Like all northern Utah rides on this blog, it’s almost never a bad decision to choose to ride the East Canyon loop. Three out of four seasons of the year, the Rocky Mountains offer a pleasant riding experience for bikers. If you’re the type who chooses to ride even in snow and ice then I guess the Rocky Mountains always have something for you, though I can’t say you’d find this ride particularly pleasant in those conditions.
I was lucky enough to have a Saturday afternoon available in early October to ride this loop. While the leaves are only beginning to change color in the Salt Lake Valley, the views along both Emigration and East Canyon feature a landscape of trees well into their seasonal transformations.
Usually, I find it difficult and tedious to stop and get all of my video and pictures due to a combination of both summer heat and extra layers of protection. That combo can melt you on an obnoxiously hot day. However, this day couldn’t have had more perfect weather.
The air was crisp and the sun added some welcome warmth. I found stopping to stretch my legs and get video to be a fun distraction and not just an obligation. The East Canyon Loop is a winner in all riding seasons, but I found that autumn is my new favorite time of year for this ride.
Directions:
· Head East up Sunnyside Avenue and up Emigration Canyon
· Turn Left at Little Dell Reservoir for SR 65
· Turn Left at Fork after East Canyon State Park to get on SR 66
· Follow SR 66 through Porterville and Morgan
· Turn Left at Old Highway Road (700 East) After Passing Under Freeway in Morgan
· Turn Left at Interstate 84
· Follow I-84 until US 89
Part 1: Emigration Canyon
While there’s more than one way to get to East Canyon, I began my ride through Emigration Canyon. You’ll notice two points of interest immediately if you choose to take this path: This is the Place Heritage Park and the Hogle Zoo, both great landmarks to reference if you’re going to meet up with some fellow riders.
*Alternatively, you can head eastbound on Interstate 80 toward Kimball Junction and take the exit toward East Canyon. As with any major interstate, I-80 can be cluttered with traffic, which can be more stressful than fun on what is supposed to be a leisurely motorcycle ride. I recommend saving that highway for the trips where you’ll really need it*
Riding Emigration Canyon is a great warm up for the East Canyon loop. Start this path by heading east on Sunnyside Avenue. This road takes you immediately up the canyon and into the neighboring community.
Ruth’s Diner has been a fixture of Emigration Canyon since 1930. If you’re making this trek early enough in the day, feel encouraged to stop there for breakfast or brunch. You’ll notice quickly that this idea is shared by just about everybody who lives on the east side of the valley. When you’re almost guaranteed to wait for a seat, you know Ruth’s is a popular place.
Not far after the diner, you’ll observe residential homes along the canyon for the next few miles. Watch your speed because these homes and driveways are often covered by blind spots. Since you’re merely a guest to this community, I recommend minding your manners about loud pipes and posted speed limits.
About seven miles up the canyon, you’ll find yourself at a pull-out area overlooking Little Dell Reservoir. This turnout offers magnificent views of the spot as well as a short history lesson about Utah’s first Mormon pioneers.
After the turnout, proceed for about a mile until to an intersection where you’re forced to make a left or right turn. Turn left on SR 65 for East Canyon.
Part 2: East Canyon
Now that you’re heading north, you’ll notice that the air is more crisp and wider spaces offer a different perspective to the fall foliage. The narrow feel of Emigration Canyon that offered so many switchbacks and close intimate moments with the trees, now open up to paint the countryside an earthy red and yellow mix.
Follow the speed limit. The open spaces and straightened roads seem to invite a faster speed but it narrows into switchbacks again after only a couple of miles. At the peak of SR 65’s ascending road is Big Mountain Pass, a famous recreation spot known for its fantastic views and bicycling trails. It’s a great spot to stop and get a picture. In fact, when I took this trip I ran into a professional photographer getting some landscape shots for a local cannabis company. I can honestly say that’s a Utah first for me.
Continue on SR 65. As you proceed on this route, you’ll come back across those switchbacks that we bikers live for. Several miles of serene views and engaging tight turns mark your continued trek to East Canyon Reservoir. As long as you stay attentive and handle these curves with care, you’ll have nothing but fond memories of this part of the trip.
East Canyon State Park has no shortage of recreational opportunities with its gorgeous reservoir and plentiful camping spots. While you probably don’t have a lot of use for that right now, you can still keep it in the back of your mind next time you’re in the camping mood.
As you pass the state park on your left, you have options as to what road you want to take on this loop. While I’m open to your feedback on what the other route entails, for this blog post I made a left at the fork on the north end of East Canyon. That is SR 66, for those following along.
SR 66 continues to run the northern edge of the reservoir, a beautiful scene from the back of a cruiser. However, maintain caution traveling this path. I found several instances of gravel from previous road work and small rock slides along this stretch of road. Keep your head on a swivel and do your best to avoid these patchy hazards.
Part 3: Porterville, Morgan and the Final Section of the Loop
Since I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, I’ll simply say that SR 66 features more of the same curves and sweeping vistas Northern Utah is known for. As you follow this hypnotic path, you’ll pass Porterville (a small unincorporated town that’s easy to miss) and then Morgan (you’ll know it from it’s giant “M” on the mountainside).
If you need fuel, Morgan offers your first chance to get it since leaving the Salt Lake Valley. However, if you filled up before this little adventure, you can almost certainly make this entire loop on one tank of gas.
Morgan is a town that will make you wish you lived there. Just driving through it you can’t help but imagine a life with this much space and beauty. But, unfortunately for you, you’re just passing through.
Continue through the town of Morgan under the freeway overpass at the edge of town. Turn left on Old Highway Road, which is 700 East. A frontage road to Interstate 84, this path will take you to a hangout that I highly recommend: The Stoddard Inn.
“The Stoddard Inn,” formerly known as “Kelly’s Roadhouse,” is a biker bar through and through. Having a reputation for being a hotspot for bikers in the area, The Stoddard Inn features plenty of motorcycle parking and great food. Since I’m an uncertain traveler when it comes to overdoing it on fried food, I stuck to the grilled cheese sandwich, which did not disappoint.
With a full belly and a dwindling gas tank, I decided to make my way back home after visiting the Stoddard Inn. Continue on Old Highway Road and look for signs taking you to Interstate 84. I-84 is the last highway before finally making it back to Ogden valley. After traveling on this highway, follow signs for Ogden.
Even though it’s a short loop, it definitely fits well with increasingly shorter days. This is the kind of loop you can do and still make it home before dark (if you plan enough).
That being said, I encourage you to ride this one as much as you can before temperatures get too cold and the roads get too treacherous. And if you do, would you be so kind as to share it with 2 Wheels Over the Wasatch? You can also share it with me on my social media channels:
And, as always, be sure to “like,” “share,” and subscribe to the channel on YouTube. And I hope this goes without being said but, but feel free to say hi if our paths cross on the road sometime.