Mountain biking to Hole-in-the-Rock (video)

June 25, 11:04 AMSalt Lake City Outdoor Recreation ExaminerJared Hargrave

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Callista Pearson negotiates the washboard at Hole-in-the-Rock

The Hole-in-the-Rock Road near Escalante, Utah, is the route used in 1879 by Mormon pioneers on the way to settle the Four Corners region. Huge cliffs descending to the Colorado River blocked the way, so they blasted a slot through the rock where wagons could be lowered 1,000 feet down the the canyon bottom. This passage was named Hole-in-the-Rock, and evidence of the incredible event still remains. Lake Powell now occupies the bottom of the canyon where much of this accomplishment took place, but the road still exists and can be traveled year round by vehicle and by bike.

• Check out the Mountain biking to Hole-in-the-Rock slideshow.

Hole-in-the-Rock Road is located in the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument and is over 50 miles of washboard dirt road stretching from Highway 12 to Hole-in-the-Rock. The mountain bike ride begins 42 miles in, at Dance Hall Rock, where it is a 37 mile out-and-back. For an even shorter ride, it can be started further down the road at Cave Point, which makes the ride around 20 miles round trip.

Overall, the biking itself isn't anything to write home about. The road consists of washboard sections, some slick rock, buffed out hard-pack, sand, and typical dirt road. But the excuse to make the long journey to one of the most remote corners of Utah isn't so much for the ride as it is for the spectacular scenery. Hundreds of miles of red-rock country spreads out in all directions under the ever-present Kaiparowits Plateau and Navajo Mountain which both loom over the Escalante River drainage.

The ride is easy for beginners as there are few technical sections. The road is wide enough for novices to comfortably maneuver around tight corners or drop off small rock ledges. Hole-in-the-Rock is also good for going fast as it is relatively flat with only a couple of hills that have to be confronted while ascending out of drainage bottoms.

The reward after a few hours of pedaling through the washboards and sand is the view at Hole-in-the-rock itself. Lake Powell lies hundreds of feet below as it glitters blue in the sun, and can be access for a post-ride swim after climbing down the giant slot. The dark, shadowy outline of Navajo Mountain marks the Utah/Arizona border to the south where the entire expanse of Glen Canyon stretches away among a maze of sun-baked sandstone.

The best time to ride Hole-in-the-Rock is spring or fall, as summer temperatures are unbearably hot and there is no shade along the road. It is a good idea to have someone drive a support vehicle carrying food, water and other supplies. Hole-in-the-Rock is one of the most remote areas in Utah, so there are no services and if there is an emergency, help is hours away. Also, don't attempt this ride if there are thunderstorms forecast for the area. Numerous drainages are crossed along the way and flash floods can cut off any chance of returning to civilization that day.

Beautiful scenery, a feeling of remoteness, memorable views, and an opportunity to learn about Utah history all combine to make Hole-in-the-Rock a worthwhile mountain bike ride. Check out the video below to get a sense of the Hole-in-the-Rock experience.