Here is what the bikes look like fully loaded:

Cheff and I started the trip in San Diego, CA. We wanted to make it to Las Vegas as early as possible, so we headed out northbound on I-15 early in the morning. Morning rush hour traffic was in full swing where the I-15 meets the 91. After some lane splitting (Be careful with all that gear!) traffic let up and we continued on to Barstow. Heading east out of Barstow, the temperatures started to climb quickly. By the time we hit Baker I was really thirsty. We stopped for gas and Gatorade (A common theme on this trip). We continued on to Las Vegas were the temperature was around 110 degrees. Even with a mesh jacket it was still really hot. Now it was time to replenish fluids and rest for a big riding day tomorrow. The three of us left Las Vegas early on Saturday morning to try to get some miles under our belt before the temperatures started to get too hot. We continued northbound on I-15 to HWY-93. Heading northbound on HWY-93 we rode through Pahranagrat NWR. This is a place that deserves further exploration on another trip. In order to avoid the huge easterly swing of HWY-93, we took HWY-318 to HWY-6 joining back to the HWY-93 in Ely, NV. Continuing on HWY-93 we arrived in Jackpot and decided we had enough riding for the day. Barton’s Club 93 casino in Jackpot had rooms that were inexpensive and the parking lot was right outside our rooms.

The bikes parked outside of our hotel room:

We had breakfast at the Barton’s Club 93 coffee shop. They have excellent breakfast menu for a great price. We continued on HWY-93 to Twin Falls, ID and then took HWY-30 that runs along the Snake River to see the waterfalls.

Waterfalls along the Snake River:

We then jumped on HWY-26/HWY-93 continuing on northbound to Carey, ID. While at the gas station in Carey we met 2 motorcyclists from Nebraska on their way to the Moto GP. They certainly looked the part of road warriors. They were both on sport touring bikes (Yamaha FJR1300 and Kawasaki ZZR1200) with full luggage. They informed us that the road ahead was very loose gravel for miles and they almost dropped their bikes a few times. This news did not sit with me well. As for Cheff, he was more than delighted finally hit some non-asphalt roads with his new adventure bike. I was a little concerned at first, but then as we started to leave this guy pulls up on a Goldwing towing a trailer. I asked him about the road and he said it was only gravel for 8 miles and the worst of it was only about a mile or so. That made me a feel a lot better, and as it turns out he was entirely correct and the so called “road warriors” were exaggerating. Within a few miles the gravel road appeared. Even though I was riding slow there were times when I could feel my front end push into the gravel, but I just eased up on the throttle and rode it out. The road was a non-issue for the V-Strom and a little tougher on a cruiser and sport bike. We made it through the gravel and stopped at the Craters of the Moon National Monument.

Craters of the Moon National Monument:

We spent the night in Arco, ID and then continued on HWY-20 to Idaho Falls, ID the next morning. On HWY-20 you can see the large looming peaks of the Grand Tetons on the horizon. We continued on HWY-20 to the West Yellowstone, MT. This is a cool little town outside of the park filled with little restaurants and gift shops. We entered the park and continued to our campsite in Grant Village. We would be camping there for the next 3 nights.

A picture of the campsite:

Lake Yellowstone at dusk:

The ride to the east side of the park proved to be excellent. We saw a herd of buffalo by the side of the road. We also visited the Tower Falls. Of course no trip to Yellowstone would be complete without a visit to Old Faithful. I would recommend going to Old Faithful as early in the day as possible unless you really like crowds.

Herd of Buffalo:

Buffalo up close:

Falls:

Old Faithful:

Old Faithful from observation point:

With the bikes packed up for the journey home we left Yellowstone via the south entrance. Within a few miles of leaving Yellowstone you enter Grand Teton National Park. I think that Grand Teton is probably the most picturesque place we visited. In hind sight I would have camped in Grand Teton and took day trips to Yellowstone.

Lake Jackson in the foreground:

Smokin’ by the Lake Jackson:

We continued on HWY-89 southbound through Grand Teton NP to Jackson, WY

Ski runs in Jackson:

It was necessary to jump on I-80. This felt a little foreign as we had been on back roads for days. The speeds were much greater that we were used to traveling and it just felt so hurried. We stayed in Park City, UT that night. From the hotel you could see the ski slopes. I can just imagine how busy this place will be in less than 6 months. From Park City, UT we headed south on HWY-40 to HWY-189 into Provo, UT and then finally to HWY-89 to Mt. Carmel. Bryce Canyon NP can be seen in the distance when you are near Panguitch. We would have liked to stay at the Thunderbird Best Western, but no rooms were available. Instead we stayed at motel up the road that was in the process of renovation. To say that the remodeled rooms were interesting would be an understatement.

Renovated Room:

We wanted to get an early start on Route 9 to avoid RV’s, but not too early as we were hearing of deer sightings. This is the road that winds its way through Zion National Park loosing about 4000 feet in elevation in the process. After riding through Zion we stopped in St. George, UT for gas and a snack. We were now prepared for the ride on I-15 to Las Vegas. Once on the interstate we made good time to Las Vegas.

Zion National Park:

Cheff and I left Las Vegas early so we could get through the Mojave Desert during the coolest part of the day. I think we encountered more idiot cagers on our way from Barstow to San Diego than our entire trip. After 9 days on the road it was good to be home. All told it was about 2700 miles, most of the roads being non interstate travel. As far as I am concerned, this is definitely the way to travel on a motorcycle. And yes we waved at the cows.