Trip Report: Bikepacking on the Tavaputs Plateau
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Bikepacking on the Tavaputs Plateau By Frank Bouchard |
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| BIKE | 10/18/2024 | MOD+ |
| The Tavaputs Plateau, also known as the Book Cliffs, is a large region of eastern Utah north of I-70 and south of SR-191. Covered by a network of dirt roads, oil drilling infrastructure, and very few people or vehicles, it's ideal for gravel biking. As my planned bikepacking adventure approached, the weather forecast showed a cold front followed by rain. This caused ten of the eleven participants to drop out last minute, leaving only me and Chris to take on the dreary skies and frigid temperatures. I got there a day early in the rain and realized quickly that high mileage on dirt roads, which were soft and saturated, was going to be brutal. Instead I made an alternative plan that spent more time on pavement with small sections on dirt. Even the paved road only sees about one vehicle per hour, so biking on it is pleasant. The ride started out icy cold and any hopes of scenic views were squashed by the heavy fog. But by noon it was warmer and cleared up. Our campsite was on the rim of a spectacular canyon wall overlooking Willow Creek below. On Sunday we sped back to the car just before the rain started up again. Despite the cold, wet conditions, it was an enjoyable weekend. |
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