Escalante to Winslow, AZ

Day 2 – Escalante to Winslow, AZ

After a leisurely and nutritious breakfast of complementary coffee and left-over veggie pizza we reorganized our packing then waited for the Wells Fargo stage coach to arrive with a fresh supply of cash. Once re- supplied with US dollars we hit the road heading south again on hwy 12 into the heart of Escalante National Monument.

Our chosen route bisected the Escalante from Cannonville to roughly Church Wells (on hwy 89). This road, known as the Cottonwood Road, is not on your basic highway map. The road is generally passable by 2 wheel drive vehicles but there is a steam crossing, some sand and rough gravel. (It was is our tune up for the descent into Copper Canyon.) If you want to take this road it is advisable to check at the Cannonville Visitors Centre for road conditions.

Our 1 wheel drive vehicles had no difficulty but there were a few exciting moment early on. With experience, both my riding technique and confidence improved to the point that the ride was very enjoyable. About 25% of the way along this road, we stopped for lunch at Grosvenor Arch .

Once back on the pavement we followed Hwys 89, 160, 264 & 87 though the Navajo Nation, Hopi Indian Reservation to Winslow, Arizona. The only uncomfortable factor was the strong west wind but at least the weather is getting warmer.

Tomorrow we are heading for our Mexico staging destination... Deming, New Mexico

Viewpoint on Hwy 12 south of Escalante


Grosvenor Arch - Just off the Cottonwood Road


Lee on the Cottonwood Road