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Spirit of the Southwest (Utah, Nevada, Arizona)

Spirit of the Southwest Motorcycle Tour | An Epic American Dual Sport Adventure

Spirit of the Southwest Motorcycle Tour | An Epic American Dual Sport Adventure

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Deep in the heart of the American Southwest, bound by the mighty Colorado River and the Rocky Mountains, exists a land of entrancing beauty where deep canyons cut paths through colorful mountain peaks and the towering monuments of red rock rise sharply in communion with clear blue skies. Not only an epic motorcycle adventure, but a journey through time, history and the "Spirit of the Southwest. 

Departing glittering Las Vegas, Nevada this unforgettable trip takes adventure seekers across 1600-miles of the finest adventure motorcycle riding the American West has to offer; carving unforgettable roads and perfect dirt ribbons through labyrinthian canyons, up imposing cliff faces and over the high mountain passes of the Colorado Plateau… into the epicenter of all adventure destinations – legendary Moab, Utah. With 6 National Parks on the itinerary, and landmarks of Native American and Pioneer history along the way, the natural and cultural richness of this tour is unparalleled. 

Join an according to the dates shown for the perfect 10-day adventure ride, or bring your experienced riding buddies and enjoy a self-guided tour on other dates we have availability. This tour is customizable with more or fewer days, more or less off-road riding or even all pavement, so inquire today and ask a RIDE Adventures representative how we will make your next moto-vacation as enduring as the ‘Spirit of the Southwest.’

 

Itinerary

Image of las vegas sign for the start of the spirit of the southwest tour for ride adventures

Day 1 - Arrival in Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World," is home to an array of attractions including world-class restaurants, live performances, and grandiose casinos.

While we encourage you to experience all that the city has to offer, remember to reserve some energy for an early start the next day. Las Vegas will be waiting for your return. 

View point in Kanab UT

Day 2 - Las Vegas, NV to Springdale, UT

(225 Miles)

We will waste no time leaving Las Vegas via scenic coastal roads along Lake Mead. The stark gravel topography of the Vegas Wash of Nevada will give way to erosion cut sandstone towers as soon as we cross state lines into Utah. An easygoing introduction to off-roading on your motorcycles will be had after lunch in the forest wilderness of the Pine Mountains north of St. George. We will explore the mining history of Silver Reef and visit a well preserved Ghost Town on the Virgin River before settling in for the night within the deep canyon walls of Zion National Park.

image of 2 adventure bikes near grand staircase-escalante national monument

Day 3 - Springdale, UT to Torrey, UT 

(216 Miles)

Serving as a gateway to the natural splendors of Southern Utah, The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel provides a direct connection between the 2,600 ft deep Zion Canyon and the high Markagunt Plateau of the Grand Staircase. Here the Earth's crust rises sequentially in great cliff faces - like an enormous staircase - up to an elevation of 11,000 feet revealing a geographical maze of polychromatic cliffs, plateaus, canyon and arches that defy description. The route continues to climb to Bryce Canyon National Park with its entrancing “Hoodoo” formations. After lunch in the town of Escalante, trace a vertiginous “Hogsback'' over Hell’s Backbone bridge high above the unnavigable slot canyons of the Escalante River. Finally, put your road skills to the test on the twists and turns of Boulder Pass with its 100-mile views of the colorful desert below. 

adventure motorcycle riders and their bikes near moab utah on the best of the southwest tour for ride adventures

Day 4 - Torrey, UT to Moab, UT

(200 Miles)

Marvel at the majesty of the Waterpocket Fold as we explore Capitol Reef National Park.

This park is home to a wealth of sandstone monuments and Native American petroglyphs, as well as a well-preserved ghost town. Our route will take us along the Fremont River through a dream-like canyon and onto a desert landscape that looks like it could be the surface of the moon. We'll then descend into the scorching red and desolate San Rafael before ending the day in the legendary adventure sports resort town of Moab, Utah. Here, we'll watch the sun set behind the silhouetted arches of Arches National Park.

View from a butte near moab utah for the spirit of the southwest tour for ride adventures

Day 5 - FREE DAY, Moab, UT

Take a break or indulge in high adventure on our free day in Moab, Utah, the largest city in southeastern Utah.

During peak seasons, Moab attracts adventure seekers from all over the world who come to hike in one of its two national parks, climb on its sandstone towers, jump off its cliff faces, raft down the Colorado River, or test their vehicular skills on the challenging 4x4 roads in the area.

Whether you join a organized ride with your guide or venture out on your own, there's no shortage of exciting activities to choose from in Moab. Don't miss this opportunity to relax or indulge in adventure in this dynamic small town.

Image of the road from Moab Utah to Bluff Utah for Spirit of the Southwest tour by RIDE Adventures

Day 6 - Moab, UT to Bluff, UT

(220 Miles)

Ascend prominent mountain ranges, discover abandoned mines and trace the paths of the early American Pioneers and Native Americans on the Old Spanish Trail from Moab to Monument Valley. There are many things to see, and excellent pavement and dirt riding throughout, but itineraries will vary depending on the season and weather conditions as some routes ascend to over 10,000 feet.

Bluff Utah to Boulder Utah on Ride Adventures Spirit of the Southwest Tour

 

Day 7 - Bluff, UT to Boulder, UT

(230 Miles)

On day seven of the "Spirit of the Southwest" tour, you'll embark on a motorcycle spirit quest through the sacred lands of Native America.

Following the Trail of the Ancients, you'll cross the unpolluted and untouched Bears Ears National Monument, an area with no towns (or stoplights) until you reach the remote town of Boulder, Utah later in the evening.

The intimidating Moki Dugway and Burr Trail offer a challenging dirt ride through tight, ledgy switchbacks, so riders who are hesitant about these types of roads will be tested today.

On the road from Boulder Utah to Springdale UT on RIDE adventures Spirit of the Southwest tour

Day 8 - Boulder, UT to Page, AZ

(100 Miles)

A shorter-mileage day of high adventure as we attempt to navigate through the remote and unpopulated Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument. An area larger than the state of Delaware, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was among the last geographical areas to be mapped in the lower 48 states of the USA. While rich in human history, the monument contains no modern paved roads. Itineraries will vary depending on conditions.

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Day 9 - Page, AZ to Kanab, UT via Grand Canyon

(206 Miles)

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most visited natural attractions in the entire world with 6 million visiting each year. We’ll visit the more remote, higher elevation North Rim to get a glimpse at this natural wonder. Hotel accommodations are in charming Kanab. Called Utah’s “Little Hollywood” for its film worthy western scenery, Kanab retains a small town feel and has a selection of restaurants and shops.

last day on spirit of the southwest tour is in Las Vegas, Nevada

Day 10 - Kanab, UT to Las Vegas, NV

(245 Miles)

With stamina running low and familiar scenery ahead we will be returning to Las Vegas with little meandering. Your guide will have a few more surprises to challenge you, to be sure, and a visit to Valley of Fire State Park serves as a fitting conclusion.

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Day 11 - Departure

Experiencing so much in the short span of a week-and-a-half you will likely welcome the comforts of home for a well-deserved rest. Safe travels. 

Feel free to share your images and videos with us, we love to see how much fun you had on our tours. 

Minimum Essential Gear for RIDE Training

If you're planning to jump on a guided tour or training with RIDE Adventures, it's essential that you have the right gear. This helps to ensure your safety and the safety of others while on the road.

Not being properly prepared can lead to injuires that could have been avoided. Our guides have created a Minimum Essential Gear Guide if you plan to book a RIDE Adventures. If you don't come minimally prepared there is a chance our guides will prevent you from hopping on a bike. Make sure you're prepared for the adventure. 

Bikes Available

2019+ Honda CB500x

2019+ Honda CB500x

Another recent assertion by Honda Motorcycles into the Adventure Riding world, riders seeking a compact-sized adventure bike have been raving about the CB500X. With plenty of power emanating from the parallel-twin engine, and an agile disposition, everything from paved twisties to gravel, dirt, and sand can be conquered with this fun adventuring option. Starting in 2019 with it's 19 inch wheel, this bike has proven itself for us in places like Patagonia, and will be a great option for riders exploring beyond.

  • Wet Weight - 430lbs
  • Seat Height - 32.7 inches
  • Fuel Capacity - 4.6 gal

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Seat Height:
32.7 in
Curb Weight:
430lbs
Fuel Capacity:
4.6 gal
Displacement:
471cc Parallel Twin
2024 Yamaha XT250

2024 Yamaha XT250

The Yamaha XT250 is a reliable and versatile dual-sport bike, perfect for both on- and off-road adventures.

Its air-cooled 249cc single-cylinder engine provides a broad powerband and excellent fuel efficiency, while the compact chassis and long-travel suspension ensure agile handling and comfort on various terrain.

With features like a 21-inch front wheel, wide-ratio five-speed transmission, and electric start, the XT250 is ideal for exploring dirt trails, commuting, or simply enjoying the thrill of the ride.

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Seat Height:
32.7 in
Curb Weight:
291 lbs
Fuel Capacity:
2.5 gal
Displacement:
249cc
Honda Africa Twin

Honda Africa Twin

Finally, the return of a legend! The long awaited, and thoroughly updated Africa Twin by Honda has been talked about for years, finally making itself available in various markets around the world in 2015. With a four-valve Unicam® cylinder head 998cc parallel twin engine, more power than an adventure rider could ever need is available along with suspension travel and ground clearance to handle the most remote and rugged terrains and pathways. 

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Seat Height:
33.5/34.3 in
Curb Weight:
511 lb
Fuel Capacity:
4.96 gal
Displacement:
998 cc
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Finally, the return of a legend, and this version, a little bit more prepared for long adventure rides than it's smaller twin. The long awaited, and thoroughly updated Africa Twin by Honda finally became available in rental fleets around the world in 2015, forever winning our hearts over with incredible reliability while being extremely fun to ride the first few seasons. This "Adventure Sports" version is about an inch taller with 1.5 gallons greater fuel capacity than the standard Africa Twin. With a four-valve Unicam® cylinder head 998cc parallel twin engine, more power than an adventure rider could ever need is available along with suspension travel and ground clearance to handle the most remote and rugged terrains and routes.

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Seat Height:
35.4/36.2 in
Curb Weight:
533 lb
Fuel Capacity:
6.4 gal
Displacement:
998 cc
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 (2020+)

Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 (2020+)

Just a few years after this legendary bike was reintroduced as a 1000cc world traveler in 2016, Honda made the Africa Twin CRF 1100 just a little bit better starting the 2020 model year. With four-valve Unicam® cylinder heads atop a 22.5degree parallel-twin engine, more power than an adventure rider could ever need is available along with suspension travel and ground clearance to handle the most remote and rugged terrains and pathways. An upgraded electronics package vs. the previous version includes cruise control, a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit,) and a 6.5 inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth integration. Pack it up for a long trip, or take the bags off for a day on the trails, nothing but fun lies ahead!

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Seat Height:
33.5/34.3 in
Curb Weight:
505 lb
Fuel Capacity:
5.0 gal
Displacement:
1084 cc
Yamaha Ténéré 700

Yamaha Ténéré 700

This highly-anticipated "masterpiece of value" has finally been released, giving dual sport adventure riders around the world one more incredible middle-weight adventure bike to choose from. With 73+ smooth, linear horsepower pouring through one of most beautiful exhaust notes out there, the Ténéré 700's unique anti-squat design puts that power into the ground, instead of into the rear shock. The result is one of the best handling, adventure bikes on the market, all backed by typical Yamaha-reliability. Take this agile machine on short trips or long, paved twisties or dirt roads, and know that this may be as close to the "perfect" adventure bike as we have seen in a while. With an attractive entry price, and corresponding rental rate, we expect the number of Ténéré 700's in our fleet operations to grow steadily and remain a factor for a long time. 

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Seat Height:
34.4 in / 874mm
Curb Weight:
452 lb / 205kg
Fuel Capacity:
4.2 gal
Displacement:
689 cc