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DIGGER
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« on: August 29, 2009, 05:52:07 PM » |
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Will be in Durango Colorado in a couple weeks. I see it is only about 130 miles over to Canyon Lands National Park and Arches National Park. I'm not really into getting off the pavement. Are the main roads into the scenic areas there paved?
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« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2009, 06:51:04 PM » |
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If you haven't please ride Hwy 550 north to at least Ouray. If you don't please hit your head against a brick wall.
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ptgb
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« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2009, 06:58:27 PM » |
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If you haven't please ride Hwy 550 north to at least Ouray. If you don't please hit your head against a brick wall.
I can vouch for that! Did the million dollar highway (Hwy 550) before Inzane IX.... UNBELIEVABLE! |
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 Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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DIGGER
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« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2009, 07:21:02 PM » |
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Yeah, we are riding the train up to Silverton while there. I was just trying to find out if Utah's Canyonland National Park and Arches National Park have paved roads to ride and see the scenery
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RP#62
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« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2009, 09:16:11 PM » |
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Theres a paved rode all the way through Arches with parking areas where you can get off and go for some short hikes. Not sure about Canyonlands. Got on google maps and go to the satellite view and you can usually zoom in enough to see if the roads are paved or not. Also try streetview.
-RP
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6shutr
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« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2009, 11:59:07 PM » |
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I toured Arches National Park on my Valkyrie a few years back, and like RP#62 said, the roads are paved and in good condition, and there are parking areas where you can hike to see the Arches up close. You can see some of the Arches from the roads and parking areas as I recall. I know nothing about Canyonlands, maybe others do and will post. It can be very hot at Arches, so if you aren't accustomed to the heat, be prepared. If you are in Durango, you might want to visit Mesa Verde National Park to see the Anazi Indian Ruins, out of Durango West toward Cortez, CO. Also toward Silverton from Durango there is a very nice Hot Spring with full Spa accoutrements, at a place called Trimble Hot Springs, in the Hermosa Meadows area. I highly recommend it, if you are in need of some wonderful theraputic waters, and a good massage. It's not a big resort, just a small well run Hot Spring and Spa. Stumbled onto it a few years back, and have visited it several times since. Also, if you do take the trip from Durango to Silverton, and Ouray, go on to Ridgeway, and head toward Telluride, a place worth visiting at least once. Then head from Telluride over the Pass and down the Dolores River toward Dolores and Cortez. A few of us had a wonderful dinner in Dolores a couple of years ago, while riding our Valkyries in the area, you might want to investigate it.
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Jeff K
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« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2009, 05:43:47 AM » |
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We stopped in Moab and rented a jeep for the day. It was a blast. In fact we had so much fun we went back. Been there twice. A lot more to see from a jeep. They give you a map of "roads" some are just like gravel roads, and some you must have modified equipment.  |
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dabull
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« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2009, 08:41:19 AM » |
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Direct answer: Arches is very much worth the trip. All roads are paved, and as mentioned, there are pull offs and parking areas for short hikes. Recomend the Firey Furnance and of course the more famous, the Delicate Arch. Canyon Lands is also paved roads to most all the over looks, well worth the trip. I live in Utah and still visit a couple times a year, can't get enough of the natural beauty.
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NEHI
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« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2009, 09:16:54 AM » |
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As you might have read on a previous message, I was taking a trip on my Interstate through Utah and Canyonlands Nation Park when the Valk broke a cam shaft. To salvage part of the trip we rented a convertible and did a loop around Utah. If you are leaving Durango and heading toward Canyonland, I would suggest finding Mexican Hat, Utah (just North of Monument Valley) and follow route 261 North to intersect with 95. I saw some incredible sights throughout Utah but I have never seen a view like you will see if you follow 261 North from Mexican Hat and then take 95 East to Blanding and then follow your original plans to Moab. Route 261 has switchbacks (gravel but I would have felt comfortable on the Valk - 5 mph!! No guardrails - be careful) When you get to the top you will not believe the view. The road is very nice to travel on before and after the 3 miles of gravel. If you would like pictures, email me and I will be happy to share them with you. After traveling through Utah, I renamed it - Planet Utah. bscw90@yahoo.com - Dean |
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