The day after Arches was designated to Canyonlands NP. We left our campsite and had brekkie at Peace Tree again, and grabbed a takeaway lunch. Canyonlands was a little over half an hour drive out of town; didn’t make it there until near midday. We checked out the visitor centre for hike options; Tanguys ears perked at the mention of White Rim Road, a 4wd dirt road running around the rim of the canyon some 3/400m below the top ledge. We checked out a cool view point of the road and Canyons below, then did a short hike to Mesa Arch on the cliff edge. After a day in Arches it wasn’t all that!
The Schaffer trail, which connected to White Rim Road
At which point, Tanguy got the go ahead to change plans and do White Rim road instead of more hikes at the top. After getting our permits and deflating our tyres we headed down the death-defying switchbacks along the Canyon wall… To say I was scared was an understatement! The road was steep, rough, sandy in corners, and degraded by run-off/use. Tanguy seemed to think it was in good condition. Don’t know what planet he’s from.
We carried on along the rim – a bumpy ride which we were forced to average slow speeds! Good practise for me to ‘pick a line’ over the least rough/rocky section of the road. We passed a group of mountain bikers, a few dirt bikes and a few jeeps, but the road wasn’t too busy at all. It was an almost one way lane in most sections – fortunately the jeeps were nice enough to wait for us at the uphill sections. After about an hour or so we realised there’s no way we would make the 100miles in an afternoon, so turned around, and found a cool overlook ledge to have lunch. The view was awesome and we lingered awhile taking pics and hanging our feet off the edge.
Lunch stop at the edge of the world
Musselman Arch
Carried on to see Musselman Arch, completely flat on top which was different. We also spotted a couple of mountain goats having a munch by the road on the way back. Managed to survive the ride up the switchbacks, easier uphill than down. Impressed with how well my 650 handled it, didn’t stall once regardless of how much I slowed down, and gave me more confidence in it’s off road abilities. Before I knew it we were safely back on smooth pavement, ahh so easy! Checked out Grand View point of the Canyon, then drove to Deadhorse State Park for sunset. Very cool view, including a wide bend in the Colorado river and bright blue salt flats of a mining company.
Canyonlands view point – good for realising how White Rim rd got its name
Drove back into town, not before the free range cows on the Plains decided that sunset was the best time to cross the road! Fortunately all jumping calves escaped unscathed. Had dinner at an American restaurant in town then back to camp to get some much needed sleep. Somehow we were both pretty exhausted
–Zoe
Second off-road experience, well done Zoë, don’t push too hard Tanguy!
You both still have a long way to ride to Prudhoe bay,
Question: was it worth it?
Baci on Sunday
I see, these Canyons are quite challenging but please you’re getting a little too adventurous T-boy !
Don’t forget, if something bad happens to one of you 2… in between these cliffs …you have than messed up your wonderful holiday and mab much more than that. Always think about that before you decide to be adventurous.
Thumbs up for Zoe ! You’re quite a girl but know that you don’t have to follow T in everything he does.” Live x fast and die young” was not ment for you ok.
xxx Mum