We explore Monument Valley, Canyonlands, Arches and more and then visit both the the South Rim and the lesser-visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is rugged, remote country with a beauty all its own see it with us in a most unforgettable way!
From Salt Lake City, you’ll jump on the interstate for a brief hop, but waste no time in getting off the slab and into the countryside. In less than an hour you will be on scenic two lane mountain roads, with a climb to over 9,000 feet through the Mt. Nepo Wilderness area and past Mt. Nepo (elev. 11877)
The town of Torrey (pop. 122) is the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, larger than Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks combined. The park was set aside to protect the Water Pocket Fold, a great hump on the earth’s surface stretching nearly 100 miles from Thousand Lake Mountain to the north to the southern boundary of the park where it meets lake Powell. A very special gourmet dinner awaits you if you choose to follow our recommendation.
Leaving Torrey, the relatively short mileage for the day gives you time to enjoy the scenery and visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Today's route is ranked in the Top Ten scenic roads in the United States. After a rest stop at Boulder you have the option of riding a 24 mile round trip down the Burr Trail. The spectacular red rock canyons and formations are an unforgettable sight. You may see no one at all while you venture into this remote area.
The road to Tropic is an incredibly unique desert ridge top road with memorable views of all sides that you'll never forget. It’s one of those safe-but-scary (or is it scary-but-safe) experiences that makes traveling on two wheels such a thrill.
The small hamlet of Tropic is located on the east side of Bryce Canyon National Park and was the home of Ebenezer Bryce, the namesake of the park. Bryce’s small cabin is located on the grounds of our night’s accommodations. Local settlers would remark that the area was “a hell of a place to lose a cow”. You’ll know why when you see it!
The lovely town of Springdale is located at the south gate of Zion National Park, which was established in 1919. Zion meant “resting place” to the Mormon settlers in the area. Sheer cliffs of Navajo Sandstone rising 2,000 ft. above the green valley floor, narrow canyons cut by the Virgin River, and hiking trails with steep vertical drops offer many photo opportunities.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is less visited but truly spectacular. Stops at the best of the overlooks and perhaps lunch at the edge of the abyss will show you many perspectives of this wonder of the world. There’s plenty of great riding ahead on the way to Page, AZ, which came into existence as a result of the Glen Canyon Dam project. Lake Powell is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, with a shoreline longer than that of California. Its brilliant blue-green water is surrounded by spectacular red rock towers and canyons.
Monument Valley, with its unique sandstone features rising from the desert floor, is home to the Navajo People. Roadside traders offer a vast assortment of truly unique Native American jewelry and other artful items. The local Navajo give back-road jeep tours of the region and their perspective on the history and culture of the region is an interesting complement to our view from two wheels.
After riding through the Valley of the Gods you cross over the northern end of Lake Powell and again enter the truly bizarre moonscape of Capitol Reef National Park, this time from the East. The “reef” is an up thrust ridge with a cliff face that rises above its surroundings and stands as a forbidding barrier to travel. On top of Capitol Reef are white domes of Navajo sandstone that early pioneers thought resembled the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The last two days are spent in Moab, Utah. In the 'backyard" is Arches and Canyonland National Parks, and there will be time to explore them both. After this tour, you’ll know what we mean by “rugged, remote country with a beauty all its own”.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Starts / Ends in Salt Lake City, UT
- Approximate Miles** 1,200
- 1 Rider / 1 Room / 1 MC $2495 / $1695*
- 1 Rider & Passenger / 1 Room / 1 MC $2595 / $1795*
- 2 Riders / 2 - Bikes / 1 Room $3595 / $1995*
Price Includes:
- 8 Riding Days - 9 Hotel Nights
- Self-Guided
- Motorcycle Rental
- Using your bike
- Plus optional riding on rest days
- Rental Motorcycle (or ride your own)
- Hotel Accommodations
- Tour Book
- Maps and directions, including alternate routes
- Information on attractions along the way
- Advice about other points of interest
- Even suggested meal stops
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Utah
Motorcycle Tours
National Parks
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