Utah SR-153 (Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway) is Worthy

[BrianT]

When I was planning for Fall Torrey this year, I decided to look if there was something different for me to see on the way up.  I've stopped in Beaver, UT for gas a few times when passing through the area or coming from Ely, NV to top off for the rest of the ride to Torrey.  But I never noticed Utah SR-153, also known as the Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway and this time it caught my eye.  It connects Beaver, UT at the I-15 to Junction, UT at US-89.  It's a state road that's paved and has a dirt portion.  I'm not used to speed limit signs on dirt roads.

 

Having now ridden it, here's my take on it.  I'll also preface this with I may be experienced on the pavement, but I'm very much a novice on dirt and still learning.  Not to mention my GS was fully loaded for the 6-day Torrey trip, including a 43L Givi topcase meant for street bikes.  Experienced dirt riders will probably laugh at me calling the dirt portion a dirt road.  It could be done with street bikes and basic cars.  Thanks to @David13 for passing on info about the road when I was researching taking it.

 

Travelling from Beaver, UT eastbound the road starts off with 23 miles of curvy 2nd and 3rd gear turns that parallel a running creek.  Well maintained pavement and lots of scenery.  Don't know if Thursday was a low traffic day compared to the weekend, but I think I saw 3 cars the entire way up.  Felt like a free track day.  There are open range cows and some cowpies in the road to keep a look out for.  The road climbs from a 5,900 foot elevation at Beaver, UT up to 9,200 feet in about 23 miles.  At that point the pavement ends and it continues as a hard packed, well maintained, dirt road wide enough for two-way traffic.

 

The dirt portion continues uphill to 10,200 feet before reaching the top and a long way down towards Junction, UT at 6000 feet.  The dirt portion is 14 miles long and closes during the winter.  The only iffy parts were a few switchbacks on a steep downhill portion that had a thin layer of gravel making the turns interesting without a guard rail and a front wheel that wanted to drift to the outside.  The plus side was a fantastic view of the valley below where the road goes to.  There were some light washboard areas, but nothing too bad and on the bike I was able to avoid a lot of it.  Also, some light potholes, but once again not a lot and easy to avoid on the bike.

 

When the pavement returns, it's 5 more miles to Junction Utah and the US-89.  It's a standard rolling country two lane road, with once again more open range cows.  And now for the pics to give you an idea what I tried to describe.

 

 

The first paved portion heading up from Beaver, UT

 

 

 

Warning near the end of the pavement.  Note the huge RV pulling a big trailer trying to decide if the sign means it.

 

 

 

Where the pavement ends and the dirt begins

 

 

 

This is the view you get most of the way up to the top

 

 

 

The view at the top.  Flat, expansive and wide open.

 

 

 

On the way down.  Lots more yellow in the leaves for the east side of the mountain.

 

 

 

The view on the eastside down towards Junction, UT.  Yes, this road connects all the way down to the green farm looking area below in the distance.

 

 

 

Did I mention impressive views?

 

 

 

Where the dirt ended and the pavement returned.  Note the locals who have that, "GET OFF MY LAWN" look.

 

 

 

So, to sum it up it's a combined 28 miles of pavement with 14 miles of well maintained dirt in the middle.  Climbs 4300 feet and drops back down 4200 feet.  Makes for a scenic way to get from I-15 to US-89 if you've got the time for it.  I highly recommend this road.

[LBump]

Looking forward to this route. Thanks for the ride along! 

 

[BrianT]

I forgot to include this map pic showing the location of the road.  You'll note that not much is straight.

 

[don v]

Brian,  On a side note- Do you miss the FJR or has the GS  been a good move?

 

[BrianT]

17 minutes ago, don v said:

Brian,  On a side note- Do you miss the FJR or has the GS  been a good move?

 

Nothing wrong with the FJR and it did everything I wanted it to on the road.  I thought I'd miss it more, but this GS also does everything I want it to on road and adds the option of off road.  It only gives up a little weather protection to the FJR, but absolutely loved it for the trip to across the country to the UN and back.  If I had kept my FJR in addition to the GS, the FJR would not be ridden enough.  Very happy with the GS.

[don v]

Thanks for the thoughts on the GS Brian.  My RT got taken out by a tourist  in July and I am thinking about what  the replacement will be. Enjoyed the write-up and pics,   thanks.

 

 

[TEWKS]

Looks like a beautiful place to ride! 

[LBump]

2 hours ago, TEWKS said:

Looks like a beautiful place to ride! 

 

It is Pat and we are awaiting your arrival...!  and maybe others too!