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Going to the Grand Cnayon in March???
My Son and I are in the planning stages to take a trip from Western Arkansas to the Grand Canyon, about 1,200 miles each way. We have about 10 days for the trip, but we would also like to stop and visit the Pueblo region on the way if by all means possible.
We never been west of Oklahoma City since we just moved from the North East, but we are being told that the scenery west of Oklahoma is flat as a pancake and pretty boring for a biker. So, here goes the questions:
:scooter: |
The South rim is 7,000' and it can have snow.
I think that the North rim is closed until mid May. |
Mmmmmm. You've got ten days to make two and a half thousand miles just getting there and back, but you're here asking about side trips. You must like to burn a lot of miles, and the real question is: how many? Have you tried this before? You don't want to wear yourselves to a frazzle riding hard for several days, then spend the next few recovering before starting to get ready to return home. The Grand Canyon is nice, but maybe not that nice.
I-40 is pretty boring indeed not just through Oklahoma and the panhandle, but virtually the entire way through New Mexico and Arizona too, with occasional scenic bits here and there. For riding, it's even more boring than for driving unless you happen to favor long, straight lines. In March there's significant risk of snow once you start to gain some altitude in New Mexico, increasing steadily all the way to the South Rim (it's true that the North Rim will be closed). As far as side trips, most of the places that I consider fun riding are mountainous, where there'll be snow, ice and more cold. For riding, you might do better in the Ozarks that time of year. On the other hand, if you really do like long cruiser roads, and if you're ok with cold and are able to time the weather right, parts of Arizona and New Mexico are great. The real problem from my point of view is that the spectacular scenery--like nowhere else on earth--is really just about to begin when you get to the Grand Canyon. Why ride all that distance and not go to Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, and other less-known areas? This really seems like a shame. That's just my take on it. If I were you I might be tempted to trailer the bikes behind a van or something else you could trade off on driving and try to make the drive in a single long day each direction. Unless you really do favor long straightaways and squared-off tires, in which case you know where to find them. Hope that helps. Mark |
Thanks Mark & thanks John,
That’s what I was wondering. March is when my son gets a break from college and I thought it would be good to spend a week together. I ride almost 75% of the time here in Western AR, as a matter of fact I commute to work almost every day. Only <35F or rain on the way to work deters me from going on the saddle. I also ride the Andes, but only for about a 2-3 week period per year. Life is more than just “work”, I’m tired of the monotony of corporate jobs, the daily hassle, the “rat” chase. This year I have postponed my visit to Bolivia (wanted to do the “Che Guevara Trail), but instead want to do some unexplored terrain in the USA. WesternAR has beautiful places, but I have visited most of them. Luckily I’m located within 4-5 hours of the best motorcycle roads in this area. I invite any of you to visit, as a matter of fact, I would be very glad to take you to some secret spots. Just PM for additional contact information Will go read more threads and get other ideas for the March trip. Cheers...!:scooter: |
How about New Mexico ?
About 3 days to get to Carlsbad Caverns Nat,l Park, 2 nights, 1 day in the caverns. Then go to White Sands Nat'l Monument, then head North to Santa Fe. There are some Nat'l Parks around there. Give yourself 3 days to get home. Get a Nat'l parks pass. |
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