Going to the Mountains

[doc ock]

If all goes as planned I should be heading to Colorado the last week of May. Any events, or a must see/do. Will be out on the 24th through to the 30th. My first night will be in Cortez, from there maybe head over to Gunnison and then head back to Phoenix.

[strokerjlk]

Pikes Peak
A must do!
Dress for it
It was 86deg at the bottom and 33 at the top in July

[fourstar]

I rode from Cortez, thru Durango, Pagosa Springs, and up over Wolf Creek Pass on the way to Sturgis a few years back and I was awe struck by the beauty of that area. If you do that ride, make sure you stop at the scenic overlook above Pagosa Springs and take a look back at that valley.

[ponderopa]

Doc, be sure to take some pics to post for the less fortunate!

[Waffen]

Originally Posted by doc ock

If all goes as planned I should be heading to Colorado the last week of May. Any events, or a must see/do. Will be out on the 24th through to the 30th. My first night will be in Cortez, from there maybe head over to Gunnison and then head back to Phoenix.

Your trip will take you right by Mesa Verde, old Indian site and when you start your way to Gunnison you will go through the Black Canyon and then to Blue Mesa Lake all stops you must make.

The Presidential Range up route 24 to Leadville. Cripple Creek if you like an old time gambling town, Pikes Peak not to far from there, and if you have time Estes Park which is North of Denver, beautiful..

Word of caution. Even in May you can run into some nasty weather so be prepared.

Good luck, ride safe.


W

[doc ock]

I kinda have a route in mind. I have been thru Gunnison before, about 10 years ago, thats why I want to go back. Route in mind, Phoenix-Cortez/Durango-Gunnison-Buena Vista-Grand Junction-Telluride-Durango-Phoenix. About 1500 miles+ round trip. Things along the way to see would be great. Thanks http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...25&ie=UTF8&z=6

[RideMyWideGlide]

Message me when you take off.. I've got family in Cortez, I live in Montrose, and I'm always up for touring around and checkin out the sights.

[sfarson]

Originally Posted by doc ock

I kinda have a route in mind. I have been thru Gunnison before, about 10 years ago, thats why I want to go back. Route in mind, Phoenix-Cortez/Durango-Gunnison-Buena Vista-Grand Junction-Telluride-Durango-Phoenix. About 1500 miles+ round trip. Things along the way to see would be great. Thanks http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...25&ie=UTF8&z=6

doc ock.... Your plan is OK, but not great. Almost half of your Colorado ride is a boring I-70 ride to Grand Junction, then a boring Hwy 50 ride south to Ridgway.

Here's what you do, building on your original plan. About 30 minutes north of Buena Vista, hang a left on Hwy 82 and go over the highest paved pass (Independence) to Aspen then Carbondale. From there take the great Hwy 133 over McClure Pass to Hotchkiss. Head west then take an outstanding Hwy 65 through Cedaredge over the Grand Mesa. Go to Grand Junction. Instead of Hwy 50 all the way south go west at Whitewater and ride the great 141 through Gateway all the way to Placerville, then 145 past Telluride to Cortez then home. Much, much better for two wheels.

[doc ock]

Thanks for the tip. I was woundering if those were paved roads. Will update my route plan.

[RideMyWideGlide]

Based on your original plan, you will never hit 70, let alone spend half your trip on it.. While his plan is a good one, I don't know what sfarson is talking about with I70....
70 runs GJ to Denver... If your going beuna vista, GJ, Gunisson, etc... you'll not see 70. I live here, PM me, we'll see some sights..

[doc ock]

I would have been on I70 for a couple hours, but I do like the other route better, thanks.

[road king 100]

That route will be some of the most scenic you will ever experience, especially if you like mountain twisties. I also have lived in Sw Co & have traveled those areas many times with Durango, Silverton, Ouray, & Telluride being my favorite places to ride. be careful in May though, as the weather can be a factor & you will be at HIGH elevations. We go there in Aug. every year & if you take off early in the AM it is real chilly! Make sure you take plenty of film! Enjoy!!

[02 Ultra EG]

I was just going to tell you about a route very similar to sfarson. His route is going to rock your world. The ride from Cortez to Whitewater is as diverse as you can get in Colorado. Try to ride it at least once a year. Used to be a real nice little diner in Gateway but was closed last time thru. Enjoy!!

[Kaycee]

There is a run down in Red River N.M. on the memorial weekend,don't know that much about it but me and my nephew r planning on going down (his idea).Just a heads up it is kinda on the way if your interested.