2. Blanding to Moab
BLANDING TO MOAB – 179 miles
Leaving Blanding, you’ll quickly start climbing into the Abajo Mountains, with a stunning collection of blissful switchbacks through tall pine and aspen forest. After descending from the Abajos, take a short detour to fill your tank in Monticello before heading out on a nice paved ride over Harts Draw Road. At the intersection of Hwy 211 you’ll have a choice to make. The main route continues east towards the La Sal Mountains with fuel available in the tiny town of La Sal and the harder route follows Lockhart Basin Road, one of the toughest sections of any BDR. The scenery in the La Sal Range is similar to the Abajos with spectacular views and high elevations like Geyser Pass. The Lockhart option is a 78-mile trip from Indian Creek to Moab and has a similar setting to the White Rim in Canyonlands National Park across the Colorado River.
WARNING! Do not attempt Lockhart Basin if you are not proficient in advanced riding. Bring along plenty of water and snacks to help you stay hydrated and energized. Both fuel and supplies are available at the Needles Outpost, a short distance from the turn-off to Lockhart Basin Road.
2. Blanding to Moab
BLANDING TO MOAB – 179 miles
Leaving Blanding, you’ll quickly start climbing into the Abajo Mountains, with a stunning collection of blissful switchbacks through tall pine and aspen forest. After descending from the Abajos, take a short detour to fill your tank in Monticello before heading out on a nice paved ride over Harts Draw Road. At the intersection of Hwy 211 you’ll have a choice to make. The main route continues east towards the La Sal Mountains with fuel available in the tiny town of La Sal and the harder route follows Lockhart Basin Road, one of the toughest sections of any BDR. The scenery in the La Sal Range is similar to the Abajos with spectacular views and high elevations like Geyser Pass. The Lockhart option is a 78-mile trip from Indian Creek to Moab and has a similar setting to the White Rim in Canyonlands National Park across the Colorado River.
WARNING! Do not attempt Lockhart Basin if you are not proficient in advanced riding. Bring along plenty of water and snacks to help you stay hydrated and energized. Both fuel and supplies are available at the Needles Outpost, a short distance from the turn-off to Lockhart Basin Road.
3 Step Hideaway
3 Step Hideaway, La Sal, UT Authentic accommodations for the adventure motorcycle traveler in the heart of Utah. Magical landscapes, old west hospitality, and epic adventures await you during your stay at 3 Step Hideaway. Proprietor Scott Stevenson and his family have been longtime generous supporters of the Backcountry Discovery Routes. Accommodations include cabins, tee-pee’s, camping, a cantina and a bike shop. Address: 2430 Lisbon Valley Rd. PO Box 252, La Sal, UT 84530 Phone: (435) 249-5567 Visit Website »
Abajo Mtns Views
UTBDR POI
Arches National Park
UTBDR POI
Bears Ears Pass 8506'
Bears Ears Pass 8506′ The next detour off the UTBDR takes riders on a more than five-mile journey each way to a pass between the “ears” of Bears Ears. The distinctive rock towers can be seen for miles, and Bears Ears Pass takes riders right between the two buttes near the southern end of Elk Ridge. Named for the prominent towers, the recently established Bears Ears National Monument gives the area a name but there’s no official visitor center to see in this remote area. Nearby the Kane Gulch Ranger Station is the closest thing to a visitor center. From the pass, it’s easy to ride on for a few more miles to reach the long-standing Natural Bridges National Monument which has a campground in addition to rare natural features to photograph. Visit Website »
Big Spring Canyon Overlook
Big Spring Canyon Overlook (Lockhart) Near your gas stop at Needles Outpost on the Lockhart Basin section of the UTBDR you’ll find the entrance to the Needles District of Canyonlands. The visitor center can answer any questions and guide you to things to do in this corner of Canyonlands National Park. Just inside the entrance there are a couple easy things to see including a roadside cliff ruin, Wooden Shoe Arch, and several overlook viewpoints. Hiking trails over more opportunities to explore if you plan to stay for the day. This is a beautiful part of Canyonlands and it’s easy access from the BDR. Visit Website »
Birthing Scene Petroglyph Rock
Birthing Scene Petroglyph Panel (Lockhart)
Elephant Hill
Unpaved Road and Elephant Hill Rd
Geyser Pass 10,538'
Geyser Pass in La Sal Mtns 10,538′ Visit Website »
Gooseberry Guard Station Meadow
Gooseberry Guard Station Meadow For another scenic stop that’s virtually right on the route, a short driveway leads riders to the Gooseberry Guard Station Meadow. The beautiful meadow is surrounded by aspens and could be used to camp in a pinch. There might be maps and brochures available at this Manti-La Sal National Forest ranger station but the building is not staffed to support visitors. A steep and rocky hiking trail begins near the meadow and is open to motorcycles but it’s not for adventure bikes. Gooseberry is mostly just a scenic spot where you can take a short breather, or get in some rest before continuing on to the next adventure and the next stop on the UTBDR. Visit Website »
Hamburger Rock CG
146 Lock Hart Rd Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Hurrah Pass 4780'
Hurrah Pass (Lockhart) Now that the extreme Lockhart Basin route is over its time to let out a big “hurrah” and look ahead to the next adventure on the UTBDR. This point of the journey brings riders to Hurrah Pass and the expectation of a tamer ride ahead. That’s because the mountain pass marks the very northern end of the expert section of the route approaching Moab. Views at the pass include red rock towers, colorful potash ponds, and the Colorado River. Take some time to soak in all the scenery during this part of the ride, before coming up on a much-needed stop to stock up on fuel, food, and other supplies to continue the journey ahead. Visit Website »
Johnson Creek Viewpoint
Johnson Creek Viewpoint
La Sal - Food & Gas
La Sal Store It may be tiny in size compared to other towns on the route, but La Sal marks a necessary stop for riders who need to make a quick stop to fuel up before getting to the much larger town of Moab. The one-store town of La Sal offers a chance to grab some fuel, drinks and snacks at La Sal General Store before heading north through the La Sal Mountains. Note that the expert only Lockhart Basin route bypasses La Sal on the way north to Moab
Monticello - Food, Gas, Lodging
Monticello, UT Depending on your gas situation, you might have to stop off in Monticello. They have restaurants and lodging options in town too. The town is a 5.5 mile side trip from the UTBDR. Phone: (435) 587-2271 Visit Website »
Moonflower Canyon Access
Moonflower Canyon Access (Lockhart) Visit Website »
Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument Natural Bridges National Monument has a one-way paved loop road with overlooks for each of the three rare natural bridges (Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo). The bridges are visible from the viewpoints, but the best way to see them is to hike down a bit. Another short trail leads to a view of a cliff dwelling known as Horse Collar Ruin. Natural bridges are different than arches in that bridges have a watercourse running under them and having three in close proximity is why this park was created. There is a nice campground and visitor center at the National Monument. If you camp at the park, ask the rangers if they are hosting a star-gazing event after dark. While this is a longer side trip from the UTBDR than most discovery points, it’s a great place to discover. Visit Website »
Needles Outpost - Food & Gas
Needles Outpost – (Lockhart) When riding the expert-only Lockhart Basin route, it’s a necessity to fuel-up at Needles Outpost. While the fuel is expensive at the outpost, it’s worth every penny to top off a tank at this off-the-beaten-path store. The stocked location is also a good spot for riders to load up on drinks and snacks. Check out the campground if there’s not enough time to get through Lockhart. Found right next to an entrance of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, the outpost also provides showers and other necessary facilities for overnight visitors passing through this section of the southern UTBDR. Visit Website »
Newspaper Rock Petroglyph Panel
Newspaper Rock Petroglyph Panel Like reading a newspaper from cover to cover, trace back generations of Anasazi, Fremont, Navajo and other cultures’ artists with a visit to Newspaper Rock Petroglyph Panel. Likely carved starting 2,000 years ago, the rock called Tse’ Hane in Navajo translates to “rock that tells a story”. What a story it is, as hundreds of images cover the rock art panel, altogether combining to form one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs in the nation. View a mix of animals, humans and symbols at this well-preserved site, located at the upper end of Indian Creek Canyon. Visit Website »
North Creek Pass 10,312'
North Creek Pass 10,312′ There are many viewpoints to experience as riders round the Abajo Mountains, but one place in particular offers amazing views to the south. A switchback at an elevation of 9,391 feet offers up some of the best views looking out over the white spine of Comb Ridge and Cedar Mesa. Out in the distance it’s even possible to take in the Carrizo Mountains of northeast Arizona. Referred to by locals as The Blues, this remote mountain range is a popular spot for outdoor fun, attracting UTBDR riders, hunters and other thrill seekers in search of the next backcountry adventure. Visit Website »
UT2 - Blanding to Moab
UT2 ALT EXPERT - Lockhart Basin
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