Myself and 4 other guys that i work with are planning on riding to the grand canyon in may.
We will be riding from Louisiana. We are talking about going to the grand canyon and then up into Colorado. I am looking for input to make this a great adventure. We are talking about going to the grand canyon, Mesa Verda, Royal Gorge and Pikes Peak.
We will be gone 10 days. Thanks

 

Are you going to the south rim, north rim, or both? They are a little different from each side, and I actually like the scenery of the north rim better than that on the south rim. Just a personal thing, though.

First suggestion, get a national park pass (season long is about $80) which will get you admitted to all national parks and monuments. Motorcycle fees are less than cars, but you're still looking at $8 to $12 per park without the pass. And the pass is good for a year at a time, so you can easily get your $$ worth (especially if you take a car load of folks).

Second suggestion, check the park operating hours and dates for your time period. Last time I went to Mesa Verde I think they had restricted hours and tours available in May. The north rim of the Grand Canyon opens around mid-May, so if you go before the 15th you may not get in for the north rim. South rim is open year round. But as you can quickly see checking each location for times/dates can save you some hassles later.

Third suggestion, consider hitting the smaller parks/monuments as well. The Petrified National Forest in eastern Arizona virtually straddles I-40, but don't just see it at high speed. If you've got the park pass then take a little time to hop off the road and ride through. Likewise, Canyon de Chelly National Monument toward the NE corner of AZ is another decent little park/monument. Wupatki National Monument is another spot in AZ that is a nice side trip.

Now for the best part ... UTAH!

You got to swing north into Utah if you're coming all this way. I live within a 2 hour ride of 5 national parks, and it's some sweet riding.

I'm assuming that you'll wind up on 89North from Flagstaff area and go around the eastern end of the Grand Canyon. You can see the south rim on one day and then swing around for the north rim on the next. Then come back out to go north into Utah for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. For an interesting side trip take the Lake Powell Ferry which runs between Halls Crossing and Bullfrog several times a day.

Two spots in southern Utah that I strongly suggest you consider for this trip:

1. Zion National Park -- It's not a huge park (a lot smaller than Yellowstone) but it one of the most photographed.



2. Bryce Canyon National Park -- This is maybe my favorite of the two simply because of the dramatic cliffs and formations. Zion is beautiful (lots of green) and a better hiking spot, but Bryce is easy access on a bike and has some great spots for photos. Here's me at one of those spots.



Of course if you can't make it that far west in the southern part of the state then at least consider seeing what we've got on the east side of the state. Hovenweep, Natural Bridges, and Rainbow Bridge are all pretty cool. Of course, some of the best is CanyonLands and Arches National Parks.

Have fun on the ride!

 

Doc is right. You shouldlook atHwy. 9 and 12 in Utah. Many parks and GREAT riding. Some of the best in the west.
Or, you could cut back over through 4 corners & do the Durango/Silverton/Ouray route. Also gourgeous and great roads.

 

I live in East Texas and am thinking about maling the canyon trip this summer. Thanks for all the great info.

 

sorry, that should be MAKING the canyon trip.

 

Wow thanks Doc for the information.
As our route gets better establisted i will ask for information.