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Morning in Kayenta was
beautifully clear, but it was also very windy, which probably explains
the clear skies. It was about 100 miles to Page, Arizona at the south
(dam) end of Lake Powell. I would have to say that there is pretty much
a dearth of scenery along the route.
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Pretty barren |
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A few small pines |
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formations |
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Nearing Page, AZ |
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Leaving Page, AZ |
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through Page and turned south on Highway 89 for about 25 miles to
the junction with 89A. We then rode about 20 miles back north to get to
the Marble Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs area. Once we approached the
Cliffs, the scenery was much improved. I had traveled this route a
couple of months ago on my Boise trip, but it was equally impressive a
second time. |
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In the distance |
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Getting Closer |
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Leaving the Cliffs |
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Kaibab National Forest |
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That's our road down there |
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Kaibab National Forest |
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Fredonia, Arizona |
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Every trip runs into some construction |
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Approaching Zion |
| Zion
National Park is perhaps the most dramatic of all the National
Parks, partly because you start at the top (if you are going west) and
follow the dramatic 14 mile long Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway with
unbelievable views of the formations that abound. The road descends
through a couple of tunnels and switchbacks with every turn presenting a
new view of the vermillion, white and pink cliffs. The main tunnel is
over one mile in length and actually has "windows" along the way, but I
don't recommend trying to see out of them if you are driving.
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Approaching Zion |
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In the park |
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Checkerboard Dome |
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The little tunnel |
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I actually got a shot out one of the windows! |
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The road is down there! |
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At the exit (West Gate) |
| Zion is awesome! What else can I say? After
going through the park, we continued west on the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway
and picked up Interstate 15 at Hurricane. Then it was not far to
Mesquite and the end of this adventure. However, the interstate did take
us through the Virgin River Gorge - yet another beautiful ride, albeit
not as colorful. |
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Entering the Gorge |
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Heading down |
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Shear rock cliffs |
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Near the bottom |
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| Even through the day
had been windy and a bit cold, it was a day of great scenery and
good riding. I can't say how beautiful Southern Utah is - I haven't
begun to see all of it, but so far it's been great! Arizona and New
Mexico are great, as well. In conclusion, this was a great seven days
and the riding was great - even with a little wind and rain and snow.
This is a fabulous country to travel and explore. |
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Back to
Page Six
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