2LANELIFE MONUMENT VALLEY

After riding out from Los Angeles, the trip started out in the historic Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. The south entrance to the national park is just 54 miles outside of town on State Route 64, making for a quick 45-minute to one-hour ride depending on traffic approaching the gate. Grand Canyon National Park has endless viewpoints throughout, making it a great place to explore for a full day or a full weekend. Hiking, wildlife, lodging, scenic drives—you name it!

From the Grand Canyon, we rode to Monument Valley on Highway 89, 160, and 163 through Tuba City and Kayenta, landing in the Navajo Nation and spending the night with a pristine view of the famous “Mittens” in Monument Valley right on the border of Arizona and Utah. Monument Valley is known for its stunning red sandstone buttes, iconic desert landscapes, and its frequent appearance in Western films and photography. We enjoyed some amazing sunrises, learned about the local culture, and even took a 4x4 tour of the valley itself which we would definitely recommend!

The final stretch of the trip from Monument Valley to Springdale, Utah is one of our favorites and the change in scenery throughout the day is always incredible to see. Passing through areas like Page, Arizona with the famous Glen Canyon Dam we followed Highway 89 passing by the colorful Vermilion Cliffs and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, winding up on Utah SR9 which takes you on a scenic ride through Zion National Park and then onto Springdale, UT where we stayed the night and ended the day with a good steak. Riding through the park is a surreal experience, passing through multiple tunnels, taking in views of the towering rock structures to either side of the road, and even talking with the diverse crowds that the park attracts (people watching). Zion is another one of our favorites and you’ll see why if you get on the bike and go!