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Traversing Utah's National Parks On Two Wheels

Yvette Streicher
Yvette StreicherMarch 19, 2024 ·
Traversing Utah's National Parks On Two Wheels

You can hike up red rocks and ski down mountains — but have you explored the wonder of Utah’s National Parks on two wheels?

With 14 national parks and monuments, the wonderment of this area is more than worthy of planning a moto trip around.

If you're renting a motorcycle in Salt Lake City, here's one ride you can't miss!

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Starting Point: Moab, Utah

Incredible rock formations, mesas, and buttes carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers in Moab are sights not to be missed. Here are some of the most spectacular destinations to plan your trip around:

Arches National Park

More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches are just some natural wonders to feast your eyes on. The jaw-dropping landscapes look more like a Hollywood set designer created them than Mother Nature.

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Dead Horse Point State Park
Photo Courtesy of discovermoab.com

Dead Horse Point State Park

Immense vertical cliffs nestled against canyons carved by ice, water, and wind create the perfect view over the Colorado River. Utah State Parks have some of the darkest night skies in the U.S., so book a motorcycle campsite to enjoy a starry night like no other.

Canyonlands National Park

Rivers divide the park into four parts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. Boasting hundreds of miles of trails for four-wheel driving and hiking, the area is best known for the 100-mile White Rim Road—it has some of the best mountain biking terrain around.

Eddie McStiff's

After all your outdoor adventures, stop by this family-friendly place to rest your feet and re-fuel. Home to Moab’s largest selection of beers on tap and a vast menu, there is something for everyone.

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Oljato-Monument Valley

1st Stop: Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah

Wind and water are the heroes here, having spent the last 50 million years carving out a stunning landscape. Bring your camera to capture the red rocks kissing the bluest sky imaginable.

Navajo National Park

This park was established in 1909 to preserve the archaeological and cultural heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Masterful villages known as "Houses on the Cliff" might make you feel silly for complaining about your kid's "complicated" Lego set.

Spend the night in a tent, gaze upon the stars.

Pack your overnight bags! This overnight stay will have you nestled in the historic Mitchell Butte with 360º views of 14 monuments. The night sky here is so deep and clear that you might just stay up all night counting shooting stars, planets, and whatever else you might glimpse.

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Goulding's Museum & Trading Post

This museum houses the history of the Wild West alongside the stories written by Hollywood. The property also has lodging, a laundromat, gas station, and a stagecoach restaurant.

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2nd Stop: Mexican Hat, Utah

This location got its name from a rock formation that, from some angles, looks like a sombrero.

Goosenecks State Park

This small park offers big views.The San Juan River has flowed through it for over 300 million years, creating a deeply cut river bed that is truly magnificent.

The Swingin' Steak

Don't try this at home folks. Simple meals cooked to perfection right before your eyes. This unique grilling method has swinging grates that move back and forth over the open flames cooking your hunk o' meat to just the right temperature.

Moki Dugway

Do not pass this part of the route up on your way out of Mexican Hat! The Dugway, carved into the face of the cliff edge of Cedar Mesa, consists of 3 miles of steep, unpaved, but well-graded switchbacks. The excitement of this road is only made better by the views along the way.

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Fry Canyon

These slot canyons can be accessed right from the road. While this is a popular spot for Canyoneering, it's generally a low-traffic destination. You'll find great views, camping, and a perfect spot to watch the sun set.

3rd Stop: Boulder, Utah

Boulder's population may be small, but the scenes, views, fine dining, and more are way big.

Swing Arm City

Destination dirt bike. This "free ride" area allows you to explore since there are no designated trails (there are designated riding areas, though). The massive jumps make this a perfect place to test your skills, or just watch the experts catch some air.

Capitol Reef State Park

In the heart of red rock country, this state park features cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold—a buckle in the Earth's surface that's almost 100 miles long.

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Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm

The chefs here were nominated by the James Beard Foundation for the 2020 season as some of the best in the Mountain Region. Their commitment to sustainability, environmental ethics, and social responsibility within the community and beyond makes their incredible food taste that much better. After you fill your belly, fill a shopping bag with goodies from their farmstand shop.

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Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm

Calf Creek Falls Recreation Area

This area has pretty much unlimited—not to mention, world-class—hiking and backpacking options for visitors. The breathtaking scenery does not see many tourists so you can experience an extensive network of slot canyons and slickrock in a serene environment.

4th Stop: Bryce, Utah

Blue skies by day, and glitter-filled skies by night. There is so much heart-stirring scenery here that it is hard to experience it all in one trip.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is not a single canyon, but a series of natural amphitheaters, or bowls, carved into the edge of a high plateau. Bryce's red rock pillars (called hoodoos) are more concentrated here than anywhere else on the planet.

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The Stone Hearth Grille

The menu here is small but mighty, featuring local and seasonal specialties. The sunset and stargazing is so incredible, you'll have to make sure your dinner doesn't get cold while you stare in awe.

Bryce Amphitheater

This is the most visited part of Bryce Canyon—and for good reason. The pink cliffs and vistas explode in an array of colors at both sunrise and sunset. The golden hour makes for the perfect lighting for photo ops.

5th Stop: Springdale, Utah

This town, loaded with charm, is located just outside the boundary of Zion National Park. The picture-perfect sunrise—seen from anywhere in Springdale—and prismatic sandstone are sites to behold.

Zion National Park

Zion is Utah's first national park. The massive sandstone cliffs standing in stark contrast to the blue sky can be seen from every angle. Be sure to keep an eye out for the smaller things like the wide variety of flora and fauna. River trips, horseback riding, birding, canyoneering, and more are all ways to explore this historic landscape and topography.

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Zion Red Rocks Oasis

The Oasis is an expansive estate with stunning 360º views from its outdoor decks and balconies. Between the swimming pool, private lake access, a theater, and an indoor soccer field, being bored won't ever cross your mind at this locale, just 10 minutes from Zion National Park.

Bit & Spur

Cocktails, mocktails, and margaritas…oh my. Their local fare includes tamales, rellenos, and tacos—just to name a few. A rotating art show featuring local artists is another element that enhances the atmosphere.

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You can check out the route map for this National Park tour here.*

*Ok, we know some of these points are far from each other, so depending on your endurance and bike, you might need to add a few rest stops to stretch your legs for the night. If you do and you find something awesome, let us know!

Have a favorite road or road trip to share with the Twisted Road community? Share your story with the Twisted Road community. Email us at [email protected]

You could be featured on our motorcycle-sharing blog and score some Twisted Road gear!

Yvette Streicher
Yvette Streicher

A graphic designer by day, and by night, and by weekend. Yvette wears many hats and Twisted Road is one of them. She has a passion for trying new things and pushing herself to grow. The opportunity to see all the incredible bikes (and routes) on Twisted Road has given a lot of inspiration for what's next.

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