Crossing into Utah the landscape changed drastically. We rode for miles through open plains as far as we could see. The climate also changed and we were hit by hot air – it felt like someone had turned on a hairdryer! The next morning we got up at the crack of dawn – really exited to ride some off-road trails through the desert: the Moki Dugway and the Valley of the Gods.
The Moki Dugway is a dirt switchback road carved into the face of a cliff edge, 3 miles long and drops down 400m/1’200 feet to the valley floor near Valley of the Gods. It was mind-blowing to stand at the top and look down on to the valley – and riding down, it was difficult to stay focused and not to keep looking at the amazing view! Once down in the valley it was already starting to get baking hot and we were glad to be able to take off our jackets and just ride in the body armour and a jersey over it. We dashed off towards the Valley of the Gods. The trail took us along sandy tracks, up and down small hills and bumps, whilst passing stunning rock pillars in vibrant red colours. Definitely another highlight!
From there on one attraction came after the other! We rode through the famous Monument Valley – which felt like being in a Wild West movie or a Marlboro commercial set with huge rock formations standing in the middle of the desert. Next up was the Grand Canyon. We managed to get a cheap campsite directly on the South Rim (Desert view campground) and watched the sunset and sunrise. Must say.. I thought the Grand Canyon would be an overhyped tourist attraction – but the vastness, amazing colours and the atmosphere at the Canyon will be something to remember for a lifetime!
From there on our plan was to head over to Las Vegas to meet up with some Swiss friends of ours and then head south direction the Mexican border.
