17 July 2014
While I had been expecting to end yesterday in Prescott, AZ, I had some issues with my tires that necessitated a detour to Flagstaff. I noticed my very worn tires after fueling up past Page, AZ. I probably should not have run them down to the level I did, but fortunately I made it into town in one piece. This morning I upgraded into sport touring tires which should last me a little longer and are better designed for the type of riding I’m currently doing. Lots of thanks to Northland Motorsports for making it quick and painless for me.
Oops.
Antelope Canyon is amazing. I already mentioned how Carlsbad Caverns is an American natural wonder, and Antelope Canyon is certainly another one. I took about fifty photos there, and each one is a work of art. I can’t take all the credit for that – the canyon is truly one of the most photogenic locations on Earth.
The canyon is part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, and as part of the Navajo Nations Parks, I wasn’t able to use my National Parks Annual Pass. You must join a guided tour to see the canyon, which cost me about $29. I visited the lower canyon, which I had read was the more impressive of the two. It requires a bit of mobility, as you’re occasionally climbing up and down steep stairways. I’ve read that the upper canyon is much more flat, so if mobility is an issue, you might want to look into that option.
Normally I’d be averse to spending so much on a single tour, but apparently the Navajo Nation maintains the canyon quite a bit. Besides taking care of the various stairwells within the canyon (the main entry one having been completely rebuilt after water washed it away last year), they also remove water and replace sand on the canyon floor to give some parts flat floors following floods. Apparently, rain within 15 miles can flood the entire canyon up to the top (a sight which must be pretty impressive itself).
Protip: don’t ride a street bike to the tour location. The roadway is soft sand, as I quickly learned as I descended the hill. I managed to keep my bike upright, but had a couple harrowing moments. The trip back up was a little easier since I knew what I was getting into, but it was still tricky. It looked like some cars were having issues as well, but probably not as many.
Antelope Canyon. Gorgeous.
After limping into Flagstaff, I checked out Mia’s lounge on the advice of my cousin. It’s one of the only bars I’ve been to that allowed dogs (there were three last night), and I have to say that many bars would be better off with dogs…it adds character. Last night was amateur night, and there were several stand up comedians and musicians on stage while I was there. Flagstaff sort of reminds me of Austin….lots of live acts, even on weekdays. And hippies.
Dogs in a bar.
Tomorrow I’m expecting to take a fun route through Jerome, AZ down AZ-89A, which is a very twisty road that goes through the hills. From Jerome, I’ll hit Prescott, the continue on towards San Diego.
I’ll leave you with a selection of other photos from Antelope Canyon.
The Road 