Originally published in Motorcycles On The Road Again, February 2007.
A destination worthy of the journey Tina L. Lopez photos courtesy of Robert Riberia and the Moab Area Travel Council
Sweeping curves, twisting turns, and scenery that takes your breath away…with the journey to get there spectacular as well! Could you ask for more? Moab, Utah delivers with arches, canyons, red rock formations, the Colorado River Gorge, petrogylphs, dinosaur tracks, a historical bridge, and the beautiful La- Sal Mountains. Home to three Scenic Byways, one Scenic Backway, two National Parks and one State Park, Moab is a perfect motorcycling destination or a great "extra day" on your next road trip.
Whether your journey brings you from Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City or anywhere else, you will find all roads into Moab offer amazing riding with unbelievable diversity in both the road and the surrounding scenery. In future issues, we will give you the scoop on the best routes, but first a little about the jewel at the end of each journey… Moab.
With the hospitality and charm of a small resort town, Moab is nestled in a luscious green valley beneath 1,000 ft. red sandstone cliffs, along the banks of the Colorado River. From breweries and diners, to fine evening dining, the vibrant downtown offers diverse cuisine, shopping and an exciting nightlife all within walking distance of your hotel. Best of all are the fantastic daily rides through the scenic wonderland that surrounds Moab.
Dead Horse Point Scenic Byway on Utah Highway 313, just 9 miles North of Moab on Highway 191, takes you through 14 miles of incredible red rock canyon country, before forking off to Dead Horse Point State Park. After a series of hairpin curves as you begin to ascend the plateau, the road mellows out allowing you to appreciate the scenery. The view from Dead Horse Point, a large mesa connected by a narrow neck of land, is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world and well worth a few miles of straight, but scenic, touring.
After leaving the State Park, backtrack to Highway 313, hang a left, and head toward to the Island in the Sky District of Canyonland's National Park. Within the park there are several scenic loops, all of which offer numerous sweeping curves and tight twisty turns, making this a favorite ride for locals. One word of caution, the scenery is so spectacular, it can be distracting and often, a seemingly straight stretch of road suddenly becomes a hard corner. Stop at the numerous overlooks, or stretch your legs on one of many short trails, to get a closer look at the spectacular vistas. Since this is a loop, you can experience the sheer joy of the ride on the way back.
While in Moab, another "must do" is Arches National Park. Although the 22-mile road is not extremely challenging, it is enjoyable and the scenery is so spectacular it really doesn't matter. An initial climb through some interesting hairpin curves gives way to a fairly straight road with an occasional gentle sweeping curve. You will pass nature-sculpted rock formations such as Balanced Rock, Sheep Rock, and Parade of the Elephants, which leave no doubt how they received their names. The park is full of the arches it is famous for, as well as petrified dunes and amazing rock pinnacles. Many of the arches are visible from the road or by taking a short hike. The amazing thing about this ride is that although you return on the same road you entered the park on, the views are totally different. Make it a point to visit Arches in the late afternoon, as a sunset ride on the return trip is magnificent. This is one you won't forget, a truly amazing ride.
Out for a short after dinner ride? The Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway 279 takes you through a narrow canyon as you twist and turn along the banks of the Colorado River through the Colorado River Portal. This scenic 17-mile route offers many opportunities to stretch your legs and enjoy sights such as Indian petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and arches. After passing Jug Handle Arch, the canyon walls open as you near the Moab Salt-Potash plant, above which the sheer cliffs of Dead Horse State Park can be seen. Taking this ride in the late afternoon rewards you with the sun setting on the red sandstone cliffs as you make the return trip.
Making Moab the ultimate destination, are the many activities available when you need a break from the saddle. With numerous knowledgeable local guides and outfitters, you can enjoy a variety of tours from four-wheeling to river rafting, browse the many shops, visit museums and art galleries, or stroll along the Mill Creek Pathway. A road trip to Moab is definitely not just about the journey, but the destination as well.
For more information on the wonders of Moab, contact the Moab Area Travel Council at 800-635-6622 or visit their website.
Moab Area Travel Council P.O. Box 550 Moab, Utah 84532 www.discovermoab.com
Sky features a 12-site campground.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is one of Utah's most spectacular state parks. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the park provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculptured pinnacles and buttes. There is a visitor center at the park with interpretive exhibits, modern rest rooms, and a 21-unit campground.
La Sal Mountains
Just 20 miles south of Moab is the La Sal Mountains, which are part of Manti-La Sal National Forest. The second highest mountain range in Utah, the La Sals attain heights of nearly 13,000 feet, adding climatic and scenic contrast to the red rock landscape below. Spring brings spectacular wildflowers to the cool forest. In the middle of summer the higher elevations afford a cool respite from the warmer temperatures below. Fall is colorful with brilliant golden aspen leaves interspersed with dark evergreens. Winter brings solitude, snowfall and winter sports.
Slickrock Bike Trail
The Slickrock Bike Trail has become very popular in recent years, and is known worldwide. The trailhead is located in the center of the mountain bike mecca of Moab. The loop is 10.3 miles of wild ride with the route marked by slashes of paint on raw rock. First-timers should try the 1.7-mile practice loop – a good ride in its own right. The Slickrock Bike Trail is physically and technically chal-
GETONTHEROAOAGmCOM
September 27 — 30, whether you want to participate or just watch, the Skydive Moab Festival will be an exciting event. In groups up to 20, or more, jumpers will free fall at speeds of up to 150 mph. Over 300 skydivers will make over 3,000 jump in just 4 days. Wear your hard hat.
October 19—21 Rumble In The Red Rocks — Moab's Motorcycle Week will attract motorcycle enthusiasts from all over to come, hang out, and have a fun time.
Resources
Moab Area Travel Council P.O. Box 550 Moab, Utah 84532 www.discovermoab.com
Other sources include; www.moab-utah.com www.moab.net www.go-utah.com/moab www.moabutah.info
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