7 Tips for Touring in Southeast Utah

In 2023, I finally had the paid time off and income to do a tour of southeast Utah. It’s a long story, but I’d originally planned to do the trip in 2011. For a variety of reasons, I ended up delaying the trip each year for more than a decade.

When I did finally complete the tour in early October 2023, the trip proved to be what I hoped it would. But I learned a few things about riding in that region that I’m confident will make my – and hopefully your – next tour through that region even better.

Tip 1: Ride your route in both directions

The scenic views along several of my routes through southeast Utah – and the rest of the Four Corners region – were visually stunning. But several times I rolled off throttle and took a moment or two to look behind me. What I discovered was another gorgeous scene unlike the one I just ridden past on my then-present course. Next time I tour through the region, I’ll make it a point to ride the scenic routes – such as U.S. Route 163 from Bluff, Utah, to Kayenta, Ariz., or State Route 95 from Hanksville, Utah, to Bluff, Utah – both east and west or north and south.

Tip 2: The views from the Four Corners Monument are pretty good

Before visiting the Four Corners Monument, I figured it was probably sitting in the middle of a flat piece of nondescript desert. When I arrived, I discovered my assumption was quite mistaken. The views to the north, east and west are worth taking a few minutes to admire before or after you’ve stood on the monument with a limb in each of four states.

Tip 3: One of the best rides isn’t well-known

Though Monument Valley and the rides to and from it were amazing, the most spectacular of the scenic routes I rode was the one I added to the trip simply to take a different route out of the region than I’d taken into it. Utah State Route 95 runs from about 121 miles from just south of Blanding, Utah, to the outskirts of Hanksville, Utah, and riding it was by far the best part of my tour. The scenic views were not simply impressive or mesmerizing – when I’d finished riding the route, I was mentally overstimulated by the beauty that had relentlessly bombarded my vision. I’d ride through one absolutely picturesque desert valley, only to climb out of it and come upon yet another different but equally breathtaking scene. Note that there are no fuel stations – or much of anything man-made — along the road, but most motorcycles can make it the about 120 miles on a tank of fuel.

Tip 4: Don’t forget about Natural Bridges

Most of the hype you’ll hear about touring in southeast Utah centers around visiting Arches National Park or one of the two eastern entrances to Canyonlands National Park along U.S. Route 191. But don’t forget about the Natural Bridges National Monument near Blanding, Utah. The park boasts three stone bridges carved by the streams that do – or used to – flow under them. The park features a curvy, about 8.7-mile one-way loop that takes you to parking areas for each of the three bridges, as well as some other scenic views – including the Bear’s Ears twin peaks.

The natural bridges can’t be seen from the road, but it’s a short walk from each parking area to a prime viewing spot. And, for hiking enthusiasts, there are hiking paths from the canyon rim down to each of the bridges.

Tip 5: Have your throttle cables in spec

On several of my tours in the western United States, I’ve learned how much the thinner air at higher elevations can cause issues for a motorcycle’s fuel injection. Southeast Utah proved to be no exception. As I rolled into Monticello, Utah, at dusk, my throttle was acting pretty normal but felt a little off. That feeling was much more pronounced in the morning, and I spent 20 minutes parked at the state’s visitor’s center in Blanding, Utah, readjusting my throttle cables. Once I had the cable tension corrected, it was smooth riding from there. But, especially for any Yamaha FJR1300 owners, I highly suggest doing a throttle cable and idle speed adjustment to your motorcycle before heading to the region.

Tip 6: Give Maverik Adventure Stops a try

If you haven’t been to a Maverik gas station before, it’s more than worth stopping. For those from the east, it’s a bit like a Sheetz, Wawa or QuikTrip, though with a distinctly Out West theme. Billing itself as, “Adventure’s First Stop,” the Maverik stores I’ve been to feature very clean, modern restrooms and typical convenience store fare in addition to some of the best gas station food I’ve had. The breakfast options are excellent, including one breakfast burrito called the M.O.A.B. (Mother of All Burritos). Maverik stations are located throughout the Rocky Mountain region, so you’re sure to find one if you’re touring anywhere in Utah or Colorado.

Tip 7: If your bike ends up needing service, there is a motorcycle dealer in the region

When I was doing route planning for my 2023 tour in Google Maps, I stumbled upon a business called, “Hondaland,” on the eastern outskirts of Monticello, Utah. At first I figured it had to be a car dealership, as I doubted there’d be enough business in such a sparsely populated region to keep a motorcycle dealership financially afloat. But, a quick Google Street View check showed it was indeed a Honda motorcycle dealer. I stopped by it the morning of my Four Corners ride. It’s a small, older dealership with pleasant and knowledgeable staff who seem to really enjoy what they do. So, if your motorcycle experiences some unplanned mechanical issues while touring the region, know that there’s a dealer probably not too far away from wherever you’re riding or staying.