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While still painted in vibrant red , the landscape here includes wonderfully stratified crimson and gray cliffs and rock formations . It is on this leg of the ride that I get a look at the sculpting agent in the Canyon ’ s erosive history . I cross the impressive Colorado River just below the angler ’ s haven of Lees Ferry . Route 89A is the stretch of this tour that boasts the most eco diversity . To the east it is a treeless rock and color fest , while its western portion is an alpine delight . This mountainous stretch is lightly traveled , making for spirited and exhilarating carving of the numerous sweepers and hairpins that grace the ascent up the topography . One word of warning , the road here has an abundance of “ tar snake ” tarmac patching , so be aware of your line in those curves .
The ride through Vermillion Cliffs is punctuated by impressive red rock boulders .