The Highlights of Motorcycle Road Touring through Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park features incredible scenery, twisting turns, and sweeping curves that will take your breath away during your motorcycle road tour. This park has miles of amazing desert landscapes eroded into buttes, arches, mesas, and canyons.

It provides the perfect place to go for motorcycle road touring. So, what are the primary highlights of motorcycling in this park? Let's find out below.

The White Rim Road

Traversing through the White Rim Road on your motorcycle will ensure an epic experience in the Canyonlands National Park. The White Rim Road has one of the US's most majestic and wondrous desert landscapes.

This road provides an exceptional view of the Colorado River and the canyons. It is a must-do ride for the best motorcycling road tour. The White Rim Road is a 100-mile loop dirt road around the Island in the Sky District.

Planning for a ride on White Rim Road

Motorcycling through the desert can come with several hazards, so it is essential to plan ahead. Here are some things to consider:

• Accommodation: Several campgrounds are available in Canyonlands to those motorcycling on White Rim Road. A single campsite can accommodate seven people, and it costs $30. Permits for peak seasons, that is, fall and spring, can be challenging to get. Therefore, make sure to book early. You can also consider staying at hotels in Moab.
• Food and water: Carry your own supplies, as no service stations are on this trail.
• Fuel: On this 100-mile road, there is no fuel. Thus, make sure you have enough fuel for this trail.

Where to Start

One thing to note is that you can complete your White Rim Road tour in one or more days. It all comes down to how many vacation days you have to spare. This road is a two-way trail. Thus, you have two options for the best places to start.

You can ride your motorcycle from Mineral Bottom Road or Shafer Canyon Roads for the first option. On this route, take your time to enjoy scenic viewpoints and then retrace back to the starting point.

For the second option, start from your campsite. Make sure to travel prepared. The entrance park cost for motorcycles is $15. You will also require a permit and a registered motorcycle, so get the permit a day early.

What to expect motorcycling through the White Rim Road

Motorcycling through the White Rim Road can be an incredible experience for anyone who enjoys riding in beautiful scenic areas. This trail has incredible places to make stops, take pictures, and have a memorable experience.

Many motorcyclists prefer riding through the Lathrop Canyon. This route offers the perfect place to make a stop and play at the Colorado River. You can also go to the Musselman Arch to see cool arches.

In addition, you can take a detour to Gooseneck Bend. Gooseneck Bend is one of the incredible and alluring features of the Canyonlands National Park.

The Maze

The Maze is another incredible road for motorcycle road touring. You can find the Maze in the southeastern desert in the Canyonlands National Park. As the name suggests, the Maze features interwoven canyons, most with dead ends.

Exploring this trail requires you to employ a high degree of self-sufficiency. The trail is primitive, has difficult roads, and is located in a remote location. The Maze is an excellent place to take a group motorcycle riding tour. It has no crowds and provides an exceptional area to enjoy the panoramic view of the desert.

One vital thing to note is that this trail is not for the faint-hearted. It has pinnacles, jagged mesas, and steep canyons, making it a great area for an unforgettable motorcycling experience. The park allows tourists to bike on unpaved and paved paths. You also have the option to take a multi-day trip along this road. If you are an experienced motorcyclist, the Maze promises an adventure you cannot afford to miss.

Safety tips for motorcycle touring in the Maze

The Maze is an incredibly remote area, so make sure you carry enough water, food, and fuel. Hydration is vital when you are in the desert; have plenty of water with you.

In addition, wear light-colored clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. The sunscreen and hat will protect your skin from the sun, especially when you are making stops. Remember to carry the necessary protective gear with you.

Where to start

The Maze is a big area with several pit stops and trails you can take. It is the perfect place for any motorcyclist looking for an adrenaline rush. The Maze is located on the west side of the Green River and Colorado Conference. To start your motorcycling tour, the best place to begin this trail is at the Hans Flat Ranger station. This station is 2.5 hours away from the Green River.

From the Hans Flat Ranger Station, the Maze's canyons are only 3 to 6 hours away by motorcycle. The best recommendation is to have a GPS or a map for effective guidance. Note that the Hans Flat Ranger Station is often open from 8am to 4.30pm all year round.

Take Note that many areas in the Maze have challenging roads and may be impassable and treacherous after and during storms. Also, the park may close some roads if the weather conditions do not permit.

What to expect motorcycling through The Maze

Even though The Maze is the most remote region in Canyonlands National Park, it is home to unique and wondrous attractions like the Chocolate Bars and the Land of Standing Rocks. If you are searching for a daring backcountry adventure, the Maze is the perfect destination.

Some of the activities you can undertake along this trail include:

• Hiking the Maze Overlook trail: This trail offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy several prehistoric pictographs and the Harvest Scene.
• Motorcycling through the Flint Trail Road: Motorcycling through this road offers the perfect way to explore interesting sites like the Doll House and Maze Overlook.
• Exploring the Chocolate Drops Trail: This trail will need you to apply exceptional motorcycling skills. It is the best trail where you can zig and zag among several canyons and ridges.
• Visiting the Land of Standing Rocks: This area is home to the most unique and amazing rock formations in Canyonlands National Park. Touring this road will allow you to view the popular Chimney Rock.

Bottom Line

Canyonlands National Park is an exciting place for any motorcycle enthusiast to be. The Maze and the White Rim Road are the primary highlights for motorcycle road touring in the park. They provide the perfect place for any adventure-thrilling seeker to be. Consider financing a new or used motorcycle to add fun to your riding adventure to Canyonlands Nation Park.