Great Rides Overshadowed by mega-destinations

[exapkib]

This weekend's trip got me thinking about some of the less explored corners of the US. We were in Southern Utah, which is no 'secret' as a cycling destination, but instead of the usual spots we rode different gravel roads and trails in the Boulder/Escalante area.

I figure there have got to be other spots with fantastic riding overshadowed by neighboring 'destinations,' and wondered which ones you've ridden and would be willing to share with the community.

To get things started, here are some photos from our trip. We had to cut short some of our plans due to sickness, but we explored the Roads and Trails accessible along the western part of the Burr Trail. Incredible scenery, and hardly any company. So much open road overshadowed by Moab, Zion, and other major National Park destinations in the area.

Some photos:

BMC Monstercross in its natural habitat!
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o641/1zaxxon/IMG_8124_zpsjwkx0i1d.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/1zaxxon/media/IMG_8124_zpsjwkx0i1d.jpg.html)

One of the side trails we explored. Incredible views riding right into/along the Waterpocket Fold. (N.B.: the actual Muley Twist trail is not open to bikes.)
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o641/1zaxxon/IMG_8100_zpstw7lwwlb.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/1zaxxon/media/IMG_8100_zpstw7lwwlb.jpg.html)

Ride as far as you can, then stash the bikes and hike for a while.
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o641/1zaxxon/IMG_8127_zpsyk67uxts.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/1zaxxon/media/IMG_8127_zpsyk67uxts.jpg.html)

Gravel was ground, lives were changed.
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o641/1zaxxon/IMG_8148_zps1irt2z18.jpg (http://s1336.photobucket.com/user/1zaxxon/media/IMG_8148_zps1irt2z18.jpg.html)

[bloody sunday]

amazing! thanks for sharing

[oldpotatoe]

No disc brakes, thru axles, 44mm headtube and tapered fork?? You even have a ''horrors'...front derailleur....How could you even ride it?

Kidding..beautiful pix.

[AngryScientist]

fantastic photos, thanks for sharing and also pointing out that there is so much good riding in the US. I think i often do forget myself just how large and diverse a country we live in, we have pretty much everything from the busiest cities in the world, to excellent beaches to isolated outlands like this. good reminder to get out and explore.

where do you live OP, that you ventured over to utah?

[goonster]

Boulder/Escalante area.

So amazing.

I keep hearing this was the last area properly mapped in the lower 48, and without Hwy. 12, access was very limited before the 40's.

Would love to do more exploring there . . .

[8aaron8]

Thanks for sharing, looks like a great ride and nice photographs. I need to get out and explore beyond my neck of the woods.

[tumbler]

That is some big scenery.

[exapkib]

Happy to share!

fantastic photos, thanks for sharing and also pointing out that there is so much good riding in the US. I think i often do forget myself just how large and diverse a country we live in, we have pretty much everything from the busiest cities in the world, to excellent beaches to isolated outlands like this. good reminder to get out and explore.

where do you live OP, that you ventured over to utah?

We're also in Utah--Wasatch Front area. We've got family ties to the Boulder/Escalante area and spent many a hot, dusty summer day there as kids.

No disc brakes, thru axles, 44mm headtube and tapered fork?? You even have a ''horrors'...front derailleur....How could you even ride it?

Kidding..beautiful pix.

Ha!

So amazing.

I keep hearing this was the last area properly mapped in the lower 48, and without Hwy. 12, access was very limited before the 40's.

Would love to do more exploring there . . .

It's still a remote place. Out on top of some of those plateaus you start to realize just how far away you are from anything (and anyone) else. True quiet. Pure skies.

[Mzilliox]

very cool, just the type of adventure i like to get into. thanks so much for sharing!

[sonnyhooper]

Epic photos of a great adventure. It looks great.

SH