I'm starting to plan a trip to southern Utah and northern Arizona for next year. Here is my ride plan.
http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.c...2&locale=en_US

Let me know what you think and tell me if I'm missing any places I need to see. I figure we will get out there in September 2010. I am planning to be there on the above ride for 6 days (Sunday thru Friday). Arrive in Moab Saturday night.
First 2 nights we plan to stay in Moab.
Travel around Arches NP and north end of Canyonlands on Sunday.
Monday ride to south end of Canyonlands and stop for night in Mexican Hat.
Tuesday ride thru Monument Valley and stop for night in Page.
Wednesday ride to North Rim and ride back to Kanab for the night.
Thursday ride to Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP (stop for the sightseeing), stay at Ruby's Inn for the night.
Friday head thru Capitol Reef NP and on to Moab for the night.
Saturday head back home.

Am I leaving enough time between evening stops to have time to see stuff? What stuff should I see and do? Am I going on the right roads for the best scenery? Should we pay the tour fee to see Anelope Canyon? Am I trying to do too much on any day? How soon do I need to make motel reservations?

Thanks for any input you can give me.

 

Your trip looks good the only other thing I would change would be on the way back to Moab where the road turns north at Hanksville I would go straight and follow the around the north end of lake Powell and through Hite. Then on to Blanding. There are some neat looking rock formations in that area and a rest area with a path to walk around on. You might also want to stop at the senice view area just before Hite also. Make sure you fuel up in Hanksville it is about 130 miles to Blanding. There are fuel stops on the way but fuel prices are pretty high.

 

Thanks Cat Mech. What things should we make sure we see?

 

In Mexican Hat, UT area there are two close by attractions you may or may not want to visit.

Goosenecks State Park
http://www.utah.com/stateparks/goosenecks.htm

Four Corners
http://www.utah.com/playgrounds/four_corners.htm

 

I live in southern Utah and ride those areas pretty regularly. Here's something just to get your motor running ... me on my Ultra in Zion NP.



There are LOTS of great places to ride here, so you can't hardly go wrong. I couldn't tell from your description, are you cutting across Highway 12 or 24 on the route? If not, you'll want to try to add that in. Highway 12 is one of the most scenic highways in the US. I've ridden all over the US, including the famed Dragon, and I think the Highway 12 ride is equal or better to anything else that is out there.

http://www.utah.com/byways/highway_12.htm

Here's a picture from a couple years ago off Highway 12 near Boulder, UT. This was taken in mid-September, so you can get an idea of what to expect. Cold at night (drops into the 30s at elevations above 9000 feet in September) and usually nice, warm days.



Here's another shot on Highway 14, which runs between my home (Cedar City) and Highway 89. This is a good destination either east to west or visa-versa. There's some decent hotels here in Cedar as well as some beautiful scenery. This particular shot is looking south into Zion National Park ...



This shot was also taken just off Highway 14 about a month ago, which would be late September and early October.



The reason I'm showing these is that sometimes the best scenery is actually on the smaller roads between destinations. The shots on Highway 14 are pretty common. Of course, hitting the National Parks is great ... but it's how you get between the parks that is the most fun.

I'd strongly suggest avoiding the interstate when possible. It's quick, but you won't get these kind of scenery shots.

A couple things to consider ... in September the temperature in this area can change quickly and dramatically. St George, UT, (on AZ/UT border) is at 2000 foot in elevation, so in September it is still in the 100s. But you ride 45 minutes north to Cedar City (at 6000 foot) and temperature will be 20 to 35 degrees cooler.

Be especially careful around the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is at about 7500 feet in elevation, so the temps change quickly. Daytime temps are nice, but it will get cold at night.

I noticed you were going through Colorado City. That's plural marriage country, and the folks that belong to the church in that part of the world take their way of life seriously. They are nice folks, but they don't necessarily trust outsiders. So if you stop for gas or a bite to eat just show some respect for them and you'll be alright. I'm not saying that they are looking for trouble (far from it), but they don't necessarily appreciate tourist trying to take their picture or tell them that having more than 1 wife is a sin.

You will also want to get off the bike and onto a few trails. Zion NP is a nice drive through, but you won't see the best parts from the road. And you can't park in the park ... you have to park outside and ride a shuttle in. You can drive though, but you can't park. So if you've got time and don't mind a hike then take some time to hit the trails.

 

Doc, yes we are planning to go across 12 and 24. I hear is is great! Did you open my Harley ride plan and see our route? What do you think of it? Are the evening stops close enough? Feel free to make any suggestions.

Is mid September a good time to make this trip? We don't want to be out there during the hottest time of the year and we don't want to be there when it is more likely to rain.

Is there a reason we should stay in Page? Anything special there? Would it be better to stay overnight in Marble Canyon?

Are motels usually booked up far in advance?

 

I've ridden up that way a couple of times. You won't find more scenic roads anywhere. You may not be able to ride up into Zion. They close the road to private vehicles during "season". Depending on when you go it might still be closed. If you're staying at the lodge, you get a pass and can ride on in. Also, there isn't much of anything at marble Falls. We stayed there and probably won't stay there again. There isn't much to see in Page either, but lots of places to stay and more than one restaurant.

 

Couldn't get it open last night, but tonight it worked okay.

Looks like the perfect trip. You are hitting the best spots. There are some good side roads, but I'm not sure you'll have time for them. What you have planned now will take you to some good spots and with plenty of time for seeing the sites.

The way you have it setout now looks pretty reasonable. Two nites is Moab is usually plenty, and the ride to Mexican Hat is not that tough. Last time I was in Mexican Hat I stayed at the Hat Rock Inn. It's a nice little walk down to the river (about 1500 foot or so, if I recall) and the rapids along this part of the river are pretty cool.

I've also stayed at the San Juan Inn, which is also along the San Juan River. Here's the website, if you've not already booked your room. http://www.sanjuaninn.net/

Remember, if you plan on the Valley of the Gods scenic route then the road is gravel and dirt. You can take your bike, but expect it to be really dirty when you're done. Also try to avoid getting too close to the cars and ATVs that will be on the road. The flying gravel sucks!

If you've got time while in the Mexican Hat area then hit the Moki Dugway road. This is one of the most spectacular rides you'll ever take on a motorcycle, especially a Harley. It is Utah Route 261, and it's not that far from Mexican Hat. Here's a picture ... talk about some awsome switchbacks!



The biggest advantage to staying is Page is just conveniences. It's the largest town in that area, and it's got most of what you'd need. It is focused on the Glen Canyon area, so expect lots of boats/ATVs/etc. while there. If you ever watched the movie Evolution then you've seen the Glen Canyon damn (it's the area below where the creatures crawl out and take wing). Lots of scenery from the Page, AZ, area in that movie.

If you like Mexican (family style) then try Los Delfines Family Restaurant in Page. Fiesta Mexican is not too bad, as well, so you'll have some decent choices while in Page.

Mid September is fine for this trip. It will be hot in some places and cool in others. The difference will be elevation changes. You'll go through some significant changes from Moab down to Page then back across to Zion. You'll go up and down as much as 8000 feet in a few miles. You can literarally go from high desert plateau to Alpine forest in just 10 minutes.

The secret is layering so that you can put it on and take it off as the temperature changes. Rain isn't too much of a problem for the area. You'll be early enough that you won't have heavy snow in the highest elevation (though you get a blast or two at elevations above 8000 feet) and the temperatures won't be torturous at lower levels.
Is there a reason we should stay in Page? Anything special there? Would it be better to stay overnight in Marble Canyon?

Moab is a hit-miss deal at that time of the year. You'll be competing with quad riders, bike riders, hikers, and all types of tourist to the parks. So I'd book early (a couple months ahead of time is usually enough).

Page shouldn't be a problem. Though the local motels are notorious for raising rates when rooms start filling. A $40+ shift in room rates can happen pretty quick when rooms start to fill.

Kanab, UT, is another fairly decent tourist spot in southern Utah. Lots of rooms, though it's like Page in the sense that some nites the rates will jump as room availability shrinks. But just remember, Kanab is not that far from Hurricane, which is only 10 miles from St George. There's LOTS of rooms in St George.

If you come far enough north to Cedar City (45 minutes north of St George) then you'll find the cheap rooms in the $40/nite range and the major chain (Marriott, Holiday Inn, etc.) in the $80 to $125 range. Rates can vary depending on what's going on in both St George or Cedar City. Along with the outdoor stuff Cedar has my employer, Southern Utah University, which is home of the Tony Award Winning Utah Shakespearean Theater (bard.org). If you even remotly think you'd like a Broadway type play (and not just Shakespeare) then consider the local company. They often have visiting scholars, directors, and actors from Broadway in town. I've been to many plays on Broadway, and I'd put our local production company up against some of the best in the Big Apple.

And at the worst ... if you can't find a place while in my area then give me a shout ... I can always pitch a tent for you in my backyard.

 

Of the these three places, which motel in Mexican Hat would be best to stay at? Mexican Hat Lodge, San Juan Inn, or Hat Rock Inn?

And what about Anelope Canyon near Page? Is it worth the $40/person to go on the tour to see it?

 

check out this guys website. it has a lot of pics and tips on the routes ur taking. i used it for my trip in june and was helpful. scroll down about halfway and click on scenic byway hwy 12 i loved this trip and definitely want to go back.
http://www.cyclerides.com/rides/dayrides/dayrides.htm