Alternate Routes
Gateway CO to Moab UT via John Brown Canyon.
Fair weather road, probably impassible in winter, usually open by late April but beware of Spring Mud, especially the section from the top of John Brown Canyon to about the Utah line. Even when dry, before seasonal grading this section can be deeply rutted. Riders of heavy, low clearance motorcyles would be advised to keep to the right of the ruts or risk being trapped between ruts if meeting a vehicle. Beyond that there may be some seasonal soft powder but most of the road is well groomed gravel. I've personally ridden this road on dual sports, adventure touring motorcycles and a heavy cruiser. I ride it often.
Riding south on CO141 from the Outpost at Gateway Canyons, the first road west, adjacent to the Gateway Canyons property, is the John Brown Canyon road. Follow it up onto the high country east of the La Sal mountains. On the way up, pay attention to signs when the road forks. If the signs are missing or hidden by trees and brush, just remember: you are headed west. Keep following the obvious main road which is sometimes known as the Castleton-Gateway road. After 22 miles westbound, more or less, the road becomes paved. Another 6 miles farther, more or less, is a "T" intersection. The paved road towards the La Sals is the mountain portion of the La Sal Loop road. The paved La Sal Loop road and can be followed 35 winding miles to US191 several miles south of Moab, or continue straight on the Castleton-Gateway road and descend down into Castle Valley. The Castle Valley road intersects with UT128 after 11 miles. From there it's 18 miles west to US191 and the north side of Moab. Both routes are pretty and offer very different scenery. A more common route for motorcyclists would be to take the La Sal Loop road but watch for the unpaved Sand Flats Road on the west side of the La Sals (about 8 1/2 miles from the Castleton-Gateway road). Years ago the Sand Flats road had sections of deep sand but for several years now the sand has been gone and the road has been well graded and groomed, suitable for almost any kind of motorcycle. This 18 mile road, paved at the Moab end, offers impressive views as it descends down past the Slick Rock Motorcycle Trail (nowadays used more by bicyclists) and into the east side of Moab.
There are numerous variations on where to go after emerging from John Brown's Canyon. Favorites of mine include the Taylor Flats road south to Paradox Valley and the Kokopelli's Trail north to Fisher Valley and down to UT128 via the 25 stream crossings of Onion Creek. If you need a map, ask for the Moab East Mountain Biking and Recreation map.
Sights along the way
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