Western Colorado Ride Planning

[martys]

I'm planning an extended trip through Western Colorado next summer (late June/early July). Here's what I've got so far -

http://bit.ly/ag2ccs

I've looked at many of the roads from Jim Williamson's map and accompanying text file as well as Ken Bingenheimer's MotorcycleColorado site.  I'm just starting and this is a very rough draft.  I'd appreciate recommendations from folks who have ridden through the area for roads not to miss as well as warnings of roads or areas to avoid. The current draft is roughly 1300 miles. I'm booking two weeks and starting / ending in Seattle.  Three days to get there and three days back, I'm guessing 5 days in CO, and 3 days in Utah.  Also considering a 400-500 slab on the first and last day to save a day or two, but won't decide that until the last minute.

thanks for your help.

[JimWilliamson]

Hi Martys,

I checked out your map (my map updated a month back - I rented a bike and Ken and I rode some new roads in the state) and have a question: Have you ridden US-550 from Ridgeway to Durango? From Gunnison you drop down on the Lake City-Creede route and then head up to Telluride. An alternative, if you've not hit 550 would be to head west from Gunnison then drop south from Montrose on 550 to Durango [the west and north to Telluride].

I took Lake City - Creede last season (car) and would rate 550 as more scenic / more grandure of the two. Also, 550 Southbound into Ouray is my prev (vs. northbound).

If you'd like to chat about roads - feel free to e-mail me. I'll try to catch the threads' updates.

Jim

[JimWilliamson]

Also, if you like dam tours - I was at the Flaming Gorge Dam a year or two ago and a security / maintenance guy told me they still offer inside tours.

[martys]

Hi Jim!  

Yes, I've ridden from Durango north to Ridgeway about 5 years ago.  I don't remember much about it other than it was beautiful and seeing some of the abandoned silver mine flumes going through Silverton. I think we stopped in Ouray for breakfast after an early start in Durango.  Good call on Flaming Gorge, I've been through there before as well and it was gorgeous.

I might change my route to go that way again, I'll probably decide when I get near there.

so, is late June / early July a good time to ride through the areas I've laid out or do is there still a risk of late snow at elevation?

thanks.

[sfarson]

martys... I think you have a pretty good route laid out.  While U.S. 550 is a grand one, I prefer the choice you made further east... CO 149, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.  It is a true rider's road... 117 miles, two sweet towns, two mountain passes, zero stop lights and very light traffic.  Would note your route from Yampa to Meeker via Ripple Creek Pass involves almost 40 miles of dirt/gravel.  Pavement returns near the County 155 turnoff south to ultra scenic Trapper's Lake.

[sfarson]

Oh... Have no worries about snow.  There's a very slight chance a cold/wet snow could fall, but it won't stick.  Also, back to my previous post, if you don't mind riding your Duc ST on gravel, then you will be fine over the 40 miles of smooth dirt/gravel from Yampa over Ripple Creek Pass.  From the Trapper's Lake turnoff west, a sweet paved river ride (North Fork White River) through Buford to Meeker awaits.

[martys]

Oh... Have no worries about snow.  There's a very slight chance a cold/wet snow could fall, but it won't stick.  Also, back to my previous post, if you don't mind riding your Duc ST on gravel, then you will be fine over the 40 miles of smooth dirt/gravel from Yampa over Ripple Creek Pass.  From the Trapper's Lake turnoff west, a sweet paved river ride (North Fork White River) through Buford to Meeker awaits.

I guess I haven't updated my sig since last year  

thanks for the heads up on the gravel road. while the Multi is more than capable to do this, I'm not really up for it and depending who I might be riding with they'll be on more of sport bike than sport-touring. I think I'll plan to go north to Craig and stay on 40 via Steamboat Springs, which isn't such a bad thing.

I just found some info on the Flat Tops Scenic Byway that goes from Meeker to Yampa.  I may check with the locals when I get there to see what current conditions are like and make a call on the spot to see if I should get adventurous or not.

[martys]

did some tuning based on feedback so far here http://bit.ly/cpFiYx

I'm going to bypass Steamboat Springs by going south just east of Hayden down Co Rd 27 to Oak Creek.  Is Co Rd 27 paved?  I also extend my path into Utah all the way to Torrey where I'll home base for a couple of days exploring before heading for home.  

this is 9 months off and I'm already getting excited!  

[JimWilliamson]

 Is Co Rd 27 paved?

While I don't exactly know, google maps in Satellite view can likely tell enough detail on most roads.

http://maps.google.com

Google Maps at US-40 & CO-27
It looks paved all the way. The southern section has some twists and has more green about.

As it looks you're traveling CO-141 (one of my favorites), you may well enjoy this NPR story on the town of Uravan CO:

There's an audio link on the page.

The Uravan link from the NPR page heads to this site:
www.Uravan.com

Rockfall on Highway 141
http://www.uravan.com/pictures.asp?category=16&id=101

The Gateway Auto Museum was something Ken and I stopped on this last trip. If time permits, and you like cars, schedule an hour or two for the museum. Recommended.

http://www.GatewayAutoMuseum.com/

[sfarson]

did some tuning based on feedback so far here http://bit.ly/cpFiYx

I'm going to bypass Steamboat Springs by going south just east of Hayden down Co Rd 27 to Oak Creek.  Is Co Rd 27 paved?  I also extend my path into Utah all the way to Torrey we're I'll home base for a couple of days exploring before heading for home.  

this is 9 months off and I'm already getting excited!  

Ahhhh... You've stumbled across one of Colorado's secret roads... Twentymile Road / County 27.

Divine, paved, and lonely.  You will love it on the MTS12...

[martys]

Ahhhh... You've stumbled across one of Colorado's secret roads... Twentymile Road / County 27.

Divine, paved, and lonely.  You will love it on the MTS12...

   exactly what I was hoping for  

As it looks you're traveling CO-141 (one of my favorites), you may well enjoy this NPR story on the town of Uravan CO:

There's an audio link on the page.

The Uravan link from the NPR page heads to this site:
www.Uravan.com

Rockfall on Highway 141
http://www.uravan.com/pictures.asp?category=16&id=101

The Gateway Auto Museum was something Ken and I stopped on this last trip. If time permits, and you like cars, schedule an hour or two for the museum. Recommended.

http://www.GatewayAutoMuseum.com/

I love 141, that's why I'm planning on riding it north from Naturita to Gateway then turn around and come back south again before cutting over to La Sal in Utah.  I've only stopped in Gateway for water and a bathroom break. I didn't realize there was actually something to do there.    Since you were just there, is there gas at that stop?

[Orson]

CO-149 is another good one  

[JimWilliamson]

I've only stopped in Gateway for water and a bathroom break. I didn't realize there was actually something to do there.    Since you were just there, is there gas at that stop?

Well, it's perhaps safe to say "Gateway's a bit different now". I still think there's no stop sign!! but on the west side of the road "at the curve" there's a re$$$ort. Put up by wikipedia: John S. Hendricks, who used to own/be involved with the Discovery Channel. When Ken and I drove in we ended up at a check-in counter. He asked about room prices and they were multiple times over our budget. I do believe there is gas at the resort - it's listed in their amenities page.

www.GatewayCanyons.com
http://www.gatewaycanyons.com/visit/amenities/gas-station

[SalsaShark]

Ahhhh... You've stumbled across one of Colorado's secret roads... Twentymile Road / County 27.

Divine, paved, and lonely.  You will love it on the MTS12...

Another suggestion on your route...

1. Since you're already hitting 27, when you get to Oak Creek, continue south on 131 to Toponas and head up 134 over Gore Pass. It's one of my favorite roads...
2. Your route has you on 40... I would suggest taking a little detour and heading up 125 to Willow Creek Pass... some great twisties
3. Unless you need to go into Lyons, do yourself a favor and stay on 7 heading south out of Estes Park. 36 is usually extremely congested and really boring. (Also, watch your speed on Peak to Peak highway... it's a favorite for the local tax men)
4. If you have the time, head up to Mt. Evans out of Idaho Springs. At just over 14000 feet, the view is impressive! Instead of taking 6 out of Central City, take the CC Speed...errr... I mean CC Parkway to I-70, jump up to Idaho Springs and loop 103 back into Evergreen. Trust me, it's worth the time.



That's all I've got for now... looks like a fun trip.

[JimWilliamson]

3. Unless you need to go into Lyons, do yourself a favor and stay on 7 heading south out of Estes Park. 36 is usually extremely congested and really boring. (Also, watch your speed on Peak to Peak highway... it's a favorite for the local tax men)

Is Lyons to the P2P a destination road for you? (it would be for me)

If yes, then 36-Lyons-P2P, as listed on the map, is perhaps reasonable. If trying to avoid 36, I don't know if a down-n-back from the P2P to Lyons back to the P2P would be worth it.

As for police on the P2P - just about every other time I'm there I see someone pulled over. 50/50. Worth watching it.

[martys]

Is Lyons to the P2P a destination road for you? (it would be for me)

If yes, then 36-Lyons-P2P, as listed on the map, is perhaps reasonable. If trying to avoid 36, I don't know if a down-n-back from the P2P to Lyons back to the P2P would be worth it.

As for police on the P2P - just about every other time I'm there I see someone pulled over. 50/50. Worth watching it.

Is the P2P worth it? I went further east to Lyons based on it being circled on your map. If its just an OK road, I'll stay on 7 and go directly south.

[Justin]

As for police on the P2P - just about every other time I'm there I see someone pulled over. 50/50. Worth watching it.

Amen to that - I have gotten tickets twice on the p2p in Gilpin county - although both times I managed to get them reduced to 0 point violations. And, the prosecutor was really hot (not that it's relevant).  

[JimWilliamson]

Is the P2P worth it? I went further east to Lyons based on it being circled on your map. If its just an OK road, I'll stay on 7 and go directly south.

Edit: Perhaps I should jump in to clarify (we might be a bit confused on what is the Peak to Peak and what is the St. Vrain Canyon): On my map, #8 is the Peak to Peak. #7 is St. Vrain canyon. Colorado road 7 is part of the Peak to Peak while it is fully used for the St. Vrain canyon. Lyons is the eastern end to the SV canyon while the intersection of CO-7 and CO-72 western end (as I call it).

St. Vrain canyon: CO 7 - S/W from Lyons up to the P2P intersection with CO-72.

The times I've been on the St. Vrain canyon road there has been little traffic (this is some, but it's not crazy like 34 or 36 into Estes). For me, I'd make the St. Vrain a destination for a nice road to hit (sweepers, some tight curves, scenery worthy to the eyes). The P2P would not likely be a continued destination road.

The P2P's scenery is OK but surprisingly not end-to-end stunning (it has stunning spots - but it's also a long road where pine trees at road edge block wide views).

On the last trip Ken and I rode Lyons > St. Vrain > P2P south to Blackhawk/Central City > CC speedway to I-70 at the start of our trip and three days later reversed it back up. My memories from this last trip: P2P "nice / scenic / relaxing" St. Vrain, being in tune with the rental bike on those curves - FUN.

Edit continued: If you need to travel on the eastern face of the mountains (in this general area) you have the Peak to Peak as an option or you could ride on the plains (I-25 / US-287 / small roads at the foothills). If you need to make time, I-25 is the option. If you have time, the P2P is a consideration.

Conveying a subjective topic is difficult. Hopefully this post will help fill in the cracks a bit more for ya.

[martys]

Another suggestion on your route...

1. Since you're already hitting 27, when you get to Oak Creek, continue south on 131 to Toponas and head up 134 over Gore Pass. It's one of my favorite roads...

  good tip, done!

2. Your route has you on 40... I would suggest taking a little detour and heading up 125 to Willow Creek Pass... some great twisties

seems a little out of the way, not sure about this one.

3. Unless you need to go into Lyons, do yourself a favor and stay on 7 heading south out of Estes Park. 36 is usually extremely congested and really boring. (Also, watch your speed on Peak to Peak highway... it's a favorite for the local tax men)

will probably just ride into Estes Park and decide on the spot whether to go to Lyons or straight south on 7

4. If you have the time, head up to Mt. Evans out of Idaho Springs. At just over 14000 feet, the view is impressive! Instead of taking 6 out of Central City, take the CC Speed...errr... I mean CC Parkway to I-70, jump up to Idaho Springs and loop 103 back into Evergreen. Trust me, it's worth the time.

great suggestion, go it on there now.

That's all I've got for now... looks like a fun trip.

thanks a lot! local insight like this is priceless.

here's the latest version  http://bit.ly/c0yOq5

[Yankee Dog]

Thread marked.  Trying to make it out there next summer.

Yankee Dog