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.

[bikerfish1100]

depending upon when in the summer you're going, there's the Top of the Rockies BMW Rally in Paonia weekend of July 24. good times, and they let "other" bikes in just as well.

[MTXX]

Great info guys.  Another ?.  Which direction to you recommend on 550 & 92.  I prefer the outside lane normally, but I have not been on these roads.  Also, we are thinking about seeing Black Canyon and Colorado Nat'l Monument.  Are they worth the time to see?

Thanks

[BillL]

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

CO149 south through Lake City and to Southfork, then US160 over Wolf Creek into Durango is the plan for day 3.
Next day is US550 north to Delta.  Then CO65 and the Grand Mesa Skkyway and end up in Grand Junction.

[bikerfish1100]

both CONatlMon & Black Canyon are nice for a visit. Not among the very best in the country, but since you haven't been, if you have the time, you should do them.
BCG-

CONM-

of course, outside of Cortez you have Mesa Verde, if you're into cultural historical stuff-


i think i prefer 550 from the north, Ouray to Durango. 92 is mostly a great riding road, and is superb in either direction.

[bikerfish1100]

just saw your lane preference notation- 92 will have you on the outside lane (mostly) heading south. Ouray to Silverton south is more outside, but the best part of Molas Pass (south of Silverton toward Durango) has you on the inside in that direction. 6 of 1, half dozen the other.

[BillL]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

[Eric308]

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?

CO 62 is beautiful. Goes right by Mt. Sneffels, a 14'r and Ralph Lauren's ranch. They filmed True Grit in this area and there is even a cafe in Ridgway called the True Grit Cafe. Great ride across there. Here's a shot of Sneffels.

[BillL]

Another question.  There is a road called Colorado River Road.  It runs north and a bit east from the Interstate at Dotsero to CO131 north of Bond and State Bridge.  Does anyone know anything about this road?  Is it paved?  It sure looks like it would be an interesting ride along the river.  I don't think I've come across any discussion of this one.

[bikerfish1100]

it has been mentioned in other threads.
Haven't ridden the dirt section, which begins at State Bridge going north. Friends have, and it's said to be readily doable on most street bikes, easy ride on a DS.
Taking 131 all the way to Toponas from Wolcott, and then shooting over Gore Pass on 134 is a very fine route as well. I've seen bald eagles gliding just over the tree tops, and typically, very few vehicles. Nice views on a very good riding road.

[Justin]

it has been mentioned in other threads.
Haven't ridden the dirt section, which begins at State Bridge going north. Friends have, and it's said to be readily doable on most street bikes, easy ride on a DS.

+1 - easy ride on a street bike, and very pretty along river. Have ridden it on my XX without problems.

[sfarson]

BillL... Joe and Justin know their stuff.  Can only add it is a great ride along a great river.  It's 34 miles from Dotsero east to Colorado 131.  Half of it is paved.  The other half is streetbike friendly as noted above.  Images below provide a hint of what to expect.  If you want more of the same, 7.6 miles south of the River Road's connection with 131, is the small community of State Bridge.  The Trough Road departs east here for more Colorado River riding and is part of the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway.  The chloride treated surface is almost pavement like in most places.  It is a great one as well, and the mighty Gore Canyon on the east end is a memorable sight.  The Trough concludes at Colorado 9 just south of Kremmling.  Both of these are essentially lonely back country journeys.  My kind of rides.





OK, a sneak preview of Gore Canyon as from the Trough Road approaching from the west.  That's also Trough Road continuing in the distance and is actually paved up high as a courtesy of the Union Pacific, with a scenic overlook and interpretive signs.   One looks down on the trains and the intense Colorado River in the gorge below.  The crashing river here was at one time considered unnavigable or "unraftable", but in 1970 someone made it through on a raft.  Today one can sign up for a raft trip through its Class V rapids, considered by some as one of the technical rafting stretches in country.

[bikerfish1100]

Steve-
"know our stuff"??
i am honored by the statements of, as he is called in the tongue of the natives, "He Who Knows All Roads In Colorado", and my inadequate knowledge is humbled in his presence.

ya'll up for a ride soon?

[olderigetfasteriam]

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

+1 on 133...it is one of my favorite roads for some reason. Not the most spectacular or scenic but I just enjoy riding it. Mkae the trip every summer from Arizona just to give it a go. Of course I ride several others as well.

[BillL]

BillL... Joe and Justin know their stuff.  Can only add it is a great ride along a great river.  It's 34 miles from Dotsero east to Colorado 131.  Half of it is paved.  The other half is streetbike friendly as noted above.  Images below provide a hint of what to expect.  If you want more of the same, 7.6 miles south of the River Road's connection with 131, is the small community of State Bridge.  The Trough Road departs east here for more Colorado River riding and is part of the Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway.  The chloride treated surface is almost pavement like in most places.  It is a great one as well, and the mighty Gore Canyon on the east end is a memorable sight.  The Trough concludes at Colorado 9 just south of Kremmling.  Both of these are essentially lonely back country journeys.  My kind of rides.


OK, a sneak preview of Gore Canyon as from the Trough Road approaching from the west.  That's also Trough Road continuing in the distance and is actually paved up high as a courtesy of the Union Pacific, with a scenic overlook and interpretive signs.   One looks down on the trains and the intense Colorado River in the gorge below.  The crashing river here was at one time considered unnavigable or "unraftable", but in 1970 someone made it through on a raft.  Today one can sign up for a raft trip through its Class V rapids, considered by some as one of the technical rafting stretches in country.

Thanks for the discussion guys.  I was a bit confused with the answers to my last question but, I'm squared away now.  I'm not much for dirt on the street bikes but, this bit might be ok.  The scenery looks great.

Thanks again.  Really looking forward to this trip.

[BillL]

+1 on 133...it is one of my favorite roads for some reason. Not the most spectacular or scenic but I just enjoy riding it. Mkae the trip every summer from Arizona just to give it a go. Of course I ride several others as well.

Carbondale, Hotchkiss, Gunnison, LakeCity, Southfork, Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Grand Mesa back to Grand Junction.  That is a good portion of the planned route.

[BillL]

Gentlemen who know their stuff:

I see another road on the map that I'd like to learn about.  Frying Pan Road from Basalt on CO82 to Leadville.  Ivanhoe Road on the Leadville end.  Paved? Sights?  Is this similar to the Colorado River Road?

[sfarson]

The Frying Pan is paved from Basalt east to just past Reudi Reservoir.  Ivanhoe is dirt, and becomes quite rocky as it ascends the west side of Hagerman Pass.  Same rocky texture on the east side of Hagerman before it becomes the paved Turquoise Lake Road into Leadville.  A great ride, but the high Hagerman transit in the middle wouldn't be friendly to a streetbike.

Joseph... You know the answer.  

[bikerfish1100]

hey, i'm on vaca next week starting the 15th, and feeling the need to do some exploration. think you can get a day off from not working to head out? send me an email, let's talk.

[BillL]

Thanks.  I found another map that lead me to think pretty much what you just said.  That will have to be for another kind of trip.

[BillL]

If anyone is planning Colorado trips the week of June 13 - 19, you might want to consider the presence of bicycles that week.  2,000 participants

This is the week I'm planning to be in Colorado.  My current plan has me going north on US 550 on the day they are coming south from Ouray to Durango.  Rats, have to recalculate the whole trip.  I think I'm glad I stumbled on to this.

Ride the Rockies Tour  http://www.ridetherockies.com/about-the-tour/route/

Has anybody seen this event?  The more I look at the map and my schedule, the more I think I want to stay way away from it.  Do they suck up all the hotel rooms for miles around their destination?  Maybe I just change weeks.

[Justin]

Joseph... You know the answer.  

Steve up for a ride?? Never!

We need to hook up again for a ride now that the weather is getting nicer as well.. the last ride was fun, but a bit too sandy (except the sweepers over looking long scraggy ).

[BillL]

One last question for those with knowledge of Fort Collins.

We are going to launch from and return to the neighborhood of CO392/CR-32 and I-25.  Is US287 an ok alternative for traversing Fort Collins from north to south?  We are headed out via Estes Park and returning a week later via CO14/Poudre Canyon.

Saturday morning we are headed for Fort Collins with bikes on the trailer.

[BillL]

I read over in Ride Reports that bikerfish reports Trail Ridge Road open with perhaps some reservations voiced by the Park Service folks.  I plan on heading that way from Fort Collins and continuing on through Grand Lake and Winter Park, headed for Dillon the first day.  Is the road in good enough shape to pass through for a couple of us not really up to ADV biking?

[bikerfish1100]

Trail Ridge is under some construction on the east side. if you don't mind the bikes getting dirty, the road is eminently passable.
287 is an alternative for N/S travel, but unless i'm looking for shopping along it, it's not the route i would generally take. there's construction at Harmony Rd/College Ave (287) intersection- worth avoiding if possible.
to get to EstesPark, from 392, just head east onto 287. Right at end, left at next light onto Trilby, follow until end. Right onto South Taft Hill, left at JJ's gas onto Harmony Rd. This will take you up around Horsetooth Reservoir. Follow along, then left at the Nostalgic Leather in Masonville (CO27?) to US34 outside of Loveland. Follow 34 into Drake. Scenic/better road is take a Right after Drake to Glen Haven over Devil's Gulch Rd. At end of road take a right to go into RMNP, or a left to head back into EP past the Stanley Hotel (the conceptual model for Stephen King's Overlook Hotel in The Shining).
Coming back down the Poudre i would either take a right after the Narrows onto Stove Prairie Rd/Buckhorn Canyon (signed to Masonville & LaPorte), or continue to end of 14 and back into FtFun via 287. If you do that, jump off 287 at Overland Trail, head south. Overland merges onto Drake, then go south onto Taft Hill or Shields back to Trilby. Retrace your exit route from there.
FYI- the Greeley Blues Fest is this Saturday- $30 tix day of show for Shemeka Copeland, Fabulous Thunderbirds, and the killer slide guitar of Sonny Landreth.

[BillL]

Thanks for the tips.  Dirty bikes shouldn't be a problem.  I added the Devils Gulch alternate to the Zumo.  Buckhorn below Rist Canyon shows as perhaps unpaved on the Garmin maps.

[bikerfish1100]

don't tell anyone, but Buckhorn/Stove Prairie is one of the best "short roads" (27 miles total) in all of CO. beautiful pavement, start to finish. that last stretch from Rist to CO14 was paved about 5 or 6 years ago.

[BillL]

Thanks, again.  Just when I think I'm done putting stuff in the Garmin, another idea pops up.

[Bill@ButlerMaps]

taking ginko will accelerate acclimation.

Good point.  I'd forgotten about acclimation.



We'll look into that.  Thanks

[bikerfish1100]

taking ginko will accelerate acclimation.

drink more water than you normally do.
the altitude demands it, and given the dry air, you will rarely feel yourself sweating it out, so dehydration can creep up on you.

[Yankee Dog]

tagged for future reference.

yankee Dog