western us road trip advice

[lucian]

 Wondering if this route would be ok to embark on in mid May?   I know the mountainous areas could be of concern in the spring . Some local knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
I could adjust the route some , but the timing not so much.  Many thanks, Dave

 

[pehayes]

Nice route.  Should be nice weather by then but there is always the chance of freak snow at elevation so just be aware.  Utah has some of the most spectacular US vista scenery.   Are you open for nearby alterations of routing?

South of Moab is the Moki Dugway road.  Do it uphill.  Bucket list road.  Dirt but regularly maintained.  Regina did it on her 98EV last  year.
Anyone near Cedar City, UT should go through the altitude of Cedar Breaks up from Panguitch.
After Cedar City try for the monument of the Mountain Meadows Massacre between Enterprise and Veyo.  Critical US history that not many know.  Do a little Google work before visiting.
Looks like  you go in and back out of Zion the same way.  Might consider going through and then around to the south of Zion.  That will bring you through the parallel towns of Hilldale, UT and Colorado City, AZ.  Formerly known as short creek and the focal core of an important polygamist offshoot sect.  They won't like you passing through.
I'm only 3 hours from Yosemite, but Zion is still my favorite touring National Park.  Mother Nature in-your-face!

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Tkelly]

If you aren’t in a hurry check out the Grand Canyon of the Gunnison and the million dollar highway to Durango.

[MotoKnee]

Utah Hwy 141

[Chuck in Indiana]

Since you will be in the area, don't miss 12 from Capitol Reef to Bryce canyon, etc. It gets my vote for most spectacular scenic motorcycle road. Flashing signs for motorcyclists to use extreme caution. 

[azccj]

Are you going by car or by motorcycle? If by motorcycle it's going to be hot that time of year along the Colorado river area on the AZ/CA border.

[Tusayan]

I would see Sedona and maybe Jerome, Arizona.  Sedona is not far off your route. 

[Enzo Toma]

If you aren’t in a hurry check out the Grand Canyon of the Gunnison and the million dollar highway to Durango.

I second Black Canyon of the Gunnison. One of the best sights between Denver and Moab. Just keep an eye on the weather at elevation in CO and near Flagstaff, AZ and plan your gear and clothing in layers accordingly.

[PeteS]

Since you will be in the area, don't miss 12 from Capitol Reef to Bryce canyon, etc. It gets my vote for most spectacular scenic motorcycle road. Flashing signs for motorcyclists to use extreme caution. 

Another vote for this road and virtually all of Southern Utah. You could spend a week around there and not get bored.
I guess we all travel differently but I never make advanced room reservations when on a trip like this. Makes you want to rush each day to get to your destination. Rooms should not be that much of a problem that time of year.

Pete

[rocker59]

Since you will be in the area, don't miss 12 from Capitol Reef to Bryce canyon, etc. It gets my vote for most spectacular scenic motorcycle road. Flashing signs for motorcyclists to use extreme caution. 

yes.  one of the best motorcycle roads in the country:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/puEa4F652ATh45n49

[rocker59]

Utah Hwy 141

Colorado Highway 141, and it's fantastic.

[PJPR01]

Colorado Highway 141, and it's fantastic.

Fully agree with this recommendation...a nice stop by the Hanging Flume and then take it all the way to Telluride from Gateway.  Beautiful riding!

[lucian]

Thank you  all for the input, most appreciated!  Sorry for the delay as we have been a couple days without power because of an ice storm.  Got until second week of May to adjust plans so will try and absorb all the info and repost the route for peer review    Bike has already been transported to San Diego BMW for inspection and maintenance . {an excellent dealer from my experience} and my daughter and I are very much looking forward to the adventure soon.  Would love the chance to meet any of you all that may be in our vicinity on this trip. Thanks again , dave

[rocker59]

Thank you  all for the input, most appreciated!  Sorry for the delay as we have been a couple days without power because of an ice storm.  Got until second week of May to adjust plans so will try and absorb all the info and repost the route for peer review    Bike has already been transported to San Diego BMW for inspection and maintenance . {an excellent dealer from my experience} and my daughter and I are very much looking forward to the adventure soon.  Would love the chance to meet any of you all that may be in our vicinity on this trip. Thanks again , dave

Lucian,

This route between Bryce Canyon and Grand Junction will be well worth the extra time:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/bu2q49LCdM4nFTqZA

You could skip Moab, if you chose to stay overnight in Blanding or Monticello, but these five roads are motorcycle heaven:

UT-12 
UT-24
UT-95
UT-46 / CO-90
CO-141

[Moparnut72]

I got "stuck" in Montecello once when the highway through town was shut down for a 4th of July parade. There was no way around the festivities. The locals were really nice and friendly. It was an enjoyable hour. But that was many many years ago, I doubt they could do that today.
kk

[LowRyter]

Colorado Highway 141, and it's fantastic.

I-70 is perhaps the only scenic interstate highway but I would still take more scenic and challenging highways.

You might try Mt Evans or take a run through Independence Pass and Aspen. 

141 is a good one ..I'd take it all the way to Naturita and then take 90/46 through Paradox Valley to Moab....or even go further to do a loop to 550, Ouray, Durango and Cortez and check out the Cliff Dwellers and Telluride. 

too many good roads to

[sign216]

Dave, good luck out west.  Refuel when you can.

Joe

[Perazzimx14]

Nice route.  Should be nice weather by then but there is always the chance of freak snow at elevation so just be aware.  Utah has some of the most spectacular US vista scenery.   Are you open for nearby alterations of routing?

South of Moab is the Moki Dugway road.  Do it uphill.  Bucket list road.  Dirt but regularly maintained.  Regina did it on her 98EV last  year.
Anyone near Cedar City, UT should go through the altitude of Cedar Breaks up from Panguitch.
After Cedar City try for the monument of the Mountain Meadows Massacre between Enterprise and Veyo.  Critical US history that not many know.  Do a little Google work before visiting.
Looks like  you go in and back out of Zion the same way.  Might consider going through and then around to the south of Zion.  That will bring you through the parallel towns of Hilldale, UT and Colorado City, AZ.  Formerly known as short creek and the focal core of an important polygamist offshoot sect.  They won't like you passing through.
I'm only 3 hours from Yosemite, but Zion is still my favorite touring National Park.  Mother Nature in-your-face!

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

And if on a street bike do not be tempted to turn left on Muley Point Road at the top of Moki Dugway. While the reward at the end is a spectacular view there are sections of DEEP sugar sand that taking an Adventure bike through was a$$puckering at times.

I'd also encourage statig at the San Juan inn in Mexican Hat. Neat little motel and a decent restaurant. The Navajo taco was excellent, alright...alright.. .alright. 

Muley Point













Navajo Taco





San Juan Inn





Mexican Hat





Moki Dugway

[Motormike]

Just keep a close eye on the weather in May.  I've been snowed on (motorcycle) in Bryce Canyon and had to flee to lower elevations, and one May I was completely caught out on I-15 near Beaver, Utah.  Rain turned into a complete blizzard.  Had to abandon the bike in a roadside rest area.  Thought I might be spending the night in the men's room (heated, thank goodness! ) but a friendly trucker took me into Cedar City for a motel room overnight.  By noon the next day, the roads were clear again, the hotel manager was kind enough to drive me out to my bike, and I was able to continue on my way.  The point of all this is the weather can change out west with little warning.  It's the elevation that gets you. 

[Frulk]

Driving/riding through Moab is an ABSOLUTE ZOO downtown during the tourist season. Avoid it at all cost. I would spend more time in Colorado as almost every other plate in Moab is from there so their roads should be pretty empty.

[jumpmaster]

I would see Sedona and maybe Jerome, Arizona.  Sedona is not far off your route.

Personally, I'd recommend going through, and stopping for a meal, in downtown Prescott instead of Sedona and definitely ride thru or stop in Jerome; although you could hit those towns and still go thru Sedona, I'd give them higher priority.  The suggestion to vary your route on the return from your turn-around destination is great - a lot of interesting places to see in that part of the country.

[T607]

Fantastic area for motorcycling. I am lucky enough to be a 'local', western Colorado near Grand Junction, and ride on those roads several times a year. (MotoGuzzi V7 850 and RE Int 650). There are several additional options depending on your available time. If you want, PM me for more discussions.