Moab, Utah via Nevada Backroads

[DirtyDog]

I'm currently managing a big Mountain Biking site for work: Ridemonkey, and I got an invite to come to Moab to cover one of the biggest MTB races in the world - the 24 Hours of Moab. I've done the race before and I love the event so hell yes, I'm on my way.

I've done the drive from Bend to Moab many times - Highway 20 to Idaho, I 84 through southern Idaho, I 15 through Utah, blah blah - possibly the most boring drive in the West. I decided that this time I was going to take a longer, backcountry route and see a few things off the beaten path. The first destination was Austin, Nevada, way out in the middle of nowhere, for some Mountain Biking:

Approaching Austin - way out there.....

Camping at Stokes Castle in Austin

Driving on the Gold Venture Loop

Gold Venture Mine

After Austin we drove East and hit up Pioche - old mining town of course:

Cathedral Gorge State Park was a great surprise - probably the nicest campground I have ever stayed at. This stop gave me inspiration for the future of this site which I will elaborate on later.

 

[DirtyDog]

Zion overlook East of Cedar City - your's truly:

Hwy 12 on the way to Bryce Canyon:

Bryce Canyon:

After Bryce we finished the trip to Moab - Reports on the Moab race can be read at the following links if anyone is interested:

http://content.ridemonkey.com/blogs/blog/20081017/2008_24_hours_of_moab-110.html
http://content.ridemonkey.com/photos/g/20081014/2008_24_hours_of_moab-3788.html

And finally, I present a new FWC feature - the mini bar:

 

[pvstoy]

Great pictures and short stories. Glad you took the long way to Moab.

Cathedral Gorge State Park was a great surprise - probably the nicest campground I have ever stayed at. This stop gave me inspiration for the future of this site which I will elaborate on later.

They have nice showers that come with the price of the campground. And a great place to take pictures! (lots).

 

[chnlisle]

Great Pix Dawg but you surely wern't traveling solo.

 

[DirtyDog]

Great Pix Dawg but you surely wern't traveling solo.

Nope my GF accompanied me on this trip. Good times!

 

[chnlisle]

Is she camera shy?

 

[DirtyDog]

I was trying to make this all about ME, but since you insist: Megan at Bryce Canyon and shreddin some trail in Moab

 

[craig333]

And to think I was just thinking of taking highway 50 across Nevada instead of 80 next time I go (if I get another chance). I really need to set my sights higher. Now to go looking for a map of Nevada.

 

[chnlisle]

Aha the better half. Has she thought this through.

 

[DLN]

DD,
Sounds like a great trip and route, keep the pictures coming.