AZ, NM, CO, UT trip 5/19 - 5/27

[SmokinMos]

Last year it was the Sierras. This year I'm taking a road trip from Huntington Beach, CA on the 19th. Headed east to Oatman (hear there's a great ride) - Flagstaff. 20th - Flagstaff to Monument Valley-Mesa Verde. 21 - 27 Mesa Verde to CO, So. UT(Hwy 12), and as many parts in between home.

If anyone has any great rides, POI's, towns, routes, etc., please let me know. Camping most of the route, so any suggested campsites would be greatly appreciated.

I'm already packed and ready to GO!

I really enjoy this message board. I keep learning so much about the RR from you. So many knowledgeable people! And pics are great too.

Thanks

[dragonmojo]

Although it was in the late 80s that I last made it to Oatman, what I recall are those damn slippery tar snakes used to patch the cracks in the weathered asphalt. If they are still being used, watch out for them.

I don't know about So. Utah's Hwy 12, but a couple of years ago I was on their SR20 in the middle of the desert and got busted by the Mormon Hwy Patrol doing 65mph in a 55mph zone. Radar. Almost no traffic on that smooth road. If you need to make tracks, the Interstate is posted at 75mph.

The last 2 summers I visited my friend in Flagstaff, and will do same next month. Nice college town, and they have a light ordinance (due to the observatory, night lighting is controlled). Sounds like you will be passing the Winslow Crater just east of Flagstaff. Also Four Corners.

Coming home, will you be swinging by Bryce Canyon or Zion Nat'l Park in UT? Or make a jaunt down to North Rim Grand Canyon? Planning to take a gamble and head through Las Vegas, NV?

Have a safe trip regardless!
Alan

[toolinalong]

Well if it were me, after finishing with Mesa Verde, I would head north out of Dolores (with a full tank of gas) on CO 145 and keep on until it turns into CO 141 heading north to Whitewater, and then head over to the Colorado National Monument to spend the night. Highway 141 thru the Uncompahgre Canyon is arguably the most beautiful lowland ride in the state, and I have done them all many times.
After that head back home thru Utah: jump on I-70 West for a bit, get off at the Highway 24 South exit (exit 147) heading to Hanksville. In Hanksville head west on 24 until you get to Highway 12, then head south. Stay on 12 all the way to Highway 89. Stop at Bryce if you want.
If you have time you could also get to Hanksville via Moab and Blanding. Take the HIghway 128 south exit (EXit 202) and take a beautiful ride alongside the Colorado River heading to Moab. Do Arches National park if you have the time. Then you either head back north on 191, or for some serious desert asphalt, do Highway 95, picking it up south of Blanding. After that I will leave the rest to you; lot's of possibilities to get back home, all good.
Whew, great ride. Enjoy.

[bgardner74]

My #1 recommendation: Chaco Canyon (more accurately, Chaco Culture National Park), sort of midway between Gallup and Cuba, NM. Once you leave the highway, you've got about 20 miles of really awful dirt roads...intentional to keep traffic down. Chaco is unbelievable and unforgettable. Have been there three times, but never on a bike. Sounds ideal. Have also done Bryce, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Monument Valley, Sedona, Flagstaff & Hubbell Trading Post (Ganado NM). Depending on your route, Hubbell could be on the way to or from Chaco.

google Chaco & Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site - Official NPS website. Visitor information and background on the history of this site, which features the oldest continuously operating trading post on the ...

In that part of the country, you can't go wrong. Have a great trip.

[SmokinMos]

Thanks to those who have responded. I'm taking it all in to see where to go. Lots of great choices. I wish I had more time to visit every place. I'll let ya know what I come up with...or better yet where I went.

Thanks