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Originally Posted by Ozoneman
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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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Are motels usually booked up far in advance?
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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.
Need help with southern Utah ride plan
