Ride Advice : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

greggt · 08-27-2008, 01:50 PM

I am renting a bike next week in LasVegas for 24 hrs. I was wondering what would be the better ride 1. up to Death Valley in that area or 2. Up to Zion,Utah. I havent been to any of those areas. Or any favorite roads anybody has in that part of the country. Maybe even Laughlin? I am from Ohio so it will be all new roads for me. Thanks in advance for any replys Gregg

trhoton · 08-27-2008, 06:46 PM

Death Valley is beautiful in its own way. Expect miles of 2-lane with little traffic. At times you'll see the highway in front of you for 10-15 miles in a single stretch.

Zions will put you into red rock canyons, with twisty roads through towering cliffs and a tunnel that would make a moped sound cool when it goes through. From Zions you're within striking distance of Bryce Canyon, which is incredible as well.

If you want spectacular scenery, go to Zions. If you want miles of uncrowded road, Death Valley.

Both different, both great rides.

ProFvnv · 08-28-2008, 01:29 AM

Zion is incredible, but the ride from Vegas is mostly desert until you get to the border of Nevada & Utah. Then you start going through some pretty gorges and canyons.
Death Valley will be well over a hundred degrees this time of year, and can get to 115-120. There's a reason the ride will be uncrowded this time of year.
With only 24 hours, you won't see much of either, but in Death Valley, there's more distance between things to see. I think you'd have more and prettier things to look at in Zion.
My wife and I spent a week in DV a couple of years ago, in February, and we spent another week in Bryce & Zion last August. Took our MR2, though, as I didn't have the RG yet. We didn't want to go on my '86 FXRS.

Stelis · 08-28-2008, 10:14 AM

Zion is the better place to ride. Great twisty roads, and just awesome scenery.

I've ridden in Death Valley too, it's a beautiful place, but compared to Zion, Zion is awesome.

Ahar · 08-28-2008, 04:06 PM

with only 24 hours, you are pushing a tight schedule. Unless you really like riding in HOT, Zion and Bryce would be my pick. Really a great ride. But 24 hours would be a fast visit. Zoom zoom all the way.

route66paul · 08-28-2008, 04:19 PM

Zion will be unbearably hot, but still much cooler than death valley.

sonoffatboy · 08-28-2008, 04:36 PM

i rode vegas - laughlin ...nice ride ..be easy an easy one......only about 150 miles one way.....take a few detours..route 66....oatman.....kingman ..at this time of year its gonna be hot no matter what...

the desert is great...but after 50 miles you've seen it..

not like your gonna wanna put a ton of miles on in one day anyhow....

IMHO>>>

RG50 · 08-31-2008, 08:16 AM

Hoover Dam is another awsome site.
Not much in Laughlin.

reefrider · 09-01-2008, 09:50 AM

http://parks.nv.gov/vf.htm
http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/
These arn't either of your destinations but are a great ride none the less. Valley of fire is only about 50 miles north of Vegas and Red rock canyon is just East of town I believe. We did both places in a day last year in October. If you are short on time they are really great. Also +1 on Hoover dam.
RR

ceraaa42 · 09-02-2008, 11:43 PM

There are rides to be had around LV without the long desert rides.

Up and over Mt. Charlston (eat at the lodge).
Red rock canyon
Hoover dam
Westside of Lake Mead loop (a few places to eat along here also)

This would basically circle Vegas with lots of different types of riding all the while staying out of town. I would think possibly 300 miles total, maybe 250. Easily mapped out.

Death Valley all last week was between 115 and 120deg. I've driven there in a car at 120deg and I sure wouldn't do it on a bike. If you've never been in that kind of heat it's almost undescribable how hot if feels. It could really be a safety issue due to the possibility of heatstoke. The few places to stop are probably 40 to 50 miles between stops.

Chris

atexnvegas · 09-04-2008, 01:22 AM

If you got 24 hours I would go Zion. Its been cool here (under 100) for a few days, but some say it will heat back up this Friday. Death Valley is doable in a day, but it will be hotter than Zion.

greggt · 09-15-2008, 06:40 PM

I went to Zion it was great nice country good roads. Spent the night in Mesquite,NV. Got a room at the Oasis Casino for 44 bucks it was nice clean an full of AC.Got up at 4:30 am went to Chicken Ranch in Parumph,NV. took some pictures and headed back to Vegas. Logged 467 miles and had a great time.Thanks Gregg

Ahar · 09-16-2008, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greggt

I went to Zion it was great nice country good roads. Spent the night in Mesquite,NV. Got a room at the Oasis Casino for 44 bucks it was nice clean an full of AC.Got up at 4:30 am went to Chicken Ranch in Parumph,NV. took some pictures and headed back to Vegas. Logged 467 miles and had a great time.Thanks Gregg

did you rent anything in Parumph?