Story: 21 Days in June
Let me just start by saying that today was an amazing day. I’ve read all about the Grand Staircase Escalante route 12 from Zion to Torrey UT, but had no idea what the experience would be like when actually riding around the area. Wow. Linda and I were both excited and in awe by everything. We go eastbound. Red Canyon was memorable as the first point of interest on the route. But Bryce Canyon is where it really starts getting interesting in a big way. Bryce Canyon is a beauty that is both immense in size and somehow gives a feeling of being right in there up and close. Not sure how it does that, but I think that is part of the charm that gets people to return time and time again.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Via SR 9, SR 24 (Grand Escalante-Staircase)
| Terrain: Hills, canyons, mountains, curves, elevation changes Date: June 2014 Roads: Paved highway, Curves Technical: Easy Elevation: 3,871 ft. to 9,600 ft  |
Welcome to the Grand Staircase Escalante, BABY!
As we head on the road for Torrey, there is some large droplets of water falling and reaching the ground. Hmm. We put on our thicker clothes just in case. A little water never hurt anyone did it? Not us. Anyway, there was more threat than actual rain. The ride is excellente and the views are so varied that we decided that the variety of terrain and views were the single thing that we liked so much about the route 12 and the Grand Staircase Escalante with all its glory. You go from hot and dry to cool and wet, deer are jumping around as well as large nested birds. There are crazy huge canyon walls, deep smooth canyon rocks, lush green meadows, desert arid areas, wow. You really need to experience it because description cannot do it justice whatsoever. As I get ¾ of the way through the road, I realize that the roads are a motorcyclists dream. Fast sweeping curves that don’t ever get dangerous, fairly nice pavement with no potholes and very little tar snakes. We top out at 9200 ft. elevation, but go up and down and back and forth. I realize that I am really having fun and Linda is really enjoying the views.
Make sure to stop at the viewpoint just before you get to Kiva Coffee (it closes at 4:30 if you are interested). We also took advice and went down thru a bit of Burr Trail from Boulder. Didn’t make it very far though as hunger was setting in we ended up heading back to eat. We ended up staying in Torrey on everyone’s advice as the best place to stay on hwy 24. So Days Inn it was.
To end this day, really, this road is a MUST DO and a must see for sure. I’ll be back.
The Desert Doctor rides around Escalante and makes sure that you know that he is there to help with any emergency situation. From tires, parts, towing, anything really, he can help and does quite often. Nice guy. We saw him on his springer and he gave us quick tips and the best places to ride. It’s very cool to have that kind of road angel out there. I wish there were more people that him. We heard about him from fellow bikers in Bryce Canyon. I asked where is he? They say, don’t worry, he will find you! And he did. We stopped for a quick rest and there he came… Like a night in white shiny armor there to help however he can.
Utah bonus. It seems that all of the rest stops and public restrooms were amazingly clean and well kept. Is this a Utah thing?
Tomorrow, it’s the Moki Dugway!
Leaving Zion NP
Heading up the hill toward the 2 mile tunnel. Glad Linda was taking pictures… not me.
These rock lines are amazing.
Lunch in Panguitch, we got gas here, but actually should have gotten gas in Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon grand views
Some typical views heading East.
The views continually change. Especially when light rain is threatening! No Worries, didn’t really get wet, just kept us thinking and on our toes. We did change to thicker clothes though
We ate dinner in the small town of Boulder at a nice restaurant that was right on the turn in to the Burr Trail. There are three restaurants to choose from
This is one view that cannot be captured on film. You must see this to experience it.
Going through the northern portion of Route 12
And a final overlook before heading down to Torrey. You can see for MILES and MILES.
Pictures brought to you by Linda. She’s got the go pro mounted on her helmet now and frees me up to actually drive the motorcycle. We saw people shooting pictures while driving one handed, no helmet, no gloves. Wow.
We met Melissa. She’s on an adventure from East Tennessee to Yosemite on her trusty Honda450. The bike is older that her, but she knows a thing or two about mechanics and keeping things going (McGuyver style) on the road. She was an inspiration for young people and self reliance! Good luck on your trip, Mel! You can read her blog at adventuremel.blogspot.com
