Wattis/Cove Loop

Type: Loop
Rating: Intermediate
Length: 19 miles
Notes: Carry plenty of water. No water on route.

THE RIDE: For those embarking on this ride for the first time, this 19 mile loop is suitable for the intermediate rider and offers spectacular views of the Castle Country Region including the Book Cliffs, Castle Valley Ridge and the San Rafael Swell. Reward yourself with a high energy lunch at mile point 10.5, where you may dine above it all on the Horse Bench before beginning your descent back to the parking area.

Directions: Southwest of Price, Hwy. 10 intersects Hwy. 122, which heads west to Hiawatha and Wattis. A few miles up this road is the fork to Wattis, turn right and go 4 miles to a dirt road that enters from the right/north. Park here.

Ride on the asphalt uphill (west) for approximately 2.5 miles where another dirt road will appear on your right. Take it north, descending into a wash. Always stay on the main road and follow the wash for about two miles. After a great roller coaster ride through the wash, the road begins to ascend as it approaches the Utah Railway line. Continue on the main dirt road for about 2.5 miles more, and begin heading east on a very obvious main branch of the road. It quickly descends through a deep wash (often with water), climbs out and enters a large plain, bearing to the south (The Cove). At the end of The Cove is a steep climb to the top of Horse Bench (bladed in 1995), all of which is ridable. At the top of the bench is a narrow neck and a great spot to re-energize with some lunch. Ride the gentle but bumpy downhill east for about 2.5 miles where there is a an abrupt hairpin off the bench to the south. Ride the final 6 miles to the main road back to the parking area where you began.

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