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Kanab to Cedar City, UT: Need advice

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Kanab to Cedar City, UT: Need advice

Old 10-04-19, 08:21 AM
  #1  
barolfe
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Kanab to Cedar City, UT: Need advice

I'm on a solo trip from AZ to Portland, and am taking a rest day here in Kanab to let me legs recover after the intense climbing from yesterday. But I'm also taking the day off to sort out my route from here.

Originally, the plan was to go through Zion and then up 15 to Cedar City, but I've been advised by my host there not take 15. That leaves few options, namely 89 North to 14, and West to cedar city. It's a lot of elevation on a shoulderless road, but yesterday was similar, and I've gotten pretty good at staring down my mirror.

Does anyone with experience have advice for this route? It's also been suggested I go way west to 18, and then take that north, but that would add a lot of miles if I still want to go through cedar city.
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Old 10-04-19, 08:47 AM
  #2  
jamawani 
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Jama at Cedar Breaks
I have done both. Multiple times.

Fact is, you have to climb - regardless - in southern Utah.
You will have a big, but scenic climb out of Kanab on US 89.

Via Zion -
Zion NP is spectacular, but insanely busy.
The problem isn't I-15, but Hwy 9.
It has heavy traffic and almost no shoulders.
Plus a tunnel in the park that you have to beg a ride thru.
I have been in touch with park officials for years about this.
They have shown no concern even though this is especially dangerous for women.
Sometimes you get a ride quickly, sometimes it takes quite a while.

Via Hwy 14 -
Both US 89 and Hwy 14 have limited shoulder - US 89 is better.
Traffic is moderate - more as you approach Cedar City.
But by then you are screaming downhill.
Cedar Breaks (more climbing) is a beautiful option to Zion.

But you are not going to Bryce Canyon NP?
Which means staying on US 89 to Hwy 12?
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Old 10-04-19, 08:22 PM
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barolfe
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Thanks for the tips!

89 so far has a better shoulder than the 130 or so miles on 89A in northern AZ that I was on, and I suspect that 14 will be a lot like 89A, having no shoulder at all. Honestly, if it wasn't for my helmet mirror, I'm pretty positive I'd be dead.

I worked my way up to Mt Carmel Junction to take some of the bite out of the trip tomorrow, but you're right there's no avoiding the terrain.

I don't have plans to visit Bryce. I sort of would like to get to Portland before it gets TOO cold. The nights are already pretty crisp.
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Old 10-05-19, 09:24 AM
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djb
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and now for something completely different

Jama-did you end up climbing over the fence and peeing into the canyon?
You really look like you desperately need to go.

ok ok, I'll get my hat and leave....

---barolfe, there certainly are times having a good helmet mounted mirror is one heck of an advantage, and it sounds like this was one of them. Glad you use one, I couldnt ride without one now.
safe travels
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Old 10-05-19, 10:15 AM
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Mountain Mitch
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I’m not sure how big a priority getting to Cedar City is for you. I’d be inclined to just ride all the way up the 89. I haven’t ridden it but I’ve driven it several times. It sure isn’t flat but the 14 is STEEP. There are several somewhat less steep options for crossing over if you choose not to go all the way to the 70.
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