TX, NM, AZ, CO, UT trip suggestions

[Prairiehammer]

I am planning a Southwest motorcycle trip. We (Deb and I) plan to ride to Eastern Texas in early June, visit with an old Army buddy, then continue toward the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Western Texas is looking mighty bleak and boring, so I am planning to just "beat feet" across Texas and most of New Mexico until we get into some interesting country around Santa Fe. Trek across to Page, Arizona and then sweep north and west toward North Rim, Arizona by way of southern Utah. From there I am uncertain what to do or see as we head back to Illinois via the Northern Route (Interstate 80). I do plan to ride the Million Dollar Highway and head for the corner of Wyoming (to put that state notch on my map).

 

Any suggestions for "don't miss" sites and sights? We are planning on camping as much as possible. Campgrounds in the Four Corners region seem Spartan (keep in mind, I am a Flatlander and also appreciate shade trees when camping).

[utadventure]

Depending on how you're coming through Utah, you can easily visit Zions, Bryce, Arches and Canyonland National Parks (worth the annual pass). There is also Dead Horse Point (Utah State Park).

 

Again depending on your travel plans, you can head north from the 4 corners region towards Arches or east to Cortez, CO and Mesa Verde National Park which will put you at or near the Million dollar highway (depending on whether you ride half or the full loop).

 

Dave

[Guest tx2sturgis]

Bleak and boring?

 

Oh you've been here before.

 

There are some gems out here tho.

 

Big Bend national Park, McDonald Observatory, Carlsbad Caverns, Buffalo Springs Lake, Palo Duro Canyon, Caprock Canyons, Ruidoso area, and Albuquerque among others.

 

Its about 700-900 miles or more across that stretch so you might want to plan a stop or two in there overnight.

 

 

 

[Prairiehammer]

Depending on how you're coming through Utah, you can easily visit Zions, Bryce, Arches and Canyonland National Parks (worth the annual pass). There is also Dead Horse Point (Utah State Park).

 

Again depending on your travel plans, you can head north from the 4 corners region towards Arches or east to Cortez, CO and Mesa Verde National Park which will put you at or near the Million dollar highway (depending on whether you ride half or the full loop).

 

Dave

 

Thanks, Dave.

Our plans beyond the North Rim are nil presently.

I have tentatively thought about hitting Southwest Colorado on the way out to the North Rim, but I want to ride the Million Dollar Highway, which if taken on the way to North Rim would entail a goodly ride North and then back south again to the North Rim. Perhaps we will bypass SW Colorado on the way out and then return via Route 50 north to northern Colorado.

[russellvh]

We are leaving DFW on Friday June 13th. Heading for Flagstaff. If our routes cross let me know and possibly we can ride a ways together.

[Prairiehammer]

Bleak and boring?

 

Oh you've been here before.

 

There are some gems out here tho.

 

Big Bend national Park, McDonald Observatory, Carlsbad Caverns, Buffalo Springs Lake, Palo Duro Canyon, Caprock Canyons, Ruidoso area, and Albuquerque among others.

 

Its about 700-900 miles or more across that stretch so you might want to plan a stop or two in there overnight.

 

 

 

 

I've ridden to Big Bend before.

 

From Kansas via Dallas. Been there done that. Not looking forward to more of the same, but it appears unavoidable.

This trip I am planning on leaving Eastern Texas (Winnsboro) and skirting DFW, head across to Amarillo area (Palo Duro Canyon SP) then across New Mexico to near the Four Corners (although, I am not inclined to visit the "monument" there) and on to Page.

Edited March 14, 2014 by Prairiehammer

[Prairiehammer]

We are leaving DFW on Friday June 13th. Heading for Flagstaff. If our routes cross let me know and possibly we can ride a ways together.

 

Russ, we are leaving Illinois, May 31, with over night stops near Table Rock Lake Missouri and then a couple nights near Winnsboro, Texas. Leaving the Ranch near Winnsboro Tuesday, June 3.

Wednesday night near Palo Duro. Thursday night near Santa Fe or maybe more northern New Mexico.

We have to be home (Illinois) by June 15, so it appears we are going to miss each other on this trip.

[russellvh]

Russ, we are leaving Illinois, May 31, with over night stops near Table Rock Lake Missouri and then a couple nights near Winnsboro, Texas. Leaving the Ranch near Winnsboro Tuesday, June 3.

Wednesday night near Palo Duro. Thursday night near Santa Fe or maybe more northern New Mexico.

We have to be home (Illinois) by June 15, so it appears we are going to miss each other on this trip.

 

Ride safe, if you have time to see the play at the Palo Duro Canyon do so. Very entertaining. Also, Caprock Canyon. Not as nice as Palo Duro but a nice area also. If in Amarillo stop in at the steak house and have one of the free 72 oz steaks.

[cowpuc]

Heyyy ya Hammer,, sounds like a BLAST to me!!! Couple a quick points about tent camping out there,,, if you are at all like me and will drop that tent just about anywhere - check the ground carefully for pickers (never had a problems with the infamous rattlers out there but WOW the pickers!!).. There are these pickers out in Texas/New Mexico/Arizona that they call "Goat Heads",, and they are everywhere!! They are about the size of our "sand burrs" but way more potent!! They have 3 horns on them (probably why they call em Goat Heads) that are easily stiff enough to go right thru rubber on the tires!! Nasty little suckers!!

A little south of Flagstaff AZ (I am going by memory here but I think its HWY 15,, maybe..) is this little town called Jerome,, I LOVE Jerome!!! To get there, instead of taking 15 (if thats what it is - its the main highway going south out of Flag toward Phoheenix!!) just a few miles out of Flag there is a Canyon Rd that runs parellal with the Highway, runs on the west side of the highway, RIDE IT down to Jerome!! You wont want to leave - I guarentee it!!

Coming back toward Flag from Jerome (North of Flag this time) and heading toward the South Rim.. Just outside of Flag in that direction is also thier 3 mountains (cant remember their names, ask anyone in Flag they will tell ya) - outstanding exploring in those three mountains, one of them has an area that has, and STILL ALIVE,, the oldest trees alive on our planet, I think they are called "Joshua Trees".. There is a park that (I spent 3 days exploring it - its unreal) is laid out among these trees!! Dont wanna miss this bro!! ANother of these mountains has an Observatory on it,, the road leading up to the Observatory is OUTSTANDING biking!!

Have no idea of the roads that I took to do this but on one of my trips out there on the way to Page I ended up in a National Park area that has HUGE Lava flows (cool place) and an Indian Ruins area.. Another place that is nothing short of AWESOME!!..

There is a GREAT food fest just on the other side of the river from Page - cant miss it,, its COWBOY food!! Dropping down to the North Rim,, GORGEOUS Pine Growths once ya get close to the rim, north side is much more unconjested then the south and the pine needles make good bedding LOL..

If you head out toward Zion NP from the North Rim you will ride thru a little town called Kanob UT,, I also love this place,, Holly Wood did a lot of shooting their - Gunsmoke stuff,, on the North West side of town is a little motel with a Museum beside it.. If you can pick it up the Museum is AMAZING!!!

From there on up ALL the National Parks are absolutley amazing places!! I would strongly recommend buying the Year Pass for the parks,, lay out a map and just ride park to park..

Watch your fuel in Utah,, I have pushed a number of times.. Also,, watch the skys in the mountains,, bad weather comes out of no where.. I always try to come down out of the mountains,, if possible, before dark cause I have ended up waking to snow even in August!! Also have had the best luck riding the mountains from sunup to about 2 pm - always seems like after 2 they can get dicey..

Carry a gallon of water, an extra quart of fuel and lots of sunscreen..

Another GREAT ride is "the loneliest highway in America",, take it from Salina Utah to the new Top Gun Town out in Nevada,, what the heck was the name of that town,, arrrrgg... Anyway,, that Top Gun Town has some AWESOME free airshows (really not airshows - just the best of the best doing their thing) and a fantastic public pool!!!

Loves truck stops have the best showers, Walmart has the best cheapest gallon jugs of water (Carry a gallon of water, an extra quart of fuel and lots of sunscreen..) , Walgreen sells the highest grade sunscreen for lips (I use it on my nose and ears too) - DONT FORGET THIS STUFF!!,, keep a close eye on the rear tire if you end up in heat - what looks like half way used up can go south REAL FAST....

 

Heyyy,, you guys gonna try and get out to that "Dalles" gathering?? There is a really good chance, especially if our snow is gone,, that Tippy and I are gonna make that.. We are hoping and planning to also ride down across the southern part of Texas (she has been begging me to see the Alamo) and then up to Sac to see the kids and than up to "Dalles" to say hi to all those yahoo's,,, might see you there,, ya never know with us..

 

Hope my lecture helped somehow..

Puc

[stickhandle2]

Kevin,

 

Sounds like you guys have a great trip being planned, I just wish I could convince Tammie to go for that long of a trip on the bike.

 

For now we will stick to our 3 or 4 day trips.

 

You and Deb have a blast on the trip.

 

Mike

[Prairiehammer]

 

Hope my lecture helped somehow..

Puc

 

Yep, good stuff there, Puc.

 

Probably won't be as far south as Flagstaff, but I appreciate the heads-up about the "pickers". And the water. And the fuel. And the sunscreen. And...

[Prairiehammer]

Kevin,

 

Sounds like you guys have a great trip being planned, I just wish I could convince Tammie to go for that long of a trip on the bike.

 

For now we will stick to our 3 or 4 day trips.

 

You and Deb have a blast on the trip.

 

Mike

 

Thanks, Mike.

I hope we have better luck than what YOU brought us while on the New England trip.

[Guest tx2sturgis]

head across to Amarillo area (Palo Duro Canyon SP)

 

Palo Duro Canyon offers camping and a few cabins...reservations needed for the cabins.

 

If you are interested, there is an outdoor play in the amphitheater in the canyon.

 

It will be worth your time to cruise the 6th street area in Amarillo, lots of bikes and bar-n-grills, live music, interesting place to hang out for an afternoon or evening when traveling thru. If you dont know about the area, you will not see any hints of it when passing thru Amarillo. Its also called Old Route 66 or San Jacinto area. Its about a mile north of I-40 so its easy to get to.

 

I've had a dinner a few times at the Big Texan...but it is very much a tourist trap. Certainly, the food is decent, but I prefer to park my bike next to a local eatery where the owner will come have a beer with me.

 

During the summer, lots of bikes cruise up and down 6th, and its a fun hangout...and motels and camping arent far away.

 

If I am not working when you come thru, I could meet you both for a beer and or burger. When your plans gel a bit more, let me know.

 

Santa Fe is about 5 hours from Amarillo, depending on your route and speeds. Severe weather that time of year can be an issue...so be sure to get updates via smartphone apps or internet and radio.

 

 

 

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Prairiehammer]

Palo Duro Canyon offers camping and a few cabins...reservations needed for the cabins.

 

If you are interested, there is an outdoor play in the amphitheater in the canyon.

 

It will be worth your time to cruise the 6th street area in Amarillo, lots of bikes and bar-n-grills, live music, interesting place to hang out for an afternoon or evening when traveling thru. If you dont know about the area, you will not see any hints of it when passing thru Amarillo. Its also called Old Route 66 or San Jacinto area. Its about a mile north of I-40 so its easy to get to.

 

I've had a dinner a few times at the Big Texan...but it is very much a tourist trap. Certainly, the food is decent, but I prefer to park my bike next to a local eatery where the owner will come have a beer with me.

 

During the summer, lots of bikes cruise up and down 6th, and its a fun hangout...and motels and camping arent far away.

 

If I am not working when you come thru, I could meet you both for a beer and or burger. When your plans gel a bit more, let me know.

 

Santa Fe is about 5 hours from Amarillo, depending on your route and speeds. Severe weather that time of year can be an issue...so be sure to get updates via smartphone apps or internet and radio.

 

 

 

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey, thanks a lot, Brian.

[Pegasus1300]

Well of course the 1st thing you have to decide isthat you can't see it all. I have been traveling the Southwest since 1958 and lived here since 1968 and I still haven't seen it all by car or bike.

West Texas

Muleshoe Tx: Very motorcycle friendly.At one time if you stopped at the police station they gave you a registry to sign of all the bikers from all over the world and would buy you a cup of coffee (hot chocolate in my case). The cheif even took me to his house to talk BMWs

New Mexico

Santa Fe Old town

Albuquerque old town

Sandia Mountains

Ruidoso

Chama (steam trains)

Coronado trail historic site

Ship Rock

Gallup

Bosque Redondo memorial at Fort Sumner

ElCamino Real Historic site

etc,etc,etc

Arizona

Globe

US 191 from Globe to Morenci (or vice versa) This is better then the Dragon and nearly 100 miles long. And you can see the scenery but you better watch the road.

Sunset Crater

North Rim

4Corners

Oak Creek Canyon

Sedona

Utah

Bryce

Zions

Cedar Breaks

Kolob Canyon

Kolob Resevoir

Captital Reef

US 89 from Kanab to I70 junction (Marysvale,Big Rock Candy Mountain,Junction,Mt Carmel Junction

There is so much to see around Monticello I can't begin to list it but you gotta ride Moqui Dugway

 

As I said you can't see it all and you can't really do justice what you can see just riding thru but it is a trip of a lifetime no matter how much you get to see and do

 

Eats

BBQ restaurant on the south end of Morenci.Great food

Hamburgers at Ray's Tavern in Green River UT

Navajo Tacos in Mexican Hat Ut

Biscuits and Gravy Cortez Colo. Any restaurant there.

Mexican Food well almost anywhere in the Southwest but the restaurant in the old government house on the square in Albuquerque is great.Southeast corner I think.

[Prairiehammer]

There is so much to see around Monticello I can't begin to list it but you gotta ride Moqui Dugway

 

 

Thanks, Paul.

About the Moqui Dugway: It doesn't sound like a very good road for a loaded two up Venture. That steep and twisty gravel section, I mean.

[Pegasus1300]

Actually I have ridden it in both directions with a 1st gen and an RSTD. I did not think it was as bad as I had been led to believe. They have paved the corners so only the straight sections are gravel. However if you are nervous ride it going up as that is much easier. When you get to the top stop and look around and it looks like you are going to drive off the edge of the world. There are also a couple of turnouts where you can stop and look out over the horizion. Oh that "Steep and Twisty" section,yeah that is the Moqui.It is just a cut in the side of the plateau to get the Uranium ore down the shortest way possible to the processors in Moab. It was dug in the late 40's early 50's during the Uranium heyday.

Edited March 14, 2014 by Pegasus1300

[stickhandle2]

Thanks, Mike.

I hope we have better luck than what YOU brought us while on the New England trip.

 

 

Ok blame it on us we are good for that, but I wasn't even going to bring that up.

 

 

Mike.

[KIC]

Definitely ride through Zions... you will like that... alot.

[vzuden]

Plus one on Zion but Bryce is pretty cool also.

[BigLenny]

I am planning a Southwest motorcycle trip. We (Deb and I) plan to ride to Eastern Texas in early June, visit with an old Army buddy, then continue toward the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Western Texas is looking mighty bleak and boring, so I am planning to just "beat feet" across Texas and most of New Mexico until we get into some interesting country around Santa Fe. Trek across to Page, Arizona and then sweep north and west toward North Rim, Arizona by way of southern Utah. From there I am uncertain what to do or see as we head back to Illinois via the Northern Route (Interstate 80). I do plan to ride the Million Dollar Highway and head for the corner of Wyoming (to put that state notch on my map).

 

Any suggestions for "don't miss" sites and sights? We are planning on camping as much as possible. Campgrounds in the Four Corners region seem Spartan (keep in mind, I am a Flatlander and also appreciate shade trees when camping).

 

Prairiehammer,

 

Do make sure you ride the Million Dollar Highway. Silverton, and Ouray are cool little towns to stop and get a drink or shop a little between Durango and Montrose. After you get to Montrose, be sure you jump over and take a look at Black Canyon of the Gunnison N.P., truly awesome! Also, after you leave the Montrose area, I highly recommend you taking a ride up to the Grand Junction, Co. area and get on Interstate 70 and ride it east from Grand Junction toward Denver. The section on I-70 from about Rifle, Co. to Eagle-Vail is rated by a lot of travel publications as USA's most beautiful section of Interstate Hwy. As you go through Glenwood Canyon around Glenwood Springs, it gets so narrow that they built the interstate on top of each other. The Colorado River runs beside the interstate most of this section, and a lot of times gives you the illusion that the water is running up hill. Really amazing ride for an interstate.