temples currently operating or under renovation in the state. The Manti temple was the third built in the state and was dedicated in 1877, even before the temple in Salt Lake City. The church has several different architectural designs of its temples, but the Manti temple was cited as the inspiration for the design of the one dedicated in my hometown in 2017. I’ m not a member of the church, but I was given a media tour before its dedication, and I can tell you
they are pretty amazing inside.
North of Manti, the road keeps a relatively constant distance from the mountains to the east with western mountains appearing and disappearing from view.
After about 50 miles, the valley narrows and the highway becomes more exciting for the rest of the ride into Spanish Fork and Mapleton. It was urban riding from there into Provo, at which point I hopped off U. S. 89 and caught U. S. 189, which heads up the beautiful Provo Canyon. About 7 miles up, I turned on State Route 92 toward Sundance to meet up with my friend and his son.
Above left: In the first 25 miles of SR-14, watch for red rock spires and a high elevation reservoir. Above right: The abundance of sky makes a dramatic backdrop for the pioneer-style architecture of the LDS temple in Manti. Below: Red cliffs at the edges of Bryce Canyon National Park can be seen in the distance.
RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / OCTOBER 2026 / 37