What The Devil?

In our early 20s, we went white-water river rafting in Tahoe, Nevada. One of the rapids was named “The Meat Grinder.” With a name like that, the intensity is expected. In riding, the name of the ride may or may not be synonymous with the experience of the ride, but "devil" is used frequently in the naming of roads, creeks, pools, and landmarks.

Our most recent trip included a portion of the Devil’s Backbone in Texas. While I didn’t like the taffic lights, once we turned onto Lime Creek Road, it was an entertaining ride. Although there are some pretty large residences, the road had very little traffic and was mostly ridden by motorcycles and sports cars on the twists, turns, and dips. Most low shoulders are .

White sands all around...where is the road?

We rode the Devil’s Highway (191), formerly known as Highway 666, last summer as part of a 17-day trip to include nine states. We spent the night in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and visited White Sands National Park at sunset… beautiful! The views of White Sands National Park are close to angelic, but riding a Road Glide on a sandy road is quite the experience. In addition to the potential of sliding, we could not differentiate the road from the dunes. Everything is white.

The next morning we were ready to conquer Devil's Highway before heading to our daughter's in Tucson, Arizona. Devil’s Highway is an exciting ride with 460 turns on a 120-mile section of the Coronado National Scenic Byway Trail near the New Mexico border. The road climbs to 5,000 feet in elevation. If you have read my previous article, Sunsets, Wildlife, and Murals...Oh My, this is the location of the “mountain cows”! Although no longer referred to as Highway 666, many believe the road to be haunted and report strange sightings (not cows, but paranormal). Afterwards, we started the ride toward Tucson. No surprise, but late June in Arizona is hot as hell!

Cows on the Devil's Highway, Arizona

While not motorcycle-related, we took a jeep scramble tour in Moab, Utah, that included a section referred to as the Devil’s Backbone. My husband completely surprised me with that adventure, and I definitely prefer to be on the back of a bike.

The Devil's Backbone, Moab, UT

This summer, we have a 19-day trip planned to include Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Mount Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, and more. The Devil’s Tower was named the first National Monument in 1906. It remains a sacred location to at least 20 Native American tribes. It is believed to be named the Devil’s Tower as a misinterpretation of the Native American name. While in the area, we hope to see the Devil’s Bathtub in South Dakota. The water is so cold, it can put out the fires in hell! I am not sure I will be taking a dip in that!

Please share other must-see devil locations. Include the name and state in the comments. As a Texan, I know about the existence of Devil’s River, but I’ve yet to visit. It is said to be the most pristine river in Texas! What the devil, why haven’t I been there?

The Blonde Backpack