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

[martys]

Well, it's been a while since I checked in so I thought I'd post an update.  We're 4 months out for departure, the dates are locked in as the last two weeks of June, departing 6/18 and returning sometime 4th of July weekend.  This should be a 12-14 day ride depending how things go. A band of 4 of us are travelling together and I have a web site setup here with some early details. The path is pretty well setup, but whether we hit each day's destination will remain to be seen.

I was going to try to ride up Pike's PEak, but the annual race starts just about the time I'll be there and I really don't want to fight with 1000's of onlookers to get in there.  Mt Evans is on the list, looking forward to that. I added Loveland and Berthoud passes.   Definitely going through Independence Pass and Aspen, just got to figure out where to stay the night before since Aspen's prices are astronomical.  Will probably stay in Leadville.  Going go south through Gunnison, then Lake City to Pagosa Springs. By then we'll be on the road a week and will be looking forward to a good hot soak.

One change form the earlier plan is to stay south, go west to Durango, loop around counter clockwise up 550 the back through Telluride into Cortez. Visit Mesa Verda NP, then south west through Four Corners turning north through Monument Valley to Mexican Hat.  From Mexican Hat, north on 261 through the gravel switchbacks at the Valley of the Gods, then north on 95 to Hanksville, and west to Torrey.

We'll ride Hwy 12 south then north again, possibly do a few miles on the Burr Trail then back to Torrey to begin the trip home via Hwy 50.

I picked up some Butler Maps for Colorado and Utah to aid with planning, these are great maps and well worth the price.

4 months out, woo who! We've almost turned the corner on winter. now for some new tires and a couple of warm up rides.

[JimWilliamson]

Mmmm... warm, off the line, Krispy Kreme  

A thought for your Meeker to Estes Park route...

Modify the route slightly to avoid a few miles of blahish traffic area in the Dillon-Keystone area, take in Eisehnower-Johnson Tunnel, Loveland pass twice...


View Larger Map

[JimWilliamson]

You'll be catching a lot of good scenery and roads. As for Aspen lodging, never stayed there - have stayed in Leadville then processed west thru Aspen and south from Carbondale. I guess it depends upon how much day is left - do you have enough day to roll over Independence - decide when you get to Leadville?

[martys]

Mmmm... warm, off the line, Krispy Kreme  

A thought for your Meeker to Estes Park route...

Modify the route slightly to avoid a few miles of blahish traffic area in the Dillon-Keystone area, take in Eisehnower-Johnson Tunnel, Loveland pass twice...


View Larger Map

you're recommending freeway over local roads??  

[JimWilliamson]

you're recommending freeway over local roads?? 

Yep. These issues factor in:

Have you been through the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel? If not, then take it for the novelty of it. From Dillon/Silverthorn to the tunnel it's also "not your typical" freeway. Three lanes wide, steep grade, rather different than flat-straight-droning-along-on-a-two-lane-freeway. Some good scenery to boot.

Additional plus that'd you'd be doing an "Out-n-Back" for Loveland Pass - taking it twice with new views each way.

Freeway route, I-70 exit @ Silverthorn/Dillon to your desired exit for US-40 North is 42 miles, 53 minutes. In that you'd hit Ike's tunnel once and Loveland Pass twice.

Surface roads route with Loveland Pass in one direction would be 36 miles, 44 minutes.

The freeway route would be six miles and nine minutes longer, close to a wash.

Always your call, and can easily be one of those "decide when you get there" options. Just wanted to offer an option. You have a lot of good roads to hit - you'll enjoy the trip any way you cut it.

Oh, what deciding factor made you choose to drop through Rangely CO to Meeker to Craig vs going straight across to Craig via Dinosaur? I've hit all of those segments except "just east" of Rangely to Craig. Is there something on the Rangely - Craig route I should look for?

[martys]

Oh, what deciding factor made you choose to drop through Rangely CO to Meeker to Craig vs going straight across to Craig via Dinosaur? I've hit all of those segments except "just east" of Rangely to Craig. Is there something on the Rangely - Craig route I should look for?

no particular reason, just trying to mix it up. 64 and 13 look twistier than 40.

[Justin]

The section from Yampa to Walden I'd change a bit. From Yampa, take CO 131 south to  CO 134 over Gore Pass (awesome road) to 40. Then north from Granby via CO 125 over Willow Creek pass (another awesome road). Your route takes you on CO 14, which isn't bad, but flat open in that section and tends to be very windy.


View Larger Map

[martys]

The section from Yampa to Walden I'd change a bit. From Yampa, take CO 131 south to  CO 134 over Gore Pass (awesome road) to 40. Then north from Granby via CO 125 over Willow Creek pass (another awesome road). Your route takes you on CO 14, which isn't bad, but flat open in that section and tends to be very windy.


View Larger Map

thanks Justin.  I'm already taking 131 over Gore Pass, so I'm not sure what changes you're suggesting. Also, Walden isn't on my route, I'm going to Estes Park via 34 from Granby.

[zer0netgain]

I'm hitting CO as my "after ST.N Nationals" trip.

This is more or less my final route (focusing on CO).

[JimWilliamson]

I'm hitting CO as my "after ST.N Nationals" trip.

This is more or less my final route (focusing on CO).

Yowza!

One thought: Leaving Laramie, instead of going southwest to Walden, go straight west through the Snowy Range and then drop directly south to Walden. Snowy Range has some nice scenery. As original plan, the valleys between Laramie & Walden are decent enough.


View Larger Map

[Justin]

thanks Justin.  I'm already taking 131 over Gore Pass, so I'm not sure what changes you're suggesting. Also, Walden isn't on my route, I'm going to Estes Park via 34 from Granby.

I must have been looking at the wrong map then

[JimWilliamson]

I'm hitting CO as my "after ST.N Nationals" trip.

This is more or less my final route (focusing on CO).

`thought of a couple other side trips:

Between points 3 & 4 on i70 - you could jaunt up to Mount Evans (there's a Mount Evans thread around here)

Like Mount Evans - you'll be close to Pike's Peak.

Mount Evans is paved the whole way while Pike's Peak has a fair bit of wide smooth, packed almost like asphalt gravel.

[zer0netgain]

Leave it for you guys to spot the "more or less" of my map plan.  

I lived in Laramie for a few years, so I know the road of which you speak.  I've already included Mt. Evans on the trip (not shown here), and the beginning is changed to take a more direct route to Georgetown, CO (so I have time to do Mt. Evans before nightfall).  Next day I'll do more local roads up to Walden then back and forth with the roads around Loveland, back to Georgetown.

[JZUpper]

I just stumbled on this thread and thought I would weigh in.  I live in Aspen and have ridden many of the roads on your route.  You have chosen very well!  Here are a few local's tips:
--Leadville to Aspen: CO-82 is fairly open on the East (Twin Lakes) side, but is much tighter on the West (Aspen) side.  Be sure to allow at least an hour, since there are some very tight turns, low-speed sections, and few passing zones, especially if there is slow cage traffic.
--Aspen: the Inn at Aspen is a nice place just outside of town.  Also, if you like microbrews, be sure to visit the Aspen Brewing Company on Hopkins Ave for local beer brewed right in town!
--CO-82 west of Aspen is mostly 4-lane slab, but the scenery is nice.  CO-133 is another great road, with higher-speed sections on the Paonia side of McClure Pass.  CO-92 is one of the Holy Grail rides thru the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and you will not be disappointed!  US-550 and CO-145 are also very good roads, with little traffic and great views.
--Look me up if you're in Aspen and looking for reasonably-priced food and drinks.  I'm always happy to show fellow moto-tourers the locals' side of town!

[brockep]

I have gone to Colorado and surrounding area  for the past two summers.  I have written two ride reports on those trips so check those out if you want.

CO 141 is a must.  Stopping at the grocery store in LaSal Ut is also a must.  Sit down inside with a drink and a sandwhich and just people watch for a little bit.  NOTE:  Fuel stops and towns are far and few between in that area of UT.

Camping at the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is also a must.  Driving down into the canyon can be tricky, leave it in second gear and coast down looking for gravel and large rocks.  

CO 160 through Pagosa springs is not the most eventful roads in Colorado but is the only way to get anywhere in that area of the state.

Check out the ride reports and have a great trip!
Ride 2009
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,42119.0.html

Ride 2010
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,54583.0.html

[martys]

Thanks Brock, good info. I've ridden 141 a couple of times, including last spring and while I'd love to do it again, it's a little too far from other areas I want to see that I have not ridden before like the 4 corners area and monument valley.

JZ, thanks to you too! I may look you up when we're in the area. The trip is currently planned for the last two weeks of June, we should be there around the 5th day.

[zer0netgain]

I just stumbled on this thread and thought I would weigh in.  I live in Aspen and have ridden many of the roads on your route.  You have chosen very well!  Here are a few local's tips:
--Leadville to Aspen: CO-82 is fairly open on the East (Twin Lakes) side, but is much tighter on the West (Aspen) side.  Be sure to allow at least an hour, since there are some very tight turns, low-speed sections, and few passing zones, especially if there is slow cage traffic.
--CO-82 west of Aspen is mostly 4-lane slab, but the scenery is nice.  CO-133 is another great road, with higher-speed sections on the Paonia side of McClure Pass.

To integrate your suggestions that are not already on my route, I have to omit the following sections....am I missing much?

1.  CO-133 from Hotchkiss to the intersection of CO-133 & CR-12 (to Crested Butte).

2.  US-50 from intersection of US-50 & CO-114 to Salida.

There's no other way I can integrate CO-133 and CO-82 without involving awkward backtracking.

[JimWilliamson]

....am I missing much?

1.  CO-133 from Hotchkiss to the intersection of CO-133 & CR-12 (to Crested Butte).

Missing nothing on that stretch (unless you like to see coal mining ops). It's motorcycle bland for 2-lane twisties and scenery is bland (you're in a valley, yes, but there is a mine or two along the way so it's somewhat industrial). 133 gets nice from that intersection northward along the reservoir up and over the pass and down the other side. The road from there to Crested Butte is gravel (yet to be on it).

2.  US-50 from intersection of US-50 & CO-114 to Salida.

Monarch Pass is a 50/50 in my view. It doesn't have grand scenery like Independence Pass has nor does it have a really interesting road like the west side of Independence Pass.

Western side is wide with fast corners and decent scenery. 2-lanes up IIRC and 1-lane down.

Eastern side might have multi-lane near the top and at a passing point or so but I recall it as 1-lane each way for most of it. Western side is perhaps more interesting. Lower on the east is more human activity from the ski hill, condo's, houses, etc. If I wanted to see it and were coming from the west I might do an up, over, slightly down the east and then U-turn vs passing through to Salida. All depends upon your schedule.

[bikerfish1100]

not a huge fan of Monarch myself. 50 is a decent road, but tends to get more traffic than twistier stuff, and really begs for stupid speeds as its a fairly open big sweeper kinda road. The packed dirt road from 133 to Crusty Butt is Kebler Pass, a fun dualie route, but certainly doable by most any street bike. Watch out for the free range cattle- big ole Angus, and be aware that you are riding thru the largest stand of Aspen in the world.  


Just north of the Kebler turnoff is Paonia Resevoir, which is a magical stretch of pavement on 133.

[Gun Slinger]

If you have a chance while in Grand Junction... take a tour of the Colorado National Monument.  It's 22 miles of awesome!

[JimWilliamson]

If you have a chance while in Grand Junction... take a tour of the Colorado National Monument.  It's 22 miles of awesome!

Yes, it is interesting - some grand scenery and some fun twisties. An off (low traffic) time would be tops.

[zer0netgain]

If you have a chance while in Grand Junction... take a tour of the Colorado National Monument.  It's 22 miles of awesome!

I assume you're talking about Rim Rock Drive?

[Gun Slinger]

I assume you're talking about Rim Rock Drive?

Yea... that's another name for it. Most of us around here just call it" The Monument" but those from out of town wouldn't find it on Google...

[JimWilliamson]

Most of us around here just call it" The Monument"

I hear new rumblings the word 'monument' could be replaced by 'park'. Think it'll happen? Would you want it to have 'park' classification?

[Gun Slinger]

I hear new rumblings the word 'monument' could be replaced by 'park'. Think it'll happen? Would you want it to have 'park' classification?

It's something that's in the works for sure. And it has the Support of Senator Bennet. He's planned several trips over here for town meetings. I hope that it doesn't affect the surrounding area of the Monument/Park.
It is a primary access to a comunity called Glade Park. It's primarily a residential area with the smallest property of 35 acres. Changing it to a Park could change things enough to make things difficult for the residents of that area to have a difficult time getting home every night. IMHO... if it's not broke don't fix it. It's been recognized as the Colorado National Monument for 100 years now. I think it's an attempt to generate more income for Uncle Sam. I don't see the name change affecting any new benefit to the visitors paying to see it.

[bikerfish1100]

On a "tourist" basis, i would say that the Monumednt does not really fall into the status of Park, due to size (not that huge), uniqueness of features (nice and all, but it sure ain't Yosemite or Yellowstone!), historical significance, etc.
Fine as a Monument, i see no gain in changing its designation.
but no one listens to me on any important stuff anyway, so i suspect that my voice will also be ignored on this one.
meh.

[sagerat]

I'd check to see if Monument vs. Park places the land under the jurisidiction of a different agency or division and if there are different regs that apply.

Tough to find a bad road in Western Colo.

[bikerfish1100]

Tough to find a bad road in Western Colo.

umm, 50, between Montrose & GJ. eminently worth missing.

[Justin]

umm, 50, between Montrose & GJ. eminently worth missing.

+1, yeah, that road is no fun - can think of a few others as well.

[UT R1150R]

You should love the ride just south of Gunnison National Forest (F - E on your plan).

I did that last summer and was amazed at the views and the curves.  I recently rode the Devils Highway in AZ (formerly Route 666) and what you have planned rivals it.  Pay attention though!  It would be easy to go over the edge and not be found till next year  

[Air_Bob1]

Martys,

I came across your posting about your Colorado trip which I'm also planning to do in June. Would you be willing to share your GPX files for Meeker to John Day.

I've created a different route than your planned onefrom Issaquah to Meeker. The mileage is not much higher but much less interstate. If you are interested, I'll send it to you.

Thanks,

Bob

[martys]

Martys,

I came across your posting about your Colorado trip which I'm also planning to do in June. Would you be willing to share your GPX files for Meeker to John Day.

I've created a different route than your planned onefrom Issaquah to Meeker. The mileage is not much higher but much less interstate. If you are interested, I'll send it to you.

Thanks,

Bob

Hi Bob -

sure, here you go

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12899797/Colorado2011a.gdb

funny how we live so close to each other and are planning such a similar ride.  good luck on yours.

if you want to send me yours I'd be interested in the first couple of days. I just want to get out of Washington as fast as possible which is why Day 1 is all freeway. I'm taking the slow way home when we get back through Oregon.

Marty

[martys]

You should love the ride just south of Gunnison National Forest (F - E on your plan).

I did that last summer and was amazed at the views and the curves.  I recently rode the Devils Highway in AZ (formerly Route 666) and what you have planned rivals it.  Pay attention though!  It would be easy to go over the edge and not be found till next year  

That's why I ride with a SPOT Messenger :-)

[Air_Bob1]

Marty,

Thanks for the Garmin files. I you can PM your email address I'll send you my route to Meeker.

Bob

[martys]

well, I'm just over 3 weeks out from departure - woot!  

I spent yesterday making reservations around Colorado, I didn't really want to but I hear late June is the beginning of high season and I hate to run from town to town looking for a bed. should be an epic ride for me  

[Air_Bob1]

Less than a week for me until I hit the road for Colorado. Done the searching for motels in the past, not fun, so I have reservations for most nights. Per the extended forecast the first four days of our ride will be dry and sunny.

well, I'm just over 3 weeks out from departure - woot!  

I spent yesterday making reservations around Colorado, I didn't really want to but I hear late June is the beginning of high season and I hate to run from town to town looking for a bed. should be an epic ride for me  

[martys]

Less than a week for me until I hit the road for Colorado. Done the searching for motels in the past, not fun, so I have reservations for most nights. Per the extended forecast the first four days of our ride will be dry and sunny.

Looking forward to your road report AirBob!  where will you be posting updates?  

[Air_Bob1]

Looking forward to your road report AirBob!  where will you be posting updates?  

I'll try to post them on here. Assuming wi-fi is available at most of my motels. I believe it is.

Only two days left. :-)

[martys]

Rocky Mountain National Park says Hwy 34 is still closed, do you have an alternate path around the park?

[jbs80106]

When I did P2P last summer, we went up through Golden to P2P to Estes.  Lunch.  Came back south on 7 to get to Denver/Colorado Springs.  P2P was a really good road, posted limit is mostly 45 mph if my memory is correct. Its also goes through a park where we got hassled for stopping at fishing area to use the toilets without buying a park pass.  Don't need to buy pass if you are only driving through.

[bikerfish1100]

just ran most of the PtoP a few hours ago, from Central City to the Rt 7 cutoff down to Lyons (a supremely magnificent road, if you love nice endless sweepers bounded by rock walls). Pretty clean, no major debris or potholes. 2 county-mounties running radar. Trail Ridge Road thru RMNP is closed, no given date for opening. there is a LOT of snow up there! Most river basins are running at 200% of the yearly average snowpack. As the meltdown begins, those rivers will be BIG and FAST!!

[Justin]

just ran most of the PtoP a few hours ago, from Central City to the Rt 7 cutoff down to Lyons (a supremely magnificent road, if you love nice endless sweepers bounded by rock walls). Pretty clean, no major debris or potholes.

If you are referring to St. Vrain canyon, that is one of my faves. The worst part is that it is so short, just when you are getting into it, it's over - but the 14 or so miles it does have is absolutely perfect riding, surface is great, turns are great (not too tight, not too loose) and traffic is almost always minimal.

[bikerfish1100]

If you are referring to St. Vrain canyon, that is one of my faves. The worst part is that it is so short, just when you are getting into it, it's over - but the 14 or so miles it does have is absolutely perfect riding, surface is great, turns are great (not too tight, not too loose) and traffic is almost always minimal.

South St. Vrain, indeed i am. One of my absolute faves as well. One of the rare canyon runs that i believe is actually bettter heading downhill than up.
and you know, there's nothing to say you can't stop at the bottom, turn it around, run back up, and then either repeat, or finish out 7 into Estes, past the stone church. its all good.

[Air_Bob1]

Trail Ridge Road opened today. Rick and I we're probably the first riders through. We east to west. Now in Grand Lake for lunch.