Author Topic: The Zion NP - Bryce Canyon Route Tell me More!  (Read 4413 times)

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Offline soilsguy

The Zion NP - Bryce Canyon Route Tell me More!
« on: December 01, 2010, 10:38:35 pm »
Three of us would like to make the ride in and around the Bryce-Zion area in southern Utah in the fall time of next year. Have looked at the maps from ACA and looks fantastic. I have toured many times in Colorado, Wyoming and So. Dakota but nothing in Utah. Please if folks would offer suggestions, anecdotes, wise sayings, places to take pics, their favortie camping sites, is September better than October - that kind of stuff. Keep the wheels goin' round and round.

Offline aggie

Re: The Zion NP - Bryce Canyon Route Tell me More!
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2010, 11:05:30 am »
I rode a big loop through the National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Glenn Canyon, Natural Bridges, Monument Valley) in Southern Utah in October.  For the most part the weather was good.  However it got very cold in Bryce overnight.  It got down to 32 degrees F so it made for some very cold early morning riding.  The weather then warmed up to the mid 60's.  All the parks are fairly close so it is possible to stay in the park campgrounds each night.  September may be slightly better for weather.  The only thing I didn't like about Utah were the roads.  They use a lot of chipseal.  Other than Texas they seem to use it more than just about anywhere else I've ridden. 

Zion is nice but you have to rely on the kindness of the rangers (or other folks) to get you through the tunnel.  The only road I didn't like was from Mexican Hat to Kayenta.  The road is narrow with lots of RV traffic.  There is also a trail of beer bottles and cans from Mexican Hat to Kayenta.  On hwy 261 just before you go through the switchbacks down (dirt road at this point) there is a awesome view of the Valley of the Gods.  (The switchbacks are steep and narrow and this is the only part that isn't paved. Maybe about 1 mile)