Joan Stockard sent a report on a trip she and Larry made in October 2007 in their new Jeep Rubicon --
What can I say except what a trip! Larry and I were just so blessed to see and experience so many of God’s wonders and beauty all along the way. How lucky we were to be running around parts of Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, doing much of it on back-roads and Jeep trails. This was definitely a different kind of adventure from our many awesome Harley trips.
Once across Texas we headed for Flagstaff, Arizona where we would enjoy the town and the surrounding areas for a few days before heading on to Utah. Flagstaff has a lot to offer from good eating places to the brightly lighted cute shops in historic downtown. And of course, it is a “Route 66 town.”
The next morning caught us heading north on Highway 89 to take in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We spent lots of time on and “off road” enjoying the magnificent Canyon, and we got lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a condor soaring up out of the Canyon walls. It was hard to believe that it was probably more than a mile away from where we stood watching. It looked as though we could have almost reached out and touched it. That’s just how huge these birds are in size. The drive back to Flagstaff that evening was along scenic Highway 180 where the views of Mt. Humphreys are fantastic, especially as the sun is setting.
After pigging out on some of the local breakfast tacos, another morning took us along Highway 89A to Sedona. It is a beautiful winding drive (made for Harley’s) that descends into Oak Creek Canyon. It is said by the locals to be “a drive never to be forgotten.” Once in Sedona we headed for the Red Rock Mountain cliffs and the Jeep trails that surround and look down onto Sedona. It was a fun day on the trails with spectacular views, but before leaving, we walked the main street and of course, visited the local Harley shop! The drive back to Flagstaff took us through the beautiful Coconino National Forest.
Williams, Arizona is just down the road from Flagstaff. If you like Route 66 towns this one definitely is “A Must.” It is so cute and well worth the visit. Somehow though Route 66 is just made for old cars and Harley’s! But back to Jeeping!
About ten miles out of Mexican Hat, Utah brought us to our next trail, a loop winding through the “Valley of The Gods” at Monticello, Utah. I wouldn’t want to do it on a bike, but you don’t have to have 4-wheel drive either to enjoy the beautiful and interesting Cedar Mesa sandstone monoliths and pinnacles.
At Monument Valley you just know that John Wayne is going to come riding around the bend with John Ford close behind directing the scene. We took lots of pictures!
Moab is sitting in the southeastern corner of Utah. It is surrounded by Arches and Canyonlands National Park, with the Colorado and Green Rivers winding through the awesome canyons. Capital Reef National Park and Natural Bridges National Monument are also nearby. The La Sal Mountains always seem to be in view with their snow capped peaks. There are Jeeps and more Jeeps everywhere you look. Our little Rubicon was truly at home in Moab. It is really a cute little town, too, catering to the Jeepers, the hikers, the rock-climbers, and the bicyclists, not to mention the anglers. Our days there were filled with good food, friendly people, and unbelievable views with great Jeep trails in every direction.
There was lots of wildlife, including our sharing one mountain ledge with 9 Big Horn Sheep while on a trail winding through the canyons of Canyonlands National Park.
Another awesome trail took us across beautiful, bubbling creeks and creek beds as we wound through canyons below the La Sal Mountains. And still another climbed and wound its way along canyon walls and rocks and boulders. At one turn, we came upon a group of rock climbers, right in the middle of nowhere. Another turn brought us to slick rock and mountain bikers riding those cliffs. Ha! And you thought we were nuts! Hee hee! I’ll take our Harley or Jeep any ole day!
As we headed out of breath-taking Utah that keeps your head turning just trying to see it all, we spotted over 50 deer, two Golden Eagles, and more Big Horn Sheep as we entered the Rockies and Colorado, definitely God’s Country! Although our Jeep trails ended due to the passes and trails being snowed in and closed, we still enjoyed the “Million Dollar Highway” remembering our many motorcycle rides we have taken on this spectacular scenic byway of the Rockies, and enjoying the beautiful towns of Ouray, Silverton (one of my favorites), and Durango before heading on into New Mexico, to finally start winding our way slowly back home.
Best Wishes to All and God Bless
Joanie
