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Burghere's avatar
Burghere
Explorer
Jul 24, 2014

Utah Roads For Class A

We're heading to Utah this Sept. and Oct. and are concerned about driving on the mountain roads with a class A diesel pulling a toad. I have the Mountain Directory which lists the roads and grades but I'd like to get some first hand experience from others on our planned route.

Cisco to Moab via Rt. 128

Moab to Blanding via U.S. 191

Blanding to Torrey via Rts. 191, then 95N, then 24W

Torrey to Escalante to Bryce via Rt. 12

Bryce to Zion via Rt. 12, U.S 89, Rt.9

Zion to St. George via Rt. 9

18 Replies

  • We towed on all of those roads last Sept/Oct except 128 and 9. We drove both and they are doable, but 128 is a bit tight in places. May want to just do 128 with the toad. Some people say 12 is bad, but we loved it. You will too. The 'cliff' section is only a mile long and 35 MPH. October weather is chilly. Was in the 20's or 30's every night in Torrey the 2nd week of October when we were there.
  • Restrictions for the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel. Scroll down and check the Prohibited Vehicles section to make sure you are OK.

    Pictures of the hogsback section on UT-12. If you can keep the tires on the pavement on other 2 lane roads, you will be OK. No one drives fast on this 1/4 mile section.




  • I've done all of those multiple times in our 40' Endeavor towing our Wrangler. No real issues on any of those roads. Yes, there are some relatively steep grades but nothing to get your panties in a wad about. Only real comments are on 128 and 12. 128 is a bit narrow and twisty along the river. Mostly depends on the idiot coming the opposite driving way too fast. There has been much discussion and debate about 12. Lots of white knuckled reports and never again statements on this forum. Yes, there are some places where you could drive off the edge and make an ugly splat way down below, but the views are worth it. I would rather drive 12 than 128 in my bus. I've even been known to go out of my way to drive 12 between Torrey and Escalante.
  • I picked up a Motor Carriers' Road Atlas at a truck stop. It's invaluable when I get off the Interstate. I figure if the trucker's aren't using a certain road then I won't either.
  • Fairly decent downgrade in the Torrey to Escalante part of hwy 12. Other than that, just a regular highway with not a lot of shoulder. Route 9 will take you through the tunnel into Zion. You will have to unhook the toad, pay a fee, and travel the center of the tunnel. Done all the time. The only part of the tunnel I do not like is the first several feet, waiting for my eyes to adjust.
  • There are a few hilly and windy sections but you will do fine. We just did all of those routes this spring and loved it. Remember to gear down going downhill.
  • the only one that gives me shivers is route 12 from Torrey to Escalante.
    but I admit to having a fear of heights if I am close to the edge and looking over, and going south, I, the passenger, am definitely on the outside edge looking over. So I flat refuse to do it in the MH. in the toad, DH takes the middle of the road.
    This hogback or ridgeback section is only two or three blocks long, but that's too long for me. :)
    So I'll let you decide.
    The rest of the road has some pretty good ups and downs, but there are places to pull over and rest, etc. lots of people take their big 5th wheels and MHs over this road.
  • there was a heck of a grade from blanding to bluff as I recall. other than that I don't remember any issues on 1191.
    bumpy