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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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GJRonK
February 11, 2020
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This is one of the routes in south Utah that personifies the desert southwest. Fantastic!
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Major
March 21, 2020
28 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Rode this route in 2010 en route from Ohio to Billings, MT. We came up from Monument Valley through Mexican Hat in July. Actually wasn't too hot this trip. Taking 261 up through the Moki Dugway was a very surprising drive, going North up to the top of that mesa was something else. What a view from the top! We ten proceeded NorthWest to Hanksville, Middle of nowhere but the hotel was nice and the restaurant was okay. Can't recall their names. We then took 24 West to 12 and then South. What a drive these roads are, if you haven't been here you are missing some of the best views of a lifetime. Stayed at Bryce Canyon Lodge and how the stars shine here. It's a certified dark spot, won't see any light spoiling the night sky. We then drove 89, 143, and 14 and 89 South to 9 to Zion NP. The roads and views are fantastic and traffic was light until we got to Zion NP. This was just a small part of a 3 week road trip.
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Big_Mike
July 27, 2020
517 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I did this in reverse of the route mentioned. Cannot recommend this more highly. As mentioned, you really need to take the time and go into Bryce canyon N.P. An amazing place. I rode down Moki Dugaway on a 725 lb. Road King so if you're a reasonably experienced rider, don't be intimidated by it. Take your time and you'll be fine.
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