Post CCR Ride

[cb550f]

Spousal Unit and I are going to see the Grand Canyon while we are on the left side of the Mississippi and plan to ride from Midway to Williams AZ on Saturday. According to Mapquest, this is 528 miles and almost 9 hours.

I know that is not much for all you SaddleSore 1000 members, ;) but is it to far to ride and be able to enjoy the scenary? I don't mind taking an extra day so that we could really slow down and "smell the roses", but is there any decent place to stay overnight about 250-300 miles South of Midway?

[NCoe]

That might be a bit much if you want to take the scenic route on US89. You could consider staying in Panquitch (easy side trip to Bryce Canyon) or Kanab.

Spousal Unit and I are going to see the Grand Canyon while we are on the left side of the Mississippi and plan to ride from Midway to Williams AZ on Saturday. According to Mapquest, this is 528 miles and almost 9 hours.

I know that is not much for all you SaddleSore 1000 members, ;) but is it to far to ride and be able to enjoy the scenary? I don't mind taking an extra day so that we could really slow down and "smell the roses", but is there any decent place to stay overnight about 250-300 miles South of Midway?

[jzeiler]

Doug,

If I don't make down there during CCR I plan a trip to Brice on Saturday then back up to Ely NV before heading to Califonia (I'll hit the GC on the way back). I was going to take 50, 24 and 62 down, but I see Nate suggested 89. May have to check that out as well.

I would be interested in your route TO CCR. I have been playing with a few different paths to get there. I'll be solo and will most likely do slab until Colorado. Maybe we can hook up.

[NCoe]

FWIW I much prefer the north rim. It is just as spectacular and generally less crowded.

Spousal Unit and I are going to see the Grand Canyon while we are on the left side of the Mississippi and plan to ride from Midway to Williams AZ on Saturday. According to Mapquest, this is 528 miles and almost 9 hours.

I know that is not much for all you SaddleSore 1000 members, ;) but is it to far to ride and be able to enjoy the scenary? I don't mind taking an extra day so that we could really slow down and "smell the roses", but is there any decent place to stay overnight about 250-300 miles South of Midway?

[NCoe]

Taking 89 to 24 and then 12 back to 89 would be a great ride. If anyone is on a GS, Hell's Backbone near Escalante would be a great ride too.
Doug,

If I don't make down there during CCR I plan a trip to Brice on Saturday then back up to Ely NV before heading to Califonia (I'll hit the GC on the way back). I was going to take 50, 24 and 62 down, but I see Nate suggested 89. May have to check that out as well.

I would be interested in your route TO CCR. I have been playing with a few different paths to get there. I'll be solo and will most likely do slab until Colorado. Maybe we can hook up.

[Tallyho]

Spousal Unit and I are going to see the Grand Canyon while we are on the left side of the Mississippi and plan to ride from Midway to Williams AZ on Saturday. According to Mapquest, this is 528 miles and almost 9 hours.

I know that is not much for all you SaddleSore 1000 members, ;) but is it to far to ride and be able to enjoy the scenary? I don't mind taking an extra day so that we could really slow down and "smell the roses", but is there any decent place to stay overnight about 250-300 miles South of Midway?Yes, it's too far if you want to stop and smell the roses as well as be considerate of your spouse. All the routes suggested are great two lane roads with lots of excellent scenery but they are also full of wildlife, open cattle grazing, and road construction all at high elevation and subject to afternoon storms. Overnighting in Panguitch or any of the many resort places along 89 between Bryce and Zion is a good call. Kanab is probably too far if you want to stop before say, 4pm. You cannot "make time" on these roads especially if you're touring. I agree the north rim is a better place to see the Grand Canyon and less crowded but it does not have the traditional views and will result in a 3-4 hour side trip on your way to Williams. Most of the history and traditional views are on the south rim. If you've never been before you're probably good to be dialed in to Williams. As an option, there is a train that runs from Williams to the south rim and back a couple times a day. Definitely worth doing once and will allow you, the rider, to "enjoy the ride" for a day and most "sights" are within walking distance once you arrive. Williams is a good size community supporting Grand Canyon tourism with a good selection of motels, restaurants, and campgrounds. Keep in mind that CCR ends on Labor Day weekend. Grand Canyon will be full of people. I would not travel without reservations, especially in Williams for Sun and Mon night of the holiday weekend. Don't be surprised if find most of it already booked up if you have not made reservations yet. If you consider doing the train you'll need advance reservations for it as well. I recommend the same for Kanab and Panguitch.

[NCoe]

This characterization of riding in Utah is highly inaccurate. I have ridden and driven in Utah for decades. While I have seen a lot of wildlife I have never had a close encounter with them. That time of year most wildlife will be in the high pastures barring an unusual circumstance such as wild fire. The vast majority of the elevation will be below 6000' which is not particularly high. There is no more road construction here than anywhere else in the country that I have been.

Unless Williams is indeed an important destination I would stick with the north rim. If Williams is an important destination then I would head there and visit the south rim.

Yes, it's too far if you want to stop and smell the roses as well as be considerate of your spouse. All the routes suggested are great two lane roads with lots of excellent scenery but they are also full of wildlife, open cattle grazing, and road construction all at high elevation and subject to afternoon storms. Overnighting in Panguitch or any of the many resort places along 89 between Bryce and Zion is a good call. Kanab is probably too far if you want to stop before say, 4pm. You cannot "make time" on these roads especially if you're touring. I agree the north rim is a better place to see the Grand Canyon and less crowded but it does not have the traditional views and will result in a 3-4 hour side trip on your way to Williams. Most of the history and traditional views are on the south rim. If you've never been before you're probably good to be dialed in to Williams. As an option, there is a train that runs from Williams to the south rim and back a couple times a day. Definitely worth doing once and will allow you, the rider, to "enjoy the ride" for a day and most "sights" are within walking distance once you arrive. Williams is a good size community supporting Grand Canyon tourism with a good selection of motels, restaurants, and campgrounds. Keep in mind that CCR ends on Labor Day weekend. Grand Canyon will be full of people. I would not travel without reservations, especially in Williams for Sun and Mon night of the holiday weekend. Don't be surprised if find most of it already booked up if you have not made reservations yet. If you consider doing the train you'll need advance reservations for it as well. I recommend the same for Kanab and Panguitch.

[kdog]

Bob's got some great information there. But generally, I think I have to agree with Nathan. I'm not sure what the "traditional views" of the south rim really has to offer. It's a pretty friggin' huge canyon, and the views are endless no matter what your vantage point. But it's a bit monotonous really. Seen one view of the grand canyon, you've seen them all. Now there are a couple of shops and restaurants plus a little museum at the south rim if you like that sort of thing. Otherwise, and I'm not sure of your overall route, but if hitting the north rim will save miles, then that's what I'd do.

Cheers,
-joel

[Tallyho]

This characterization of riding in Utah is highly inaccurate. "Highly" inaccurate? Sounds pretty absolute. Hmm. :rolleyes:

The roads to and from Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon will be very busy that weekend as will truck traffic resupplying the tourist trades there. Utah has some of the finest riding anywhere. My point is not to discourage anyone but provide my experienced assessment of the question given the stated operating parameters and goals. I ride almost exclusively two-up with my wife. We "stop and smell the roses" with another dozen couples all year long. We ridden these same roads numerous times in the past four years and enjoyed it immensely. ;)

[Tallyho]

Bob's got some great information there. But generally, I think I have to agree with Nathan. I'm not sure what the "traditional views" of the south rim really has to offer. It's a pretty friggin' huge canyon, and the views are endless no matter what your vantage point. But it's a bit monotonous really. Seen one view of the grand canyon, you've seen them all. Now there are a couple of shops and restaurants plus a little museum at the south rim if you like that sort of thing. Otherwise, and I'm not sure of your overall route, but if hitting the north rim will save miles, then that's what I'd do.Actually, my real recommendation would be to skip the Grand Canyon as the riding and scenery is much better plus up close and personal in Utah. Drop down 89 and go south on 24 from Sigard, stay on it through Capital Reef, make a right on 95 heading south through Glen Canyon.(my favorite stretch in the state) Left on 191 and overnight in Moab with Arches the next morning or a right on 191 through Monument Valley and overnight in Kayenta. You'll see more colorful rock formations of nature's beauty on that ride than a week standing on either rim of the GC. That's an excellent day and no need to stop and smell the roses as you can see it all as you go by often close enough to touch. :D

[waycoa]

Yeah, great roads in Utah and lots of interesting landscapes. From one who has been all over Utah 1970-1989 looking for interesting landscapes and roadside attractions to paint/photograph.

IMO The Grand Canyon's challenge is finding or getting to areas off the beaten path that are visually interesting.

My personal recommendation is to take the hike up to Timpanogos Cave for sure. It is a steep climb but zig zags a lot so it's easy to take some time getting there. Morning is better than Afternoon. The cave tour is worth the hike, i think.

And if you're up for another interesting short hike that is good exercise try Angels Landing in Zion. Just dont look down and use the chain hand holds!

[cb550f]

Doug,

If I don't make down there during CCR I plan a trip to Brice on Saturday then back up to Ely NV before heading to Califonia (I'll hit the GC on the way back). I was going to take 50, 24 and 62 down, but I see Nate suggested 89. May have to check that out as well.

I would be interested in your route TO CCR. I have been playing with a few different paths to get there. I'll be solo and will most likely do slab until Colorado. Maybe we can hook up.

John,
Having gotten some great suggestions from the posts here, I am going to take 89 most of the way and try and get a room in Kanab, UT. It is just past halfway between Midway and Williams where I plan to spend Labor Day. Have you booked a room somewhere for Saturday night?

Vonda and I plan to leave Friday or Saturday(Aug 22-23), take interstates most of the way and run 450-500 miles a day. Tentative (no reservations) we plan for Mt Vernon, IL, Salina KS, Ft Collins CO and Midway. If you are a little flexible and want to ride together, we'll try to work something out.

To everyone else: Thanks for all the info.:)

[drjam]

For those that don't know where Timpanogos Cave is at, it is along the Alpine loop, a Utah Scenic Byways route. Specifically it is in American Fork Canyon.
Another great ride, just beware that the turns on the Sundance Ski resort side of the loop are hairpin turns and need to be taken slowly with caution.

[cb550f]

Thanks for all the suggestions on the post-CCR ride. We did stay in Kanab Saturday night after CCR and took in Bryce Canyon on the way down. Didn't get to the North Rim due to some nasty rain/fog/overcast on Sunday. Hwy 89 is a great ride.:) For those that have never done it, you should!

Thanks to all the people that made CCR 2008 the fantastic event that it was.