Today started off on a high note with a ride thru the Rookie Mountains. The view from US-160 is amazing, but a friend recommended a particular sop: the area is known as Wolf Creek Pass, but there is a scenic view called simply Wolf Pass. When you pull off at the scenic view sign, the first bit of road is paved, but it quickly turns to gravel.
The gravel is severely washboarded, but steep climb and hairpin turns are the most harrowing. Even though the road is only 3 miles long, it took me quite a while to get to the top. The ride up was a little rough, but the view made it all worthwhile.
The next destination was quite a ways down the road: the Four Corners Monument. I had always heard that the monument was misplaced by a short distance, but according to GPS, it’s right on. I don’t begrudge the Navajo the measly $3 entry fee, but the monument is really just a novelty. If I had gone far out of my way, I would have been disappointed, but it’s right on US-160 and I only stayed for a few minutes.
I had planned to stop at Monument Valley on the way to page, but when I reached the turn, it was already 5:30 PM and I just wanted to the hotel. Even though I passed it by today, I may stop later in the trip, if possible.
The photo at the top of this page is not from Monument Valley or any other park. It is not even a scenic view, it’s just on the road to Page (AZ-98). Stunning as it is, this kind of natural beauty is normal here.
Today’s photos start here in the stream.
Ticket to Ride 