I left Taos fairly late since the a temperature was a brisk thirty five degrees. I can’t believe how much time I spend being cold on this trip. Yes, it was the first time I have been without my heated gear this time of year as it’s still a bit early to take to the roadways in much of the county. Taos was no exception. I layered up and hoped for the best, and got it, that is until I reached the scenic high mountain pass between Tres Piedras and Chama. The mountain climbed to over 10,000 feet and the roadsides were covered in snow. It was a chilly ride, one where my fingers went numb and I was bone chilled. It’s difficult to keep your mind clear when you are so cold, somehow all you think about is being cold. I was glad to reach Chama and get inside to a cup of HOT tea which I not only savored but hovered over soaking up the heat!
Leaving Taos around 10am. I messed with the perspective for fun and decided my Versys looks pretty tough from this angle.
A versys streetfighter!
Rio Grand Gorge
My plan was to reach Moab on this day and after looking at my newly acquired maps, I discovered that I could do so fairly easily. The rest of the ride was gorgeous but several miles were very brisk. I was thrilled to get back down to the desert country around Monticello, UT where the air was dryer and warmer.
Outside of Taos is a area where Earthships are built. It’s actually quite the site, and sadly I didn’t stop so my photos are not the best but it will give you the idea. All these homes are off the grid, making their own power, composting waste and using the earth for warmth and cooling. They were pretty cool and I was wishing I had more time to check them out.
As I rose in elevation, I began seeing snow on the roadside. I had no idea how much more was ahead!
I had hot tea and homemade fries here and they were delicious. In fact all the food from the kitchen looked fabulous and freshly made. The portions were huge.
I don’t know what this butte is called, but witches tit seemed appropriate.
By the time I got to Moab, I was certainly ready!
Motels are not cheap in Moab, but I did find a good one that seemed a great deal. It was the Big Horn Lodge and while everything else in town was at least $100+ this was $78. The room was really cute, all knotty pine, with a great bed and plenty of hot hot water! 😉
Map Taos to Moab
I began by actually getting up early and getting on the road after a quick cup o’ coffee. I wanted to see Canyonlands, which I had not yet visited. Don’t skip this park if you get down there, as I did the first time Gary and I rode through the area. We went instead to Arches, which is also not to be missed, but this park is not overly crowded, great for hiking and with few tourists. I spent way longer than I should have, but enjoyed it immensely.
The Grand View
The combination of colors, I found amazing!
This is what traveling solo does to the portrait! Nice hair!!
Not a lot of wildflowers growing, but this flowering plant was seen now and again.
Versys queen of the desert!
Heading towards Hanksville.
Riding into Capitol Reef area, my very favorite National Park! There are many reasons why I love this place, but one is because it has all the beautiful warm colors of the sandstone desert, but also has water running through it. There are petroglyphs, wonderful hiking trails, and they even have amazing homemade pie at the historic Gifford Homestead. You can even pick fresh fruit when in season and see a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles. The park is truly am amazing place, one that is really quite undervalued.
What could possibly be more awesome!
I have to admit…I’m inclined to consider camping here…and that means a lot!
The astonishing Hwy 12.
Hwy 12 is probably one of my all time favorite highways. I simply never tire of the sights or the twisties. Only the speed limit vexes me, and that I push as much as I dare!
Hwy 89
This time I decided to make Cedar City so took 89 to the hwy 14 cutoff. As I turned onto the road I saw a reader board saying that the road was closed at Duck Creek Village only about 10 miles up the road.. I was frustrated about the prospect of routing another road when I saw a guy riding an ATV and flagged him down to ask if there was any other way around. He told me to take the Forest Service rode 061 right before Duck Creek and it would eventually connect to Hwy 143, unless there was too much snow and ice. Uh huh…how long is eventually?
I set off on another adventure over a road that seemed like it was in the middle of nowhere. I didn’t see another vehicle until I reached the ski area on the other side. Before the ski area, I experienced a very cold but gorgeous ride the summit being over 10,000 feet, but let me tell you just how pleased I was to be losing elevation and I careened downward to the valley below. Hwy 143 and the subsequent forest service road was a delight and one that I will be sure to ride again, in warmer weather.
Love seeing the progression of my dirty windscreen.
The summit of Hwy 143 near Brian’s Head ski area.
When I finally reached Cedar City the time was nearly 8pm. I was ready for a hot shower and a quick bite before bed in yet another motel room.
Map Moab to Cedar City
Next: the unexpected wind storm!