T-Dubing to the Canyonlands National Park

Today was a ride to familiar locations, Shaffer Trail and the sights of Canyonland National Park.  These locations are west of Moab along Utah 313, a nicely paved road with some curvy sections to keep motorcycle riders entertained.

Today's sunrise was "OK"

For the record, it's almost 12 miles to the Archview RV Campground which is located at the junction of 191 and 313.  From there it's about 24 miles more to Shaffer's Trail so not a long ride.  I would end up filling up Yagi's small tank both going and returning; not because I needed to but to avoid inconvenience later on this week.

After showing my annual pass at the fee station, it was a very short ride to the entrance to Shaffer's Trail.  It's dirt road all the way down to the bottom of the canyon.  It's not a bad road at all, except for one sharp right hand off camber and steeply sloping turn where it pays to be careful.

It was a very hazy day, plenty of sunshine and not many clouds.  So it was warm riding and I'm thankful for Lightroom's de-hazing feature!

 One's first real view of the canyon into which one 

descends using Shaffer's trail.

 Several switchbacks allow one to basically go

up and down the sheer canyon walls.

Soon, I was at the bottom of the canyon and the end of Shaffer's Trail.

After the spot in the above picture, looking back towards the canyon walls, one is presented with the choice of either Potash Road which leads to Moab after a few miles of rough trail; or White Rim Road. which I took.

Alas, my phone alerted me that there was a call I had to attend for work so I didn't even make it as far as Musselman Arch before having to turn around and ride up Shaffer's Trail to a spot where I could get 4G signal!  Drat.

 Back at the top of the canyon, my view during the work call.

 After a long call, I posed Yagi within six feet of the rocky

ledge for this picture.

Work call over with, and me being on top of the canyon.  I decided to see the rest of Canyonland's offerings.  I was reminded, as I approached the visitor center, that there's a Shaffer's Trail overlook with very good overlooks of the trail for those who don't want to ride it I suppose:

About six miles further down the road, you get to the "Grand View" Overlook area.  I wasn't too impressed but not bad.  I don't think I'll return again though unless perhaps during sunset/sunrise.

 What you basically see from the Grand View overlook.

 Far off in the distance, were these more interesting rock formations.

Making my way back towards Moab, I chanced to spot this curious looking rock formation, it looked like someone had sliced off half of it at first.  I found a spot to park Yagi and walked in to get a better look:

 Using the telephoto lens, I got a closer look.

I dub this rock, Ural Transmission Rock as it

reminded me of the gearbox on a Ural Sidecar rig.

Made it back to the campsite and some more work and chores with no issues.  I do have to remember to pack Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) as long riding times on Yagi lead to some lower back pain and sore buttocks.

Sunset was "meh"

Another good day in the Moab area.  I think I'll go test out lower air levels on Yagi's tire in the nearby trail to the Monitor and Merrimac OHV Loop.  I've got them down to 13 PSI.  They rode fine that way today, am sure there's more tire wear and less MPG but for now, it's a learning thing.