Thanks Sportster Doc

[SportsterDoc]

Doc, isn't Zion Canyon closed to traffic now? The only allowed traffic in the park is east-west through the tunnel, Carmel Junction to Springdale (which is awesome), but if you want to go to Zion Lodge you need to take the shuttle?

Yes, the road up to the narrow Virgin River Canyon is closed to traffic, other than shuttles, except the winter. East / west on 9 is open year round.

I have been up in the canyon, in the winter months, on different M/C, when there would have been no parking for a car/truck. There is a trail past the parking lot and restrooms. When the trail ends, walking in the river is necessary. A year or two ago, my wife discovered that her "snow boots" are NOT waterproof. Gorge so narrow, I lost satellite coverage on GPS, when we have gone up there in our truck!

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Zion+N...13.0263005

Zion is beautiful, but parking is very, very limited. Being able to pull over at a narrow spot on a bike is a big plus. Last trip there (Aug 27, riding one eyed), my Vrod friend was first to notice a group (herd?) of big horn sheep fairly close to the highway, but no place to stop, even on a bike.

[the Ferret]

We spotted big horn sheep when we visited Zion on the Bonneville in 2003, but none today. Did see a small group of Mule Deer on 14.

We did see a herd on 70 south of Denver on the way down ( also saw herd of elk and a herd of Bison)

[LongRanger_imp]

I've stayed at Zion Lodge on many motorcycle trips, back in the days when you could drive your vehicle up the canyon in the summer. It is beautiful. I've also hiked up the river trail (remember Weeping Rock?) and into the river past where the trail ends. Unsuspecting day hikers have been caught during sudden flash floods and drowned.

The Baby Butt 1000 that I held in 2001 ran through Zion, but most folks rode through at midnight and missed everything!

[redbirds_imp]

I've stayed at Zion Lodge on many motorcycle trips, back in the days when you could drive your vehicle up the canyon in the summer. It is beautiful. I've also hiked up the river trail (remember Weeping Rock?) and into the river past where the trail ends. Unsuspecting day hikers have been caught during sudden flash floods and drowned.

The Baby Butt 1000 that I held in 2001 ran through Zion, but most folks rode through at midnight and missed everything!

[peterbaron]

Glad you enjoyed it, but on a M/C is wonderful

Here you go, Peter: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cedar+Br...774769!3e0

Continuing east on 14 to Duck Creek goes through lava beds.

If you go to Zion National Park, enter from the east..much less traffic.

I am planning on taking my wife to Bryce and Zion in early November...but it will be in our truck.

[SportsterDoc]

Such beautiful country in that area.
In November, we plan to stay the first night in/near Bryce.
The second night either in a cabin at Zion Mountain Ranch (large herd of buffalo) or go down to Kanab to the Hampton Inn.
Zion Mountain Ranch has horse back rides, so I can get back in a saddle...but we have already been on that ride.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Aliante+...919823!3e0

BTW, if you are in the area, do not miss the German bakery on the east side of 89, near Orderville. However, its pea gravel parking lot was one of the reasons to put scrambler tires on the CB.

[4 Paws_imp]

I believe Utah is my favorite state to visit, amazing variety of scenery. Very clean also.

[the Ferret]

Doc, saw the bakery. Unfortunately because of my colitis, I cannot eat any of it. man do I miss pastries and pies and cakes.

Spent all day in Bryce. The scenery is amazing. We pic nic'd on the edge of nothing with a view of everything. Saw mule deer and antelope. Spent the last hour of the day sitting in our chairs on the precipice of the amphitheater at Sunset Point watching the sun dissapear bit by bit from the hoo doos.

Tomorrow, Ut 12, Grande Staircase Escalante and Coral Reef Natl Park.

The last time Di and I rode here we were on our 2003 Triumph Bonneville back in 2003. Life has changed a lot in the 15 years in between.

Btw no CB's spotted and the west is chock full of Harley's , BMWs and KTMs.

[LongRanger_imp]

Ferret, sounds like an awesome trip so far. I love where you're at.

I think for tomorrow you meant Capital Reef Natl Park, not Coral Reef. If so, I highly recommend Cafe Diablo in Torrey, just before the park, for great eats. It's on Main Street -- you can't miss it.

[SportsterDoc]

Doc, saw the bakery. Unfortunately because of my colitis, I cannot eat any of it. man do I miss pastries and pies and cakes.

Spent all day in Bryce. The scenery is amazing. We pic nic'd on the edge of nothing with a view of everything. Saw mule deer and antelope. Spent the last hour of the day sitting in our chairs on the precipice of the amphitheater at Sunset Point watching the sun dissapear bit by bit from the hoo doos.

Tomorrow, Ut 12, Grande Staircase Escalante and Coral Reef Natl Park.

The last time Di and I rode here we were on our 2003 Triumph Bonneville back in 2003. Life has changed a lot in the 15 years in between.

Btw no CB's spotted and the west is chock full of Harley's , BMWs and KTMs.

Sorry for that. I am not much on cake (usually too dry) and not as much on cookies (as I used to be!), but pie and ice cream are still a major attraction.

My wife wanted me to take her to Blueberry Hill for lunch yesterday. There is a Bible book store next door and a grandson's birthday is coming up.

Considering the name of the restaurant, I had to have a slice of blueberry pie. Best I've had since Whidbey Island this past June.

Doc, saw the bakery. Unfortunately because of my colitis, I cannot eat any of it. man do I miss pastries and pies and cakes.

Spent all day in Bryce. The scenery is amazing. We pic nic'd on the edge of nothing with a view of everything. Saw mule deer and antelope. Spent the last hour of the day sitting in our chairs on the precipice of the amphitheater at Sunset Point watching the sun dissapear bit by bit from the hoo doos.

Tomorrow, Ut 12, Grande Staircase Escalante and Coral Reef Natl Park.

The last time Di and I rode here we were on our 2003 Triumph Bonneville back in 2003. Life has changed a lot in the 15 years in between.

Btw no CB's spotted and the west is chock full of Harley's , BMWs and KTMs.

12,523 miles in 10 months and I have not seen another CB1100, other than for sale at a dealership (Simi Valley, CA and Las Vegas, NV).
That is ranging from SoCal to Las Vegas, up to Tonopah, NV, SW Utah, NW Arizona and central Arizona. Not a one.

Harleys must be at least 90% of what I see.