Mexican Hat to Bryce Canyon

Motorcycle Route Author

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.