Overall Route Rating
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4.82 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.82
28 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2007

Rider Reviews

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steben53
15 McR Points
April 27, 2012
In my comments on the Grand Staircase Escalante…
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MotoForever
July 8, 2014
OMG, did this trip in early June 2014. Wow, one…
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Written Directions

You can do this route either way from east to west or west to east. We suggest the east to west route which starts in Mexican Hat, Utah just north of Monument Valley. From Mexican Hat, head north for about 3 miles, turn left onto SR-261. After about 10 miles you will pass the road to the Valley of the Gods (another great 19 mile adventure). The road turns to hard packed gravel at this point and will ascend 1200 feet in 3 miles. Lots of switchbacks, fantastic views. At the top of the cliff the road goes back to asphalt and is a great mountain road. SR-261 will "T" into route 95 where you want to take a left (west) and take this all the way into Hanksville, UT. From there you need to switch to route 24 heading west (take a left). Take route 24 all the way to Torrey, UT. If you want to break up the trip into two days, this is where we suggest you stay as there are many great Bed & Breakfast to stay at. From Torrey, you want to take route 12 south. Route 12 is a US Scenic Byway and is something beyond belief. Route 12 will take you through Boulder, UT and on to Bryce Canyon, UT.

Scenery

"We made this trip in late April and May and it is one of the best trips we haveever made. Fall would also be a great time. Make reservations near Bryce and Torrey and in Mexican Hat. All get busy and Torrey and Mexican Hat have limited places to stay. No worries about fuel on this route.": Lynn & Peti Fantastic high country of Utah. Big trees, wide open ranges, huge canyons, red rock views. This whole trip is like stepping back into the 1950's and is one for your scrapbook. You travel through some absolutly breathtaking national forests such as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and finally Bryce Canyon National Park.

Drive Enjoyment

Great two lane roads, little traffic, fantastic climbing and descending turns and switchbacks. Part of SR 261 is hard packed gravel. My wife and I on two H-D's did just fine. THIS ROAD IS A MUST DO!!!.

Tourism Opportunities

Mexican Hat is fantastic with the "Swinging Grill" restaurant. You'll pass through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. And you'll be passing through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. In Torrey, you will want to visit the general store there as it has home made Mexican food and a good selection of goodies. Finally, Bryce Canyon has the best hotel in the state with the best restaurant both are about 10 miles outside of the park. And, at the end point of Bryce Canyon, you'll obviously have to thoroughly check out Bryce Canyon National Park while you are there.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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red bud
December 2, 2019
344 McR Points
Motorcycle Type :
muki dugway is something to see make sure you fill up every chance you get goose necks, & the point
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Big_Mike
December 12, 2019
517 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
One of my top rides ever. The staircase, Fry canyon, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley, Moki Dugway (which is the gravel road descent described in the write up of this route). I did this in August and while it was hot it wasn't intolerable. Check those weather reports.
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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
The route from Mexican Hat up to Torrey UT runs up along the Capital Reef. Absolutely beautiful run. Not much in the way of gas, or food or lodging along through here for a 100 miles. So top off everything first. It is a hot run as it is mostly desert terrain on that first half. Stop in Torrey and top off again. The ride through the Escalante is amazing. Forested Aspen, Pines, Evergreens, High ridges with blowing cross winds. Lush valleys. Stop at the state park along this second half (about midway between Torrey and Bryce) and visit the museum about the ancient Indian mounds. Bryce canyon is amazing and you need to allow at least 4 hours to ride through it, if not a whole day just for it. (it is a dead end road so down and back out). All the road are great, good pavement and fun to ride. Nothing real dangerous except cross winds and gusts. Challenging enough to keep you interested and awake but nothing that even a newbie couldn't handle. Utah is an amazing state. Do this ride. you won't regret it.
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