For years I have thought about riding my motorcycle to the Grand Canyon. Last September (2006) Steve Estrada and I decided to head out and make the ride on our 2005 Yamaha FJR 1300’s. Steve has the ABS version and I have the standard, otherwise they are the same bikes, it made the trip easier because we had the same performance, range etc. We took back roads the whole way except for a short run on the interstate from Wells NV to the Bonneville Salt Flats to get that prized picture.

We made it to Grandview, Idaho the first night and enjoyed the John Day Fossil Beds along the way. The only motel in town was clean and cheap and we were ready to crash. North Eastern NV was incredible with vast sweeping mountain ranges with long fast stretches of road connecting them. We made it to Milford UT the second night and another cheap but clean motel.

Very friendly people, good food at Peggy’s Diner. The morning of the third day it was cold (38F) and clear. We headed to Beaver UT and Bryce Canyon via Hwy 20. A nice state hwy with new pavement through another mountain pass… don’t miss this shortcut! Heated grips at full power we hit Bryce Canyon elevation, only 8500 feet. It was cold, but clear with incredible rock formations, not crowded and lots of twisty roads. 35 mph speed limit is hard to maintain. Dropping down from Bryce Canyon on the famous Route 89, the temperature climbed steadily to comfortable 85F. It’s hard to take in all the spectacular scenery as you approach the Grand Canyon. We entered Grand Canyon National Park from the east at Cameron AZ by turning onto Hwy 64 which took us along the south rim to the Grand Canyon Village and overlook. There are many turnouts and cool places to stop and take pictures. Many visitors are from foreign counties, especially Germany. The Germans were very friendly and enjoyed talking about bikes. We spent the third night in Flagstaff, AZ elevation 7500 feet. A great college town, there is plenty of action in Flagstaff at the Museum Club on historic Route 66.

To sum it up: Steve and I had a great time and I would do the ride again right now. We saw so many great roads it’s hard to remember them all.

Side trips: Prescott AZ, Sedona AZ, Mexican Hat UT, Monument Valley UT, Yosemite CA.