Overall Route Rating
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4.82 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.82
28 Reviews

Mexican Hat to Bryce Canyon

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2007

Rider Reviews

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steben53
15 McR Points
April 27, 2012
In my comments on the Grand Staircase Escalante…
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MotoForever
July 8, 2014
OMG, did this trip in early June 2014. Wow, one…
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Written Directions

You can do this route either way from east to west or west to east. We suggest the east to west route which starts in Mexican Hat, Utah just north of Monument Valley. From Mexican Hat, head north for about 3 miles, turn left onto SR-261. After about 10 miles you will pass the road to the Valley of the Gods (another great 19 mile adventure). The road turns to hard packed gravel at this point and will ascend 1200 feet in 3 miles. Lots of switchbacks, fantastic views. At the top of the cliff the road goes back to asphalt and is a great mountain road. SR-261 will "T" into route 95 where you want to take a left (west) and take this all the way into Hanksville, UT. From there you need to switch to route 24 heading west (take a left). Take route 24 all the way to Torrey, UT. If you want to break up the trip into two days, this is where we suggest you stay as there are many great Bed & Breakfast to stay at. From Torrey, you want to take route 12 south. Route 12 is a US Scenic Byway and is something beyond belief. Route 12 will take you through Boulder, UT and on to Bryce Canyon, UT.

Scenery

"We made this trip in late April and May and it is one of the best trips we haveever made. Fall would also be a great time. Make reservations near Bryce and Torrey and in Mexican Hat. All get busy and Torrey and Mexican Hat have limited places to stay. No worries about fuel on this route.": Lynn & Peti Fantastic high country of Utah. Big trees, wide open ranges, huge canyons, red rock views. This whole trip is like stepping back into the 1950's and is one for your scrapbook. You travel through some absolutly breathtaking national forests such as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and finally Bryce Canyon National Park.

Drive Enjoyment

Great two lane roads, little traffic, fantastic climbing and descending turns and switchbacks. Part of SR 261 is hard packed gravel. My wife and I on two H-D's did just fine. THIS ROAD IS A MUST DO!!!.

Tourism Opportunities

Mexican Hat is fantastic with the "Swinging Grill" restaurant. You'll pass through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. And you'll be passing through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. In Torrey, you will want to visit the general store there as it has home made Mexican food and a good selection of goodies. Finally, Bryce Canyon has the best hotel in the state with the best restaurant both are about 10 miles outside of the park. And, at the end point of Bryce Canyon, you'll obviously have to thoroughly check out Bryce Canyon National Park while you are there.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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ROADWHORE
January 12, 2013
42 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I have done this route a few times. wish it was l
closer so I could do it every year. rode it too early in the spring the first time and about froze solid.
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2 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
March 20, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
My brother and I rode this route in May 2009, he on his BMW 1100 RS, and I was riding my BMW LT. This was a awe inspiring journey through nature. We then rode into Colorado and continued this amazing tour. We plan on doing it again soon.
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3 BMWs
September 10, 2017
33 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Someone once told me after riding the Blue Ridge Skyway in NC that out west, some routes were 100 times better. This is one of those routes. Every time you think it couldn't get any better, it does. From Volcanic ash shorelines on lakes outside Bryce Canyon to the incredible structures in the Valley of the Gods, this ride is the ultimate.
Curvy mountain roads that were so much fun that I turned around and rode them again. Try the Burr Trail Grill for coffee and lunch just east of Escalante and stay at the San Juan trading post in Mexican Hat. And one last thing, travel south 15 miles more outside of Mexican Hat and see Monument Valley (Forest Gump stopped running there). When I die, you can scatter my ashes along this route!!
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2 riders found this road review useful