Hwy 30 into Utah?

[Jim and Colleen]

Hi, this is Jim & Colleen from WA X Riders.

This summer we are planning to ride from La Grande [OR] to Texas Gulf coast. I [Jim] have done this before and took 84 to 80, but was not happy with the north end SLC traffic. I am wondering about the Idaho Falls, Montpelior, Kemmerer to 80 northern route-- Hwy 30.

Here's my question: I am somewhat terrified of cliffs. Looking at the new maps available, I can't see anything that looks like a serious "drop-off" on the route. Climbing and descending aren't issues for me as long as there is mountain on both sides.

Anyone ridden that who might have some comments?

Jim&Colleen

[Rphdiesel]

Piece of cake.

We live in Rigby, which is just north of Idaho Falls, been through the area you are asking about. Be sure to stop in Lava Hot Springs and soak your bones. It is mostly countryside and rural riding. Bear Lake is worth seeing. Very blue water and cold.

Ride safe, Chet

[Captain_s54]

Hi way 30, MCammon Id to Soda Springs Id to Montpelier Id and on to Cokeville Wyoming and then Kemmerer Wyoming. I live in Soda Springs. This is a far better route than the Utah route. I drove from Montpelier to south of Cokeville to work for years. I know every bump. The only problem is truckers. This is the most well traveled truck route in the U.S. In spite of that, give me hiway 30 over Utah's freeways any time. Take a few hours xtra and in Montpelier turn west on hiway 89 and go see Bear Lake well worth the short ride out of your way, as a matter of fact if you follow 89 south and then east you will get back to hiway 30 at Sage Junction Wyoming having made a big circle. Bear Lake sits dab on the Idaho, Utah border.

[Jim and Colleen]

Here we sit, one month before we take off for the south and I wanted to thank you guys for the info. The route thru Soap Lake etc is now etched in stone--or something!-- and we are itching to go.

On June 15th, if you see a black 1800R with a grouchy old man on board followed by a gorgeous lady on a silver 1300R-- wave, that's us! In the opposite direction 11 July.

So thanks again.