Heading to Moab, suggestions?

[TexasShadow]

I'm heading to Moab in a few weeks to meet with 6 other riders. Have a cabin leased and several routes planned in/around the canyonlands.

Two of us would like to venture off road, albeit tame off-road (I know I"m going to get flack for that ;-) . A friend has a Honda CBR650Fi that he has been riding on some well-packed dirt roads in and around SLC and reported to me he and the bike do okay. (actually better than he thought he would) He and I would like to find some tame dirt roads to get off the tarmac path. If anyone knows of specific roads or areas, let me know.

I'm also looking for input on places to eat in and around Moab area.

TIA

[tx246]

take the lasal mountain loop road. it is all pavement but is a narrow/rough stuff that goes up the mountain. 75 mile loop that goes east out of moab up 128, look for castle valley road and turn south, ride through castle valley, turn right on lasal mountain loop road and finish back in moab.

eats in moab

pasta jay for italian
zaks makes good pizza
la hacienda on the north side of town for mexican try the lobster enchiladas!! they arent expensive

another ride that is doable on the street honda but is dirt is shafer road.
head north out of town. after crossing the bridge go about 1.5miles and there is a paved road on your left. it is potash this road follows the river for quite a ways. stop to look at the rock art 3miles in. follow the road and the pavement will end and it turns to a dirt county road. it goes through a potash plant but thats ok. keep riding and you will have some fantastic views of the colorado in which you can ride right to the edge. the road is bumpy but if you take your time the 600fi will be fine albeit dirty. follow the road and it will take you across the national park boundry(island in the sky) go straight(turn left and you will be on the white rim trail). just a ways up is some very wicked switchbacks that climb out of the canyon. first gear and you will walk right up. once at the top hang a right on the pavement when the pavement comes to a stop sign hang another right and you will be headed back into town.

[TexasShadow]

take the lasal mountain loop road. it is all pavement but is a narrow/rough stuff that goes up the mountain. 75 mile loop that goes east out of moab up 128, look for castle valley road and turn south, ride through castle valley, turn right on lasal mountain loop road and finish back in moab. Sounds like one of the routes I mapped :)
Yes, this route has been suggested by a few on the AdventRiders forum, too. Hoping there's no snow up there, but that may be kinda fun.

la hacienda on the north side of town for mexican try the lobster enchiladas!! they arent expensive Lobster???? Gotta try that!
another ride that is doable on the street honda but is dirt is shafer road.
head north out of town. after crossing the bridge go about 1.5miles and there is a paved road on your left. it is potash this road follows the river for quite a ways. stop to look at the rock art 3miles in. follow the road and the pavement will end and it turns to a dirt county road. it goes through a potash plant but thats ok. keep riding and you will have some fantastic views of the colorado in which you can ride right to the edge. the road is bumpy but if you take your time the 600fi will be fine albeit dirty. follow the road and it will take you across the national park boundry(island in the sky) go straight(turn left and you will be on the white rim trail). just a ways up is some very wicked switchbacks that climb out of the canyon. first gear and you will walk right up. once at the top hang a right on the pavement when the pavement comes to a stop sign hang another right and you will be headed back into town. Now *that* sounds great!! Does it show up on GPS? I can email your directions and one of the riders can map it for us.

Thanks! I really appreciate input like this.
Next year in Moab, I intend to do more off-road riding.

[Teeds]

Now *that* sounds great!! Does it show up on GPS? I can email your directions and one of the riders can map it for us.

Thanks! I really appreciate input like this.
Next year in Moab, I intend to do more off-road riding.

Gutsy on a CBR ... more power to ya ...

Potash Road is easy to follow. You really cannot get lost and yes the entire route shows of on Garmin City Select and Garmin Topo software. Turn left on 279 and head to Potash and you cannot miss it.

After you reach the pavement in the park, turn left and it will take you to the visitors center. If you have time, turn left at the bottom of the canyon before heading up the wall at Shafer Box Canyon and make the 5~8 mile detour out to Mussleman Arch on the White Rim Trail. Backtrack and jump back on Gene's route to go up the switchbacks. FYI - The intersection is at the toilets ... don't worry, you will see them.

Long Canyon is worth the time and very doable. Catch it on the way back after you leave Canyonlands. Take a right on the road to Dead Horse Point and follow the road as it peels off to the left from the asphalt. There is one loose section that you will have to negotiate, but then you can shut off your motor and coast for 7~8 miles down the canyon, before rejoining 279 near Pump Handle Arch.

The back way into Gemini Bridges is easy from 313.

Get Lat 40 maps at City Market when you get into town or National Geographic here from Gander Mountain, Bass Pro or ...

We have a ride report from Moab in May in the after action debriefing section here ... I humbly say it is worth the read ... :trust:

Pasta Jays ... +1
Moab Diner ... breakfast ;)