Planning a Thanksgiving week trip (9dys) to towards Utah

Nick · 10-08-2014, 10:19 PM

What are some of the must see areas, and routes...
Zion , Brice , grand Teton perhaps?
Any must do roads for a Camburg lifted BFG, LSD and full recovery gear.

Any takers that would like to come along, my wife is a cameras freak and Im a MTB lover.

c7train · 10-08-2014, 10:42 PM

Canyon lands are beautiful. I don't know about the hardcore trails, but it's a pretty place for sure.

new2tx · 10-14-2014, 05:20 PM

If you are going to Zion and Bryce I would suggest Gooseberry Mesa for some nice MTB trails. Not sure about any off road routes in the area. If you get to Moab there are many options for MTB trails and some nice off road routes. Consider Gemini Bridges to get you started.

86Scotty · 10-14-2014, 06:24 PM

Monument Valley too.

**daveb** · 10-14-2014, 08:24 PM

The Snake River road in the Grand Teton's is a easy drive I'd suggest in summer but would think that by Thanksgiving it would be snowed in. For that matter isn't it on the cold side around any of those spots in late November??? A few years back I drove from Kolob res and drove towards Ceder City on Kanarra and Kolob Terrace roads during the first week of November and ran into light snow. Nice easy drive but not a must see run. Better than the highway though and never needed four wheel drive. Gooseberry Mesa on the other hand was a sloppy mess in spots due to the rains but still doable in 2wd. Who knows, maybe you'll snag some great weather. Enjoy your trip and post some pics when you get a chance.

dparkwy · 10-15-2014, 11:57 AM

Re Grand Teton, I'd agree w/Dave B that snow will likely be down around here by Thanksgiving. Certainly most of the higher elevation mtb trails will be unrideable. Southern Utah/Northern AZ will be a better bet for bike riding.

REF · 10-16-2014, 07:07 PM

Thinking of Moab for thanksgiving week.

**macmcintire** · 10-16-2014, 09:02 PM

Note that I am from Wyoming and lived in Las Vegas before moving here two years ago.

By Thanksgiving Yellowstone will be closed. Access in the Tetons will probably be limited. If there is a lot of snow the skiers will be in the area in mass.

I would suggest you explore all of central and Southern Utah and northern Arizona at that time of year. Bryce could have snow, but it shouldn't be so bad you won't be able to enjoy the canyon. Arches and Canyonlands should be perfect. Zion also should be nice. Explore Monument Valley and the four corners area. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon may be closed, but the South Rim will be accessible. Sedona is always beautiful. Plenty to do in those areas for nine days.

Have a great time!

Nick · 10-16-2014, 11:13 PM

Great feedback everyone, thanks!

I'm currently mapping the route as it sounds like a nice pre-Xmas trip. I'll post it soon just in case anyone would like to meet. Temperatures from what I found online will below freezing at Nigth so I guess, being from SoCal I'll get a chance to use my heater and those wool blankets.

Heading for Anza B next week end with the Cameraclub; Im really looking forward to these two last end of the year camping trips.

Again thank everyone for the feedback.

boywonder · 10-18-2014, 08:33 AM

Go to Moab and ride the whole enchilada.....or at least Porcupine Rim from Burro. You may be able to get to the Burro trail head with 2WD, there was no way when I went with my Honda Element a couple of years ago. If the Burro trail head is snowed-in, start from the Hazard trail head. You lose the upper higher elevation stuff, but it's still pretty epic.

These two upper pieces of Procupine are great; this is my favorite ride, well worth doing......and there are zillions of other Moad rides as I'm sure that you are aware.

There is great camping along the Colorado river on rt 128 as well; there are about a half-dozen campgrounds there, close to Negro Bill Canyon where Porcupine ends. Hal campground, etc. Makes for an easy shuttle or ride back to camp.