Colorado trip ideas

[BillL]

Hi folks,

I'm planning a trip to Colorado this summer.  It looks like I'll be going with either one son or both sons.  The plan is to trailer the bikes to Fort Collins and then take off from there for 5 days or so.

I've a couple of goals that I want to achieve on this trip.  When I was a kid, back in the late '60's and early '70's my family spent several 2-week vacations in the Durango area.  We spent lots of time in the LaPlata canyon exploring old mine sites and learning how to ride motorcycles on steep roads.  We also adventured similarly in Ouray, Telluride and Lake City.  I want to re-vist some of those places (although road bikes won't go to the top of the  LaPlata canyon or Engineer Pass).  The other thing I did in the old days was take a road bike trip with my dad and a brother through a lot of those places back in 1980.  We trailed bikes to the Black Hills and rode south through Wyoming into Colorado.  That was fun and I'd like to do it again with my kids.

With my knowledge from the old days and assembling a lot of ideas from surfing around this place, I've put together a general route that I'd like to do.

One place I'd like to stay a night is in the Grand Lake area but, It's so close to the Fort Collins jump off point, I'm not sure which end of the trip to put it on.  Maybe it just doesn't work.

One thing I really need is a tip on a friendly place to leave the truck and trailer for the week in Fort Collins.  Anyone have a recommendation?

Here's a link to the route.  Any comments or suggestions?  I remember afternoon rain frequently in August in the southwest.  Does that change in the earlier summer months?

http://www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115859787479772568610.00047f46d8c9e5608205d&z=8

I see that this link doesn't work correctly....hmmmmm....I think it works now.

[shmily524]

Looks like a great trip.

I would suggest Grand Lake at the beginning. This would give you a short riding day with a little time to acclimate to the altitude.

One "must" on this trip is a stop at Pagosa Springs. Go to the main Springs and soak for a couple hours, then jump in/out of the river and soak a couple more hours. The place is top-notch, and you will feel great when you are done. Don't mess around with the other cheaper joints in town. You could also stop at Hot Sulphur Springs, but it is not as nice. Either way, hit some hot springs.

550 and 131 are both great. Enjoy!

[SalsaShark]

A couple of suggestions...

If you can squeeze them in, 125 between Walden and US 40 is a great ride. this is one of my favorite roads in the state. When we're up there we usually will run from 40 north about 30 miles, then turn around and head back... great twisties! Also, 134 between US40 and Toponas is a kick in the pants as well. Here would be my ideal route between FoCo and Steamboat

I'd avoid I-70 like the plague... COSP is handing out tickets like a pervert with a bag of free candy.

Anyways, looks like fun...

[BillL]

.....This would give you a short riding day with a little time to acclimate to the altitude......

Good point.  I'd forgotten about acclimation.

.....One "must" on this trip is a stop at Pagosa Springs. Go to the main Springs and soak for a couple hours, then jump in/out of the river and soak a couple more hours. The place is top-notch, and you will feel great when you are done. Don't mess around with the other cheaper joints in town. You could also stop at Hot Sulphur Springs, but it is not as nice. Either way, hit some hot springs.....

We'll look into that.  Thanks

[BillL]

....I'd avoid I-70 like the plague... COSP is handing out tickets like a pervert with a bag of free candy. .....

We'll make note of that, too.  Thanks for the other tips as well.

[Ves]

If you can work it out, 141 between Gateway and Uravan....
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Whitewater+CO&daddr=Naturita,+Montrose,+Colorado&geocode=FfX0UgId0SGJ-SnH57xS1RZHhzGjr-ANYqCurA%3BFVQqRwIdgV-H-SmtGoGVUYY4hzHtgJxvPjjbVw&hl=en&mra=pe&mrcr=0&sll=38.317417,-108.706284&sspn=0.384115,0.530777&ie=UTF8&ll=38.518086,-108.792114&spn=0.38305,0.530777&z=11

[BillL]

If you can work it out, 141 between Gateway and Uravan....

The Unaweep Scenic Byway.  It's in my collection of routes.  Might have to try to work that in.  Is there a preferred direction to travel it?

[BillL]

A given is that US550 is a must do at least between Durango and Ouray/Ridgway.  If I were to put the CO141 Unaweep segment in the mix, where should I cross to it?  On CO 62 Ridgway-Placerville?  Or on CO90 Montrose-Naturita?

[redmille]

If your starting at Fort Collins, head up HWY 14 (Poudre Canyon) to Walden and then down 125 like was mentioned and work your way down to grand lake.  That can take all day.  

[Ves]

A given is that US550 is a must do at least between Durango and Ouray/Ridgway.  If I were to put the CO141 Unaweep segment in the mix, where should I cross to it?  On CO 62 Ridgway-Placerville?  Or on CO90 Montrose-Naturita?

Haven't been on 90 in that section, but you wont go wrong if you go on 62 (actually I think this photo is on 145 west of 62):

[JimWilliamson]

If you'd like a spot to leave the truck & trailer - PM me. You could leave it in the street near my condo association (1025 Rolland Moore Drive, Fort Collins, CO) or there's a chance I could talk with the owner of the Ault Storage facility (I have a storage unit there - Ault CO - 20 minutes due East of Fort Collins) - you might be able to leave it in the gravel lot.

Lastly - CO-14 between Sterling CO and Fort Collins is my pref when coming in from the east (same time as via Cheyenne) - coin flip mostly


You might find interest in this thread (roads and spots of interest):
JW's BAM-CO (Big Assed Map-Colorado)
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,40257.0.html

[MTXX]

I am also planning a trip in CO this summer w/ my sons.  We will hub in Montrose and ride for three days.  And I have a question for someone that knows the area.  Is CO-90 paved all the way between Montrose & Naturita?  It doesn't look like it on the maps.

Thanks

[Justin]

I am also planning a trip in CO this summer w/ my sons.  We will hub in Montrose and ride for three days.  And I have a question for someone that knows the area.  Is CO-90 paved all the way between Montrose & Naturita?  It doesn't look like it on the maps.

Thanks

It is not. It is 90% dirt to Naturita. It is ride-able on a street-bike though, although it is a bit long and tedious.

[MTXX]

Justin,

Thanks for the feedback.  We will avoid the dirt.

[BillL]

It is not. It is 90% dirt to Naturita. It is ride-able on a street-bike though, although it is a bit long and tedious.

A "thanks" from me, too.  Not interested in dirt bikin the street bikes.

[BillL]

If you'd like a spot to leave the truck & trailer - PM me. You could leave it in the street near my condo association (1025 Rolland Moore Drive, Fort Collins, CO) or there's a chance I could talk with the owner of the Ault Storage facility (I have a storage unit there - Ault CO - 20 minutes due East of Fort Collins) - you might be able to leave it in the gravel lot.

Lastly - CO-14 between Sterling CO and Fort Collins is my pref when coming in from the east (same time as via Cheyenne) - coin flip mostly


You might find interest in this thread (roads and spots of interest):
JW's BAM-CO (Big Assed Map-Colorado)
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,40257.0.html

Jim,

Thank you for the offer of parking.  I'll let you know what we decide.

Wow, your map is cool.  I'll have to take a careful look.  At first glance, I have quite a few of your items on my planned loops.  Very nice.  Thanks!

CO14 from Sterling was my plan for coming into Fort Collins.

Bill

[BillL]

All right, another request for specific opinions.  One week is not enough time to see everything and choices have to be made.  Current plan is to get to Gunnison at the end of second day.  My first plan was to go CO133 Carbondale to Hotchkiss and down CO92 through Black Canyon.  I've never been on either of these.  Black Canyon sounds very interesting.

The second option that is apparent is Independence Pass and then down US24 to US50 and over Monarch into Gunnison.  I've never been over Independence but, have been over Monarch in the old days.

[Liftrat]

All right, another request for specific opinions.  One week is not enough time to see everything and choices have to be made.  Current plan is to get to Gunnison at the end of second day.  My first plan was to go CO133 Carbondale to Hotchkiss and down CO92 through Black Canyon.  I've never been on either of these.  Black Canyon sounds very interesting.

The second option that is apparent is Independence Pass and then down US24 to US50 and over Monarch into Gunnison.  I've never been over Independence but, have been over Monarch in the old days.

     Bill, looks like you're getting some good roads and suggestions. I agree with shmily524 about getting acclimatized for a day or so. Be aware that Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, while very scenic, is slow (35 MPH limit?), and can get frustratingly crowded after mid-morning. Also a strong CSP and local presence on US40. How about riding through the Park, getting a place in Grand Lake, then doing 125 in the afternoon, as SalsaShark mentioned?  

     IMHO, I'd do the 133/92/US50 route, as opposed to Independence Pass.  I just like it better. I think it's a little more rural. and maybe not quite as busy. You'll be on the rim of the Black Canyon for the most part; great views. Should be a great trip, no matter which route you take. Oh, and yes, it does still often rain in the afternoons (sometimes snows).

[Justin]

All right, another request for specific opinions.  One week is not enough time to see everything and choices have to be made.  Current plan is to get to Gunnison at the end of second day.  My first plan was to go CO133 Carbondale to Hotchkiss and down CO92 through Black Canyon.  I've never been on either of these.  Black Canyon sounds very interesting.

The second option that is apparent is Independence Pass and then down US24 to US50 and over Monarch into Gunnison.  I've never been over Independence but, have been over Monarch in the old days.

The CO133 Carbondale to Hotchkiss and down CO92 through Black Canyon route is pretty cool, and a good choice. When you get down to that area, CO 149 South from US 50 down to White River is a must ride. Then you can hit US 550 to come back north (million dollar highway) Ouray/Montrose

[bikerfish1100]

92 thru the Black Canyon (hotchkiss to near Gunnison) is a top shelf ride, not to miss. you can do Independence (coming or going), and just have it tie in from Carbondale at the head of 133.
50 from GJ to Delta/Montrose is worth missing. better is catch 65 over Grand Mesa- east of GJ on the north, east of Delta on the south.
141 is about equal either direction- i think i slightly prefer it S to N, but either way it is among the best. catch the car museum in Gateway, time permitting.

we normally head to Paonia area via 14/125/40/134 McClure Pass/131 into Wolcott, then catch 70 either to GWoodSprings/Carbondale or backtrack east to 24 Tennessee Pass/Leadville/Independence/Aspen/Carbondale, and then 131. just riding, either route is about an all day gig. either is superior to 24/Poncha/Monarch.