Best National Park to ride?

[szsz]

We just got back from a quick whirl through Death Valley on the way home from Mammoth and I was marveling at the awesome condition of the road. An early morning or late evening ride would be great, but I love heat and find the desert beautiful. For others, maybe something to think about for the winter months.

[Tri Girl]

How long do you want to be riding?
I'm thinking the series of national parks of Southern Utah (going park to park). Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef- or to the east side of the state with Canyonlands and Arches.
We rode in Zion, and it was great!! Even tho the roads were narrow, cars gave us wide berth (although we did have to hitch a ride through the tunnel part as they were doing construction). There were the RV's that sometimes came too close, but you're going to truthfully have that in any national park where the scenery makes you want to gawk as you drive, IMO.

I just LOVE the Southwest. Can't get enough.

http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/


I've heard Glacier NP is amazing, too, but have not ever been there so I don't know what the road conditions are like, nor do I know about lodging and distance between.

[hulagirl]

Thanks for these...

I think we would do a 1.5-2 week trip. Not riding every day. Ride to location X, stay 2 nights, hike, explore, etc. Ride to location Y, repeat.

A few years back we did a backcountry car camping/off-road trip through Utah. Started in Vegas (easy flight from Hawaii) through Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Canyonlands, Arches and then across and down. It was quite nice but it would be a CRAZY ride to do all that. I know REI does a bike trip of Zion and Bryce which I might look into.

GNP is on our "must see" list. Amtrak runs right to the front gate from Seattle so that would be an easy way to get there without a rental car. I might look into that one.

Thanks!

Other thought is Denali but those bears...eeek. I just dunno.

D

[jessmarimba]

Are you bringing your bikes or renting?

(Just curious b/c of the Amtrak reference. I think they still accept bikes as checked bags, but I know that most of the employees are far from gentle when they see bike boxes.)

[aquamoose32]

you should read the book by edward abby called Desert Solitude if you haven't already. It's all about arches and adventures.

[indysteel]

You might check out adventurecycling.org for suggested routes, maps, supported tours, etc. They are a great resource for bike touring.

[Reesha]

Are you bringing your bikes or renting?

(Just curious b/c of the Amtrak reference. I think they still accept bikes as checked bags, but I know that most of the employees are far from gentle when they see bike boxes.)

Yes, I just looked into this recently. You can reserve spots for full sized bikes for $5-$10/bike (pretty incredible) but folding bikes are allowed as carry on luggage! So awesome.

[hulagirl]

We will bring our Bike Friday's (folding bikes, fit in standard suitcase or fold into a bag) so it looks like we are good there.

Thanks for the references and suggestions. Fall would be a wonderful time to head out - cooler and colorful. Something we don't get much of in Hawaii. ;-)

Denise