Cottonwood Creek

Leann and I left our decent hotel with a great view after breakfast and a chat with a couple driving an FJ Cruiser. We headed back past Mexican Hat and turned north on Hwy 261.

What a ride! This tiny road turns into hard-packed dirt and gravel for three miles as it twists and winds its way up the side of a cliff. But the views! You overlook Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley. Completely worth the effort to get up there. Also, once you're at the top, there is another unpaved road on your left that takes you to Muley Point. Even more majestic views!

Google Maps links:
- View of The Valley of the Gods
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2J8ckXiJ2esqTuBz5
- Moki Dugway
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HbBYTkh8Zoh64rnDA
- Muley Point East
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PXc75hF8fxtD1jkU9
- Muley Point
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RPQoxDNCcwML1xtGA

Getting back on the paved Hwy 261 to head north, I started slowing down because of all the poop on the road. Open range cows were in the area, and with all the fresh patties, I figured we'd see them sooner or later. We did. Unfortunately, Leann and I have polar opposite driving techniques when a road hazard presents itself, so when we reached Hwy 95, she took off on her own.

I made my way to Natural Bridges National Monument and did the scenic drive loop. I was cutting it close on gas--I was 50 miles into my tank with at least 95 to go before the next gas station--but I decided that taking 10-mile loop would be worth running out of gas later. Luckily, I reached Hanksville with a little to spare.

The drive up Hwy 95 takes you through the stunning Fry Canyon, then crosses the Colorado on a beautiful bridge. Just after the bridge, there's an overlook that will make your jaw drop. Just incredible.

- Hite Crossing Bridge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tAG2kz5E6QNc2Tvp8
- Hite Overlook
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DYYp8MMra5hkAs6v5

Before reaching Hanksville, you also come through part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is also magnificent and has many places to pull over, park, and walk around.

Rolling into Hanksville around 13:00, after a much needed fill-up, I had a late lunch at Duke's Slickrock Grill (https://maps.app.goo.gl/LYDvp7vCGKsPT2Cf8), which I found last year. Really good food in a John Wayne theme restaurant, you know, The Duke.

From Hanksville, I took Hwy 24 west to Capitol Reef National Park. This drive is even more spectacular than Hwy 95! And better yet, the scenic drive from the Visitor Center is even better than both of those. This year, however, I didn't take the scenic drive, opting instead to head to Richfield and our hotel.

Unfortunately, if had taken the drive, I would've met back up with Leann, so I made it to Richfield about an hour and a half before her. But with an Arby's next door, I was able to grab dinner while I waited for her.

It was a beautiful day in a gorgeous part of the US.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 71 mileage: 282.4 (total 18493.7)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 185)
National Parks: 2 (total 35 in 18 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 5 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Weiterlesen