Utah/Arizona RT 89A

[Kraut]

Always looking for new adventures. My navigator and I are thinking about riding from St George, UT across to Marble Canyon, Az then down to the Grand Canyon South Rim, maybe some time in June. Has anyone been across that route? Any comments, thoughts, do's and don'ts would be really appreciated.

 

[cognaccruiser]

Yes, my wife and I have done 89 south of Kanab and over to Marble Canyon and then south on 89 before going over to the South Rim. We were on 2 wheels at the time. It was a perfectly fine route. We also branched off and took 67 south from Jacob Lake to the North Rim. Also a nice route. Climbs steadily on the way south to the North Rim but if you have the time I would say it is worth it. Very forested and pretty. You get a completely different perspective of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim and it is much less busy than the south. 89 from Kanab over to Page is also very scenic if you haven't done that.

Gary

 

[Utah Geezer]

Nice Ride

Been that route on motorcycle, spyder and in the cage numerous times. I live in St. George as well and head south at least once a year. Its a great ride with beautiful landscape. You won't regret it.

 

[Kraut]

Thanks Cognaccruiser and Utah Geezer

Thanks guys for the responses. It sounds like it definitely is the route we want. We'll plan on building in the the ryde to the North Rim.

 

[NautiBrit]

You may want to check out Route 66 after leaving the south rim into Oatman, AZ. It's a great road, full of historic sites and picturesque.

 

[Ex-Rocket]

If time allows, RT 66 is a great ride and plenty of ladies too.

 

[Kraut]

If time allows, RT 66 is a great ride and plenty of ladies too.

Don't know...Navigator may get jealous

 

[robmorg]

Don't know...Navigator may get jealous

When you said, "my navigator and I are thinking about [a trip]" I thought you were talking about your GPS.:roflblack:

(Laughing at myself, not you.) pps:

 

[ARtraveler]

Any ride in that spectacular area is good. Always my go to places when in the area. :yes:

 

[jaherbst]

Highway 12 from Bryce Canyon to Torrey is in my opinion the best road in America for spectacular views. Done the above 89 and 89A many many times and it is nice also but not the overwhelming ride you will have on Hwy 12 to Torrey. Torrey west to Hanksville, South to the Moki Dugway and Mexican Hat (Hwy 261 or "Trail Of the Ancients") will certainly never be forgotten. It should be on everyones "Bucket List" if you ride. Check it out. Word of caution: do not ride the Moki Dugway if it is raining.

89/89A South of Kanab to Fredonia and then on to Page has the best views. 89 is just so so IMO.

Jack

 

[cognaccruiser]

Highway 12 from Bryce Canyon to Torrey is in my opinion the best road in America for spectacular views. Done the above 89 and 89A many many times and it is nice also but not the overwhelming ride you will have on Hwy 12 to Torrey. Torrey west to Hanksville, South to the Moki Dugway and Mexican Hat (Hwy 261 or "Trail Of the Ancients") will certainly never be forgotten. It should be on everyones "Bucket List" if you ride. Check it out. Word of caution: do not ride the Moki Dugway if it is raining.

89/89A South of Kanab to Fredonia and then on to Page has the best views. 89 is just so so IMO.

Jack

I would have to agree with you that the trip south from Hanksville all the way to Blanding is one of our favourite rides although we went in the opposite direction and then west to Torrey and then over to Bryce.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there a nasty section of gravel on 261 just north of Mexican Hat when it comes down the switchbacks? Has this been paved in recent years?

Truth be told, I don't think I've found a road in Utah and area that we didn't like.

Gary

 

[fispyder]

Did hwy 12 last year on cross country trip one of the best routes I took on the trip.it will be well worth u're time to travel this road. Another great road is Highway 34 in Granby Colorado Both are great road to travel if in these areas

 

[pegasus1300]

I would have to agree with you that the trip south from Hanksville all the way to Blanding is one of our favourite rides although we went in the opposite direction and then west to Torrey and then over to Bryce.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there a nasty section of gravel on 261 just north of Mexican Hat when it comes down the switchbacks? Has this been paved in recent years?

Truth be told, I don't think I've found a road in Utah and area that we didn't like.

Gary

The road you are referring to is the Moqui Dugway. Last time I rode it was in Sept 2007. I was heading South from Natural Bridges to Mexican hat. The straights are gravel but the cornors are paves,tho it was poor pavement and had scattered gravel. In those days I was on two wheels but had no trouble. This is not a road you are going to fly down(or up) views are too good and some traffic pulled off to the side or parked in the road(tourists) . If this route is on your agenda don't worry about it,it reputation is much worse then its current condition. And besides the best Navajo Tacos in the Southwest are in Mexican Hat.:yes:

If you come thru Torry you have to go up to Bicknell and have a piece of Pickle Pie. Wonderful

 

[jaherbst]

I would have to agree with you that the trip south from Hanksville all the way to Blanding is one of our favourite rides although we went in the opposite direction and then west to Torrey and then over to Bryce.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there a nasty section of gravel on 261 just north of Mexican Hat when it comes down the switchbacks? Has this been paved in recent years?

Truth be told, I don't think I've found a road in Utah and area that we didn't like.

Gary

Only the Moki Dugway is not paved (11/2 miles), rest of the road is. Good hardpack road but slick when it rains. This is one of the coolest switchback passes that was used by the indians years before the "whiteman" came, hence the Trail of the Ancients. Just thinking about the history when riding up or down gives me the chills.
Of course Monument Valley is nothing to sneeze at south of there. Just ask John Wayne. He made many movies in this area including Kanab and Grants NM. I know he has passed but he is still my hero Pilgrim.

Jack

 

[jaherbst]

The road you are referring to is the Moqui Dugway. Last time I rode it was in Sept 2007. I was heading South from Natural Bridges to Mexican hat. The straights are gravel but the cornors are paves,tho it was poor pavement and had scattered gravel. In those days I was on two wheels but had no trouble. This is not a road you are going to fly down(or up) views are too good and some traffic pulled off to the side or parked in the road(tourists) . If this route is on your agenda don't worry about it,it reputation is much worse then its current condition. And besides the best Navajo Tacos in the Southwest are in Mexican Hat.:yes:

If you come thru Torry you have to go up to Bicknell and have a piece of Pickle Pie. Wonderful

Spelling is Moki Dugway, (google maps) and Torrey so as not to confuse. Great modern restaurant in Mexican hat plus fuel. Monument Valley is south of Mexican Hat on Hwy 165. Have been riding, driving and flyng these areas for thirty years. I'm getting my self all juiced up here and might have to make another trip before Red Rocks Rally in Sept.

Jack

 

[pegasus1300]

This road is usually open all year, but it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. This route provides breathtaking views of some of
Utah’s most beautiful sites. Scenic views of Valey of the Gods and distant Monument valley open at every turn of the dugway. The Moki Dugway was constructed in the 1950′s provide a way to haul ore from the Happy Jack Mine on Cedar Mesa to the mill in Halchita, near Mexican Hat.

http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/783-mokee-dugway-usa.html

[h=4]Moki Dugway[/h]The Moki Dugway (also spelled Mokee or Moqui) is located on UT-261, just northwest of Valley of the Gods.

http://bluffutah.org/mokey-dugway-muley-point/

 

[KX5062]

I've ridden most all of these roads and IMO, not a clunker in the bunch. Like was said Utah is a wonderful motorcycling place. :firstplace:

 

[cognaccruiser]

Jaherbst and pegasus1300, thanks for the info on 261. That is one of the few roads in the area we have not been on. Have done Monument Valley etc a few times.
We are booked for the Red Rock Rally in September because we love the area so much. Will have to look at going on 261 while down there.

Gary

 

[pegasus1300]

See you at Red Rock

 

[jaherbst]

Jaherbst and pegasus1300, thanks for the info on 261. That is one of the few roads in the area we have not been on. Have done Monument Valley etc a few times.
We are booked for the Red Rock Rally in September because we love the area so much. Will have to look at going on 261 while down there.

Gary

Thanks Gary, will look forward to seeing you at Red Rocks. Will probably go home on this route. First night going home will stay at The Chuckwagon in Torrey and the second night in Kayenta off #163 South of Monument Valley. Join us if you like. Will be staying at the Hilton Gardens across the Street from the Fairfield in St. George.

Jack