Bike on the rack, more freedom to go where you want, and the bike (if plated) lets you go more places also, including in the National Parks like Arches and Canyonlands. You can cover much more ground on the bike. For example, White Rim takes me 6-8 hours each time on a bike, so an easy day trip, 130miles round trip. In a jeep I might do half the speed and only do parts of the road as a result. I can get into my camper OK with the bike on the rack. If I could not, it woud be a real pain, I would extend the hitch carrier enough to get the door open before a trip for sure.
If it were just me it would of course just be the bike on the back but the ATV is for my grown daughter. She used to ride but got hurt so at least she can do this for short trips so leaving the trailer behind means in part, leaving her behind, and since she has already been screwed over I don't like doing that a lot. The bike, a Husky TE250, is plated so I can go anywhere, literally
and it is super light (230 dry) for loading on the back. I get my custom rack back today, designed it so the door will open enough.
Moody what Cedar Mesa are you going to be at? Just North of Moki Dugway? I started down the road towards Bears Ears one time but it was too muddy and rutted and riding solo on the bike out there didn't seem to wise at the time but I'd like to do that again. I even noticed some places to camp just as you head up that road. Burr Trail could be good as well, there is a Cedar Mesa down there as well.
Thanks for the ideas, I may let the truck decide. I do know we will be heading to Big Bend in January or February if anyone wants to join in.
