah 9). It's beautiful (as is 9), so either option is good; I just prefer 14. 14 passes Cedar Breaks National Monument--spectacular when bathed in morning sun!

2. Utah 95 Hanksville to Blanding (as an alternative to Crescent Junction/I70). Beautiful winding road through desert and redrock canyons, crosses north end of Lake Powell, as TellurideFJR said. Very memorable.

Don't forget to stop in Bryce Canyon (just off Utah 12)--also spectacular in good weather. But bring your longjohns, it's 8000'+ and can be cold and windy.

Utah 24, Torrey to Hanksville (through Capitol Reef) is gorgeous, too. A great ride on a motorcycle. Watch out for deer.

Have a great trip!