Two-up on the Moki Dugway and Valley of the Gods Road

[RCinNC]

Hello All,

I was planning some routes out west, and was looking for some input on the Mokli Dugway and the Valley of the Gods Road in Utah. I'll be riding two-up, and wanted to know if either one of these roads would present any difficulties. I've ridden a lot on gravel here in NC, so that in itself isn't a problem. The roads look fine when I watched them on Youtube, but first hand information is always good too.

I was also curious about riding two-up on Old Monarch Pass in Colorado....

 

[WJBertrand]

Hello All,

I was planning some routes out west, and was looking for some input on the Mokli Dugway and the Valley of the Gods Road in Utah. I'll be riding two-up, and wanted to know if either one of these roads would present any difficulties. I've ridden a lot on gravel here in NC, so that in itself isn't a problem. The roads look fine when I watched them on Youtube, but first hand information is always good too.

I was also curious about riding two-up on Old Monarch Pass in Colorado....

Haven't done the Valley of the Gods, but Moki Dugway should be very doable. Piece of cake going down it in the rain on a Tenere.

 

[AVGeek]

Both are pretty easy roads (what an old friend of mine would call "Cadillac dirt"). While a couple of the guys I was riding with did air down (they had the stock tires), I didn't bother, although I did have K60s. We were fully loaded at the time, since we were heading to the Tenere rally in Ouray.

 

[RCinNC]

Cadillac dirt sounds like just the ticket, AVGeek; challenging my skill set isn't something I want to do with a passenger. I was concerned about any deep sand, since it's tough to tell from the videos I've seen whether that was present on the roads.

 

[eemsreno]

The Moki is a joki , A Ferrari would be fine on it. If you are going to be in the Moab area check out Shaffer switchbacks dropping down out of Canyon Lands Nat. Park, It is fine 2 up but very impressive .
The Valley road is a little more remote but would still be easy 2 up. I would highly recommend riding out to Muley Point Utah. And Goosenecks overlook.
I have not ridden the Old Monarch Pass but I have looked at the east entrance and it looks a little rough, picture on the web look fine though.
Another road in that area that I have ridden over that you might enjoy is Marshall Pass an old train bed.

Valley road

Shaffer road

Muley Point

 

[RCinNC]

I see there is a Gooseneck Overlook near White Rim Rd off Shafer Canyon Rd, and a Goosenecks Overlook over on UT 24 in Capitol Reef National Park; which one are you referring to?

 

[eemsreno]

I'm talking about the one right at the bottom of the Moki Dugway. It is paved all the way.

 

[RCinNC]

LOL, Utah must have run out of names. That's the third "Gooseneck Overlook" in the same general area. That's the one I'd like to see, though (the one on the Mokl Dugway, in Gooseneck State Park).

 

[eemsreno]

RC
What time of year are you two going?
Utah is a desert and very hot in summer.
I could go on forever but if your in that area you might like Buffalo Pass , I seen a pop up on Google Earth about it being the steepest curviest paved road in the USA, It was very good!

How about Canyon De Chelly.

Just trying to help.

 

[RCinNC]

Most likely it'll be late June or early July. I was through there several years back on my Harley around that same time, and it was hot but not unbearably so (for me). I wasn't out in the bush, though. My girlfriend lived for years in Tucson, so she's accustomed to the desert climate. Definitely I'll have my Camelback with me!

 

[bob dirt]

I've ridden a Harley road King and a Goldwing up Moki Dugway. Wasn't too bad

 

[stubble]

If you neef another voice, I did both on a K1200S, two up, no drama. Such an incredible area.

 

[mebgardner]

July starts to get really hot, esp. dropping off the rim country into the desert bottom.

The two routes you've mentioned are fine two-up, going up or down in altitude.

*However*, July also approaches the beginning of monsoon season.

If it were me, I would stay off Utah backcountry roads (including MD and VOG), if rain was in the forecast. Rain turns those normally tame "Cadillac dirt" roads into muck that takes a chisel to pry off when dry, and *very* exciting to ride into / through it.

It's a Go if No Rain.

Last tip: Take Extra Water. There's plenty of traffic (if no rain), but if you're unlucky and get a flat, you're gonna cook some out there until either rescue via truck, or fix a flat.

Take Extra Water and consider taking temporary shade, like a rain fly that packs down small. Just think about it.

 

[stubble]

Just a couple of pics for inspiration. That's my mom. She did 3000 miles with me that trip. ::008:: ::001::

 

[Checkswrecks]

Awesome to be able to share that adventure with her!

 

[~TABASCO~]

I've ridden those same roads. What a great trip and experience!

 

[RCinNC]

Thanks to all for the input. I've added the Moki Dugway and the Valley of the Gods Road to the trip. I guess the biggest challenge now will be finding a motel room in that general area during the tourist season.

 

[RCinNC]

Just a couple of pics for inspiration. That's my mom. She did 3000 miles with me that trip. ::008:: ::001::

Man, I think it's great that you did that with your Mom. She must be one cool lady.

 

[75bronco]

Recapture lodge is best place in bluff. The coffee house is a great place to eat a burger.

 

[EricV]

The San Juan Inn in Mexican Hat is a great place to stay. Has a restaurant there, excellent people and views. The old rooms are clean and tidy, but 50's size. They have newer rooms and group accommodations too. http://www.sanjuaninn.net/