Like I said before I normally stay off the interstates, but in this case I wanted to get into Utah a fast as possible so I could spend some time at some national parks. So I jumped onto I-70 and flew west. I was a few miles from the Eisenhower Tunnel when it started to rain. Not a hard driving rain, just enough to get everything wet. =) That combined with the altitude made for a pretty chilly journey. While the trip through the countryside was beautiful, I don’t think I warmed up properly till I was out of Colorado, and I didn’t start taking off layers till I was halfway to Moab! However, considering the length of my trip I think I was fortunate that was the worst weather I experienced.

Once into Utah proper I parted ways with the interstate and cruised down highway 128 towards Moab. This highway meets up with the Colorado River and follows it for a stretch. The canyon the river has carved out of the red stone is really beautiful, and it made for some nice riding as well. The highway joins up with 191, and left me just a hop, skip and a jump away from Arches National Park. So I motored my way over there to see some more natural wonders. I was not disappointed. In fact, I left thinking that I need to spend another vacation up there. There are a lot of hiking trails in the park, and what you can see from them is gorgeous. I found my way around to the Delicate Arch and also through the Fiery Furnace. Again, I’m no geologist but I still thought they were pretty neat. =)

There is so much to see, and I didn’t do it justice. But time marches on, and I wanted to make Monticello before nightfall, so after a few hours in the park I moved on. I have to say that Moab itself didn’t seem to be everything I thought it would be, but then again you have to remember people don’t go there for the town, they go there for the country side. It’s definitely worth a visit, just make sure you only spend enough time in town to fuel the bike and yourself. Otherwise you’ll miss everything. =)

After a good nights rest in Monticello I made my way to Natural Bridges National Monument. Wow, I thought some of the arches I had already seen were cool, but Some of the bridges there are huge! There’s a roadway around the park from which you can see most of the bridges, but for a better view you really need to do some hiking. There is a trial that runs through the park and visits all the bridges, definitely worth some time. I personally plan to go back sometime and spend a whole day there. It will make a good 3 day trip for me sometime next year.

Leaving the monument I turned down 261, which had a big yellow sign on it promising steep grades and sharp curves ahead. After a few miles I thought it was a lie. The road was straight with a few curves thrown in, but nothing I had to slow down for. I was just about ready to give up on anything exciting happening on this road when I got to the sign stating “Pavement ends” and one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.

The road turns to gravel at the top and then winds and twists it’s way to the bottom. Okay, maybe the sign wasn’t fibbing after all. =) This sudden drop in elevation left me in Monument Valley, which is pretty impressive in it’s own right. But nothing grabs you like that first view into the valley from the top of Muley Point.

My trip was winding down at this point. I crossed back over into Arizona, and now it was just a run for home. I don’t know how it is for other people, I enjoy getting away for a spell, but I also look forward to getting back to the comfort of my own bed and the familiarity of my life. And then there’s that work thing too… So my camel was burning across desert sands so to speak. I fueled up in Flagstaff for the run to Phoenix, but by my calculations using the interstate would get me there just in time for rush hour. Since I live on the south side of town I could look forward to a rush hour drive through Phoenix. Or not. I took a detour and headed towards Payson. It was a welcome respite from the heat as I climbed back into the mountains of Arizona, not to mention the road was far less traveled. I’d get to Phoenix an hour later, but I’d be happier for it.

From Payson to Phoenix the highway is almost all four lane and high speed. However I ran into construction just out of Payson. Well that’s not too bad…let’s see…one trooper at the start of construction slowing everyone down…”Hi officer!” Slink along a little farther, oooo a front end loader (male fascination with heavy equipment) and another trooper, “Hi officer!” Slink along a little farther…hey look, yet another trooper! “Hi officer!” Coast down the hill a little farther and low and behold! Yet another trooper making sure people don’t speed up before the construction zone is really passed. “Hi officer!” Hmmm, let’s see…four state troopers in less than 5 miles…what are the odds that there are any more between here and Phoenix? (downshift)(twist) =) <--All the way home.</p>

New Mexico
Tue February 04 2003

Colorado
Thu February 06 2003

Utah
Thu February 06 2003