Utah Gravel Route - Markagunt Plateau - Volcanos, Aspen Trees, Caves

Описание: The Markagunt Plateau is a hidden gem of gravel cycling in southwestern Utah. Follow me as I discover this secret gravel adventure for the first time. You will not believe the how the fall colors of the golden aspen leaves pop against the background of black lava flows.

My gravel adventure started from Zion Adventure Home in Kanab, Utah.
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Follow my route on strava   / strava  

I made the scenic 50 mile drive and parked just before Duck Creek Village at the large parking area on Strawberry Point Road. The are several small diners in the area, if need be you can grab a bite to eat before starting your ride.

From the parking area I started on Dixie National Forest Service Road 64. This forest service road lead me to the first stop on my tour, Mammoth Cave. The cave is a series of lava tubes that run just underground. Even if you are wearing a cycling kit you can get down into the caves and have a look around. If you are more prepared or perhaps make a return trip you can spend an hour of so exploring the tubes, they run several hundred feet in multiple directions. To reach the exits you will need shoes you don't mind getting dirty and a good light. This area is very exciting for kids. It is important to note that the cave closes from October till spring to protect bat habitat.

After leaving the lava tubes I made my way along an UTV / ATV trail towards the community of Mammoth. I don't think there are any services there. I continued on the main road, route 50 and it soon passed the huge lava fields of Black Rock Valley. Utah is such a diverse place. When one thinks about Utah they typically think about the Red Rock deserts such as Moab, or maybe the Wasatch Mountain and ski resorts near Salt Lake City. I would doubt many people would envision black lava flows that look like Hawaii. What really sets this area apart is if you come in early October all of the fall leaf colors of golden yellow and blazing orange will make dramatic contrast with the black lava flows. What an incredible place that not many have heard of.

From Black Rock Valley I made the short detour to Mammoth Springs. Mammoth Springs is the largest instantaneous discharge observed at any spring in Utah. It is really neat to see nothing then a large spring coming out of the no where. It really is amazing to see so much water just appears. If you are following my route you could make a change here and skip the lower portions of Black Rock Valley and head straight to Mammoth Springs from the community of Mammoth. This would eliminate the out and back required to reach the spring and you will still be able to see the best of the lava fields.

After the 500 foot climb back to route 50 I made my way back to Utah Hwy 143 and turned towards Panguitch. After about a mile I turned onto Forest Service Road 69 and headed toward Miller Knoll. WOW, when the aspen trees are just right, this is arguably the most scenic gravel ride in all of Utah. The golden aspen and the mountains of black lava were truly amazing. Forget the national parks, this is what you want to see. I wish I had a way with words, I simply have no better way to describe this area other than breath taking. I'm sure it is scenic at any time but the first week of October is unreal. After returning home I have checked my maps and it looks like there are several roads in this area that would be neat, but I stuck to FS69 and headed down the back side of Black Rock Valley. Another thing to point out in this area is that you will be riding on a custom built UTV trail. I know that sounds bad to most cyclist but trust me this trail is great, the sweeping berms were sooo much fun.

The story continues on my Southern Utah, Kanab Vacation Rental BLOG at https://www.moabadventurecondo.com/po...

0:00 - Intro
0:13 - Gravel ride starts from Duck Creek Village
0:44 - Mammoth Cave lava tube
2:10 - Black Rock Valley Utah
2:59 - Mammoth Springs Utah
3:39 - Utah's best black rock gravel road.
5:42 - View of Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park area.
6:50 - Sheep near Duck Creek Village