Utah to rally route options

If you found yourself in Utah, say at the Red Rock Rendezvous in Panguich, and wanted to take a scenic route north to the MOA Rally in Great Falls with a timeline of just four days, which of these options would hold the most appeal to someone who prefers scenery over crowds...and travels with a dog?

Option A: Up to the Sawtooth Range, then hook around to the west end of Lolo Pass and over


Option B: up to the Sawtooth Range, then follow the Salmon River to Missoula and on to Great Falls


Leaving the rally we'd have all the time in the world so would meander through the Bighorns, Black Hills, Cache de Poudre, Million Dollar Highway, etc.

Pete

If you've never traveled the Lolo Pass Route (Option A)... that's your ticket!

Longer and more seat time, but the payback for the extra 200mi over 3.5 or 4 days is terrific.

Option A would be my choice, just be aware that in a sidecar rig you’re in for a workout on Hwy 12 along the Lochsa River. Very much worth it, tho!

Best,
DeVern

GTRider said:

Option A would be my choice, just be aware that in a sidecar rig you’re in for a workout on Hwy 12 along the Lochsa River. Very much worth it, tho!

Best,
DeVern

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I rode it east to west in 2013 with Barley on the way to Salem, but it was chip seal construction nearly all the way. We spent a lot of time playing in the river that day! The Salmon River route would be a totally new route for us, and I know squat about it so figured I’d ask.

And you’re right. I was very glad that day that three years of sidecar travel had bulked up my shoulders!

Pete and Glenlivet

glenfiddich said:

I rode it east to west in 2013 with Barley on the way to Salem, but it was chip seal construction nearly all the way. We spent a lot of time playing in the river that day! The Salmon River route would be a totally new route for us, and I know squat about it so figured I’d ask.

And you’re right. I was very glad that day that three years of sidecar travel had bulked up my shoulders!

Pete and Glenlivet

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The Salmon River route is a great ride also; Chief Joseph Pass will give you a short workout but there are many places along the river to stop and play. Highway 200 is a nice ride as well, with some interesting stops along the way. Note that the RRR rally in Panguitch is still under discussion and not a sure occurrence yet, so keep an eye on the website.

Best,
DeVern

Idaho Rider

If you have never ridden either route, I would ride option "B", totally amazing roads and some of the best scenery in Idaho. You will go over a couple of passes with lots of switch back and great views. You will also have less traffic and road construction to deal with. Highway 55 is having some major road work done north of Boise that will go on through the summer. I have ridden both route a number of time and will be doing it again for this rally, neither will disappoint. See you at the Rally!