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Bill Bikes My bicycling expeditions and jaunts |
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Vermilion Cliffs, April 2019
Along the Colorado River: A Photographic Log
12 April 2019, 16 miles
From the parking lot and Interpretive Center at Navajo Bridge, where I left the Forester, I pedaled less than a quarter mile up Highway 89A, then turned right on Lees Ferry Road, which runs between the Vermilion Cliffs and the Colorado River.Although I've driven past that intersection a couple of times in years gone by, I never paid it any attention. Having motored for two hours from Flagstaff to escape rain, this was my big opportunity to explore the road, and I wasn't disappointed by what I discovered. Between the spectacular natural beauty and interesting historical sites packed into a few miles of easy pedaling, this turned out to be one of the hidden jewels of northern Arizona. Here's a sample of the natural beauty. Plus a little bit of Old Grumble-Face.
As soon as I turned off the highway onto the road to Lees Ferry, this red wall slammed me in the eyeballs.
No wonder they call these the Vermilion Cliffs.
The road to Lees Ferry traverses some of the most spectacular scenery in Arizona, and that's saying a lot.
Every hundred yards or so I'm compelled to hop off the Ogre and pull out the camera, because a gorgeous new vista comes into view.
Tiny Ogre and gigantic rock monolith, crumbling away like Ozymandias.
One of my favorite shots.
Not many of these around in this dry land.
The Ogre brakes to a stop at the side of the road for another photo op.
Big rock. Little bike.
The Ogre and I are insignificant specks in this raw red landscape.
More Vermilion Cliffs.
A smooth road with a few ups and downs—and almost zero traffic—winds through the spectacular landscape on the way to the dead end at Lees Ferry on the Colorado River, roughly six miles upstream from Navajo Bridge.
Very highly recommended, whether by bicycle or by automobile.
Balancing rock. One of several along the road.
Another balancing rock.
I really want to climb up there.
A brief sortie up a short side road, closed to traffic.
Rocks along the road.
After my fantastic climbing performance at Joshua Tree, I decided to film another amazing demonstration of my incredible, spider-like skills.
What a graceful fellow.
And he can balance on two feet!
Old Grumble-Face performs ballet. Or perhaps a rock dance.
Onward to Lees Ferry.
Don't forget to grab the Ogre and take it with you when you go....
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.
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