Southwest Utah: Dual Sport Riding from St. George

[RedRockRider]

Took a little ride with inmate RingoKelly earlier today. Good to break up the week! Went down to Bloomington and started onto dirt at the end of Navajo Drive. Did a 3-4 hour loop. Reached a high point above the Virgin River Gorge, passed close to the Apex Mine, then descended past Bloomington Cave. New territory for RingoKelly. He was impressed with the views even though the weather was average.

Our bikes at one of the Virgin River overlook points. Easy to look down onto I-15, near Cedar Pockets.




Here's the man with his trusty KLX250S. I think he has a red too, plus about 5 other bikes.




Took a short break on top one of the bluffs before dropping back down. It really is a lot more scenic than it looks.




I've done lots of rides starting at Navajo Drive. The listing on page 1. Rides #3, #17, #44, #95, #142, #264, #285, #317, #411. Best ones are #44 on page 3, #95 on page 7, and #411 on page 28. Overall, this is a great area.

We did see about 15-20 ATVs, all in a big group. Lots of dust down low, but easy to avoid. Friendly people out having a good time. As always, thanks inmates and lurkers for checkin' in. Ride safe out there.

[ringokelly]

RRR, that was a great ride and appreciate the guidance. It really was scenic and amazing how many fire roads and trails there are. We could have gone on for 3 more days and never see it all. Thx mucho!

Ringo

[RedRockRider]

Had a great ride with Dad this weekend. South onto the AZ Strip from Washington Fields. We were intending to follow BLM 1035, also known as the Sunshine Trail on Google Maps, about 20 miles south (between East and West Mesa) to Navajo Trail. We'd then return to St. George via BLM 1069, the "dirt highway" from Mount Trumbull Schoolhouse.

For those following along, here's the map:




We either missed a sign (marker) or just turned east too soon. Lots of little roads/tracks in this area. Often when Dad and I go out exploring we don't have a firm destination/route in mind. I'd say more of a general direction. All good.

So, we turned east and followed along a powerline road. Lots of little ups and downs, a few spots with loose gravel and washed out dry stream crossings. Wouldn't be a good place after dark or in the rain (mud). Gradually we realized we missed the 1035 turn to the south, but we just continued on the powerline road towards the Hurricane Cliffs. These cliffs are very prominent and visible for many miles. We knew from prior rides that we'd hit BLM 1036 (not a good road) at the base of the cliffs and be able to turn back north. Rode home through Warner Valley. Lots of dust. About 65 miles, lots of it at slower speeds. Will have to try again for 1035. Promises to be a good ride deeper out onto the Strip.


About 10 miles south of St. George, crossing in to AZ. Little Black Mountain Petroglyph site in this area. Also easy to access from the River Road exit onto the AZ Strip. Navajo Trail was our intended destination. Good reason for another ride, hopefully soon!




Starting out on BLM #1035. We let a guy in a truck get a little distance on us. Too much dust for close following.




Quick elevation gains once you enter AZ. Nice dirt curves!




Following the powerlines. We're off-track at this point, but probably could still loop around to find 1035, but the riding is good so we keep going.




Park the bikes and take a look around at the top of a little hill climb. Just enough loose rocks to make it interesting. Pine Valley Mountain in the background.




Big powerlines. These same powerlines extend west to the Gypsum Mine by the Black Rock Road exit on the AZ/UT border. Same powerlines cross Virgin River then climb Beaver Dam Mountains (Apex Mine area), then descend Bull Dog Canyon to Old Highway 91 in Nevada.




Cool gate. Take a pic. Carried extra gas, but didn't end up coming close to needing any of it.




Dad on his Honda. Good bike for these roads. Dad is always up for exploring. Much more about the "journey" rather than the "destination." Get out and ride with your dad and/or son. I always appreciate the Dad/son rides posted on ADV.




Impressive multi-colored rock almost everywhere you look. Lots of erosion patterns. This is canyon country.




Dad checking back on me. I had the camera out frequently, always looking for the best backdrop.




View of the Hurricane Cliffs. Mostly white rock. Very prominent. By this time, we have formulated the new plan to go back north, then cross Warner Valley. Always a chance of an impassable washout though. Until you connect with familiar roads you never know.




Lots of easy, flowing sections between the rocky steep spots.




We hook back onto a "known" road, BLM #1036. Turn north to head back to Utah.




Here's Dad popping through one of the easier wash crossings. All the standard hazards: lips/ledges to enter or exit, deep loose sand or gravel in the bottom, and most often lots of big rocks. Nothing ominous here. Even though this is only ~20 miles from St. George, you probably wouldn't see another person here all day. Area is just too vast, lots of little dirt tracks, and a very small number of people once you leave town.




Some early Mormon Pioneer history. This was a rough wagon road to the St. George Temple. I assume the couples had different accommodations for the coming and going trips. http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__g...oon_trail.html




The road improves markedly as you go north towards Hurricane. The red rock bluff is very visible from the south end of Warner Valley.




Here's Dad on a different section of road. We were enjoying using the higher gears on our bikes after picking through a lot of slower stuff earlier.




Rather than continuing north to Hurricane and coming home via pavement (backside of Sand Hollow Reservoir would be best), we turn west and go through Warner Valley. Lots of dirt bike and ATV off-roading here. Easy access to Sand Mountain.




Dad in Warner Valley with the red bluff and Hurricane Cliffs directly behind him.




Late afternoon light on some of the cliffs of Sand Mountain. Great ride Dad, thanks!




Hope all you inmates and lurkers and starting to enjoy the holiday season. Best to all!

[UpST8]

Great stuff RRR!!! Wish my old man and I were able to ride together, that's some precious time right there.

[TheAdmiral]

AZ Strip Power line Ride looked like a fun ride. Desert(ish) riding makes me daydream of what it must have been like back in the old horse riding days, only we get to travel the distances quicker. I still think it is so neat your dad goes out on the rides with you! Take Care.

[G19Tony]

That's great that you and your Dad ride together. I'd give an awful lot for another day with my Dad.

I'll be up your way in a few months. I live in LV, and plan to ride that area when I start getting time off. Get a cheap hotel and truck the bike up for day trips.

[RedRockRider]

Thanks, UpST8, TheAdmiral, G19Tony.

Dad and I both recognize our good fortune to be able to ride together so often . . . special times!

G19Tony - St. George has lots of inexpensive hotels along the main street, St. George Blvd. Give me a "heads up" when you come this way. We can catch a ride together. Lots of nice scenery, different from Las Vegas.

Merry Christmas to all!

[RedRockRider]

We had a bad stretch of weather, some rain, cold and overcast. Not typical for St. George. Been busy with holiday parties, work, family affairs -- all good. Finally had a sunny day so I used the Zuma for some errands around town. My nephew used the Zuma all summer. He added a few decorations for me.




And the decorations. Very 1970s.




And the family on X-mas morning. Big smiles all around. Best wishes for 2013 to all.

[telejojo]

How far are you from Monument Valley? I just bought a Zuma this week It's about the only bike my wife will ride.

[RedRockRider]

Hey telejojo - thanks for checkin' out the thread.

Monument Valley is about 300 miles (~ 5 hours) from St. George. Might be kind of far for the Zuma! St. George is in the far southwest corner of Utah (mostly north from Las Vegas). Monument Valley is on the southern border of Utah with Arizona, but close to the southeast corner, past Lake Powell. Great roads and (high speed) riding, but a long ways.

Hopefully your wife likes the Zuma. Great scoots for around town. Happy riding in 2013!

[o0synge0o]

Subscribed! Tons of great info in close proximity to me!

[StG]

Hey R3,

Enjoy your ride reports. Got to say, there are great views from almost everywhere around St George, but I think the below spot is one of my favorites!

Was wondering if you have been up the honeymoon trail & if it's beginner friendly?

Originally Posted by RedRockRider

[RedRockRider]

Hey StG -- I have not been up the Honeymoon Trail, but I don't think it is beginner friendly. From the sign the trail climbs steeply. There appears to be several switchbacks and loose rock. Worth checking out, but proceed with caution.

Hey o0synge0o -- Did I get that name right? With family places in New Harmony and Duck Creek area, this is your back yard.

Lots of ride descriptions in Post #1 of this thread if you haven't found it already. Keep in touch if/when you like to go for a ride. Must be more inmates/lurkers in St. George area also. Ride safe out there.

[Bob]

RRR, did you get out on the sleds?
Sent you a PM
Happy New Year!

[Desertwater]

Originally Posted by StG

Hey R3,

Enjoy your ride reports. Got to say, there are great views from almost everywhere around St George, but I think the below spot is one of my favorites!

Was wondering if you have been up the honeymoon trail & if it's beginner friendly?

The honeymoon trail is hit or miss. It depends greatly on recent weather and the number of atvs that have been up it since that weather. The whole way up is loose gravel with a sprinkling of "baby head" rocks just to keep it interesting. There are two area with substantial rock bands crossing the trail that require good ledge technique as well as some off camber riding skills. If its monsoon season or after a heavy rain forget about it for a few weeks as it becomes severely rutted from runoff. I ride it regularly on my 690 and have been both up and down it on my old 800GS with no issues. That said if you are not comfortable riding the type of terrain described above stick to Warner Valley or the upper plateau. If you are comfortable I strongly recommend it. Not only does the top offer a fantastic view of the lower valley it opens up quite a lot of riding on top.