Overall Route Rating
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4.77 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.77
35 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jan 31, 2007

Rider Reviews

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steben53
15 McR Points
April 27, 2012
I've ridden the Blue Ridge Pkwy, the Dragon,…
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Guest
May 31, 2010
Excellent technical road!!!!! I had a blast even…
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Written Directions

Start in Panguitch, Utah and head south on US-89 and in about 8-10 miles you'll want to take the turn towards Bryce Canyon on Rte 12. Then just head east on Rte 12 the whole way to Torrey, UT which will be over 100 miles. I suggest you make sure you first enjoy Red Canyon with brilliant red cliffs then continue another 25 miles before turning right onto Bryce Canyon road and be sure to get lunch at Ruby's Inn. Get back onto Rte 12 and continue east for an about 3 hours through Dixie National Forest to Torrey, Utah. There are a few hotels there and you will be near Capital Reef National Park. It's a must do in the west.

Scenery

Unbelievable views of Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The Staircase is an incredible collection of multicolored cliffs, buttes, plateaus, mesas, and canyons. Bring a camera with plenty of memory space/film for this one!!! You'll also be passing through the Dixie National Forest.

Overall, it's a fantastic ride with many opportunities to stop hike and enjoy panoramic views. You need to plan a day of this trip to have enough time to take in all the great views which you really need to stop at!

Additional input from "hunnerbunner" (Sep 08): Red canyon, Bryce canyon, Hell's Backbone, Calf Creek and Boulder Mtn. give you a little taste of every type of scenery Utah has to offer, from red rock to slickrock to pine and aspen covered mountains.

Drive Enjoyment

Plenty of open road with hills, woods and canyons.

Additional input from "hunnerbunner" (Sep 08): A few miles of straights on either side of Escalante leave the rest of the road to writhe and twist over the landscape. Little heavy truck traffic keeps the surface in good shape, and I don't recall a whole lot of tar snakes.

Tourism Opportunities

A few small town along the way to enjoy and fill up at. I particularly recommend checking out Red Canyon and getting lunch at Ruby's Inn (see directions below).

Additional input from "hunnerbunner" (Sep 08): Hiking in Red Canyon, camping/lodging in Bryce Canyon, hiking at Calf Creek Falls, quaint restaurants in Escalante and Boulder, more camping on Boulder Mtn. A short detour in Cannonville takes you to Kodachrome Basin for more hiking and camping.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

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

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Guest
February 17, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is one of the best motorcycle roads to ride. Elevations climb from Torrey heading south to the 9000' range among the high meadows and aspen forests of the Dixie Natioanl Forest. Then you descend down to Boulder and enter the Grand Staircase Escalante Nat'l Monument and the temps rise dramatically. We left Torrey at 8am and the temps on top of the mountains were in the high 40's to low 50's but as we descending into the Escalante they rose to 95 degrees by noon. So be prepared for a 50 degree change in less than a 100 miles of road. The scenary here is extremely diverse and well worth the ride. Be sure and try to ride up and over Hwy 14 from Long Valley Jct to Cedar City if you are in this area as its another wonderful road close by. The downgrade into Cedar City is long and steep so watch the brakes and enjoy the ride.
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Guest
July 26, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Scenery is off the chart. This road is considered one of the top 10 in North America by various travel magazines. The road runs south from Torrey, over Boulder Mt. Great views of Capital Reef Nation Park, looking east. From the town of Boulder, you go along the "Hog's Back" which will make the hair on your back stand on end!!! Nothing but beautiful sandstone, pine and red rock scenery...you have to see it to believe it. Boulder is a good half way place to stop of food, fuel, or lodging
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MU22HOF
July 30, 2014
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Rode this magnificent route in late May, 2014. Couldn't agree more with the other reviews! While in Utah, add Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Parks to your "Must See List". Cedar Breaks Monument is breath taking as well!
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