Exploring Southern Utah on a Motorcycle

Fall is upon us - the trees are turning in the high country, the nights are getting longer, the days a little shorter, the temperature more moderate all across the desert in Southern Utah. This land is magnificent in its canyons, its lakes, and its national parks covering both mountains and deserts filled with cacti. And one of its most stunning locations is Natural Bridges National Monument (above right), deep in southeast Utah. From I-70, you go south on Highway 191, through beautiful Moab, to Blanding, UT. Highway 191 intersects with Highway 95 at Blanding. Take Highway 95 west about 30 miles to Natural Bridges. And be sure to take your camera! All along the route you will pass spectacular rock formations and views that you will want to memorialize on film. This area is also home to Arches National Park (left), just north of Moab, and Canyonlands National Park, as well as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. Clearly a day trip is not going to suffice - this is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! High desert scenery, red rock formations and natural bridges formed by God Himself in this exquisite desert in Southern Utah.

From Mexican Hat, UT, to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (right, Calf Creek Fallls) is another beautiful destination, continuing on to Bryce Canyon. South of Blanding on Highway 163, almost to the Arizona border, is Mexican Hat. From there, take Highway 261 north about 10 miles to the road to the Valley of the Gods. This is a quick detour that's well worth your time. Climbing on your motorcycle into the cliffs gives you a better view than anyone in a vehicle. When you reach Highway 95, go west through White Canyon, past Natural Bridges, past Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to Hanksville, UT. From Hanksville, take Highway 24 west, and you will travel by the Capitol Reef National Park to Torrey, UT.

Plan to spend several days in this area, as the overnight accommodations are plentiful and reasonable. Route 12 to the south out of Torrey is called the Scenic Byway, and "scenic" hardly does it justice! Don't leave your camera in your saddlebags - there is a picture to be taken around almost every corner! And Route 12 takes you back through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where you might want to hike to Yellow Rock. Fabulous waterfalls flow from the canyon heights into pristine pools below, and rock formations stretch to the sky, providing splendid photo opportunities.

With the approach of fall, you will want to be sure to take your cold weather gear in order to stay warm. Bring the leathers, bring even heated gloves and other accessories to be comfortable in the cool fall weather. Bring your ATVs and do some off-road exploration, or just ride the roads and experience this area from your cruiser. Come and ride Southern Utah - a state with so much to offer to those who love the outdoors. www.MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com