10-Day CO & UT

Ten Days of Riding of the Best Roads in Colorado and Utah

Day 1: Woodland Park to Montrose ~ 358 miles

[click map for larger view]

Woodland Park US-24 west to Buena Vista ~74 miles

Beautiful ride with twisties and sweepers to Wilkerson Pass, dropping down to the expansive South Park (Continental Divide in the distance to the west) to Hartsel and on to Antero Junction, joining US-285, then dropping down into Buena Vista.

Buena Vista US-24 west/north to Twin Lakes turn off (CO-82) ~18 miles

Nice ride with big sweepers along the Arkansas River -- while riding along the river note the Old Stage Road on the other side.

Twin Lakes

CO-82 west over Independence Pass to Aspen to Carbondale ~75 miles

	Get ready for one of Colorado's most scenic road, climbing to the top of Independence Pass , then dropping down into Aspen, continuing on to Carbondale.
	Independence Pass, Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

Carbondale CO-133 south to Redstone (18 miles) to McClure Pass to Paonia Reservoir to Paonia to Hotchkiss ~68 miles

	Beautiful ride along the Crystal River. Take the turnoff across the river to the artsy town of Redstone, great for a little shopping and the Crystal Club Cafe serves a fantastic lunch. Continue on through Redstone and back to 133. You will then climb to the top of McClure Pass then drop down for some beautiful sweepers and some twisties through the Colorado coal country to Paonia and on to Hotchkiss.
	Colorado Scenic Byways Byways West Elk Loop
	Redstone Colorado - Official Community Website

Hotchkiss CO-92 to Crawford to North Rim Black Canyon to Blue Mesa Dam and US-50 ~55 miles

This is an awesome ride, so take you time and enjoy. The Mad Dog Cafe (Joe Cocker) in Crawford is closed, but the store should be open (usually some nice stuff) . Continue on to the North Rim of the Black Canyon (do not take the turn-off for the entrance to the NP as the roads on the north side are not paved); CO-92 will following the rim, twisting in and out. Be sure and stop at the various overlooks, walking out to the rim on those that have trails -- the views are worth the short hikes . Drop down to Blue Mesa Dam.

Colorado Scenic Byways Byways West Elk

US-50 west over Blue Mesa Summit and Cero Summit to the turnoff for Black Canyon National Park ~30 miles

CO-347 into Black Canyon NP, climbing to the top of the rim of the canyon, then return to US-50 ~24 miles round trip

Awesome views and some short trails on the main part of the park -- these roads are paved. The Rim Road is very nice and go all the way to the end. Also, immediately past the entrance station to the park (where you pay your fee) there is a road that goes down to the Gunnison River in the bottom of the canyon -- be sure and take this down . NOTE: It has 15% grades, but the Wing handles them well -- just watch for the temperature gauge to possibly climb as you come up out of the canyon as the speeds are slow.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (National Park Service)

US-50 west to Montrose ~8 miles

Lodging in Montrose

Day 2: Montrose to Cortez ~ 200 miles

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Montrose US-550 south to Ouray to Silverton to Durango ~107 miles

	One of Colorado's best rides. As you head south from Montrose you'll start seeing the San Juan Mountains in the distance, passing through Ridgeway and heading on to Ouray. The Million Dollar Highway begins in Ouray as you climb up to the top of Red Mountain Pass , riding roads that are shelves on cliffs above the deep gorge below. Awesome!! Lots of twisties to the top of the pass, but stop and take in the views at several of the pull-offs along the highway. Dropping down the south side of Red Mountain Pass to the old mining town of Silverton , stop and take in some of the shops and perhaps see the Durango-Silverton Narrow-Gauge RR Train in the middle of town . Continuing south on US-550, climb to the top of Molas Pass (stop at the rest area on the left at the top of the pass for views of the Needle Mountains to the east), then on to Coal Bank Pass, finally dropping down for a lot of sweepers as you head into Durango. Lots of good places in Durango for lunch (if you stay on 550 you will by-pass the downtown area, so continue straight on Main St to downtown for some nice shops and restaurants).
	Colorado Scenic Byways Byways San Juan Skyway
	Million Dollar Highway

Durango US-160 west to Mesa Verde National Park to Cortez ~93 miles

Nice ride west of Durango with lots of sweepers as you head through Mancos and on to the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. The Indian Cliff Dwellings are magnificent. Stop at the Visitor Center to get a rundown on the park and to get tickets for a tour of a couple of the larger ruins. Cliff Palace is recommend if any tickets are left. If not, you can still visit several of the other ruins. Drive along the roads to see many cliff dwellings below, then return to the entrance to the park and the short drive to Cortez.

Mesa Verde National Park (National Park Service)

Lodging in Cortez

Day 3: Cortez to North Rim Grand Canyon ~ 380 miles

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NOTE: If you want a shorter day you could stop in Page and skip the North Rim; if you do this you could travel from Page to Kanab, UT on US-89, picking up the route listed on Day 4. Most of these roads, however, allow for making good time and getting to the North Rim should be no problem -- it will just be a long day. BE SURE AND HAVE RESERVATIONS AT THE NORTH RIM AS ACCOMMODATIONS THERE ARE VERY LIMITED (the old lodge there is VERY nice, however). If you cannot get a reservation in advance at the North Rim, you will need to make adjustments accordingly.

Cortez US-160 west to CO-41 ~36 miles

	Colorado Scenic Byways Byways Trail of the Ancients
	Optional: Continue on US-160 west for 5 miles to Four Corners (this is really disappointing, but at least you'd be able to say that you were at the only spot in the US where four states come together (CO-UT-AZ-NM). Backtrack the 5 miles to CO-41.

CO-41 (becomes UT-262) to Montezuma Creek, UT ~27 miles

UT-163 west to Bluff ~15 miles

US-163 west/south to Mexican Hat ~25 miles

The countryside starts getting interesting with interesting bluffs and canyons (San Juan River country).

US-163 west/south to Monument Valley ~20 miles

	Lots of big sweepers as you travel towards and through Monument Valley -- you'll think of many of the old westerns as you ride through Monument Valley . You could stop at the Monument Valley Tribal Park (not a national park) for a fee and pay to take an open vehicle ride on the dirt road into the depth of Monument Valley (cars can make this trip, but you would not want to do it on a street bike). You can see many of the formations from the highway, so skipping this (if on a motorcycle) is not a bad idea. If you are traveling by car, however, be sure and take the dirt road loop in Monument Valley Tribal Park.
	Utah - Monument Valley
	Monument Valley \| Utah.com
	Monument Valley to Bluff Scenic Byway
	Northern Arizona Scenic Highways

US-163 west/south to Kayenta, AZ ~22 miles

More "monuments" along the way.

Kayenta US-160 west to AZ-98 ~33 miles

Lots of sweepers and interesting rock and cliff formations.

AZ-98 west/north to Page, AZ ~67 miles

	Nice ride with lots of sweepers with views of interesting buttes, etc.
	Take a ride out to the Glen Canyon Dam, providing great views of the Colorado River Glen Canyon below the dam and Lake Powell above the dam .
	OPTIONAL: This could be your lodging spot for the night if you skip North Rim (see above note).

US-89 south to Bitter Springs ~26 miles

Nice ride over a mesa down to Bitter Springs -- stop at the overlook as you head down after the crest of the mesa. This provides a nice view of Vermillion Cliffs to the west .

Bitter Springs US-89 ALT to Lee's Ferry to Jacob Lake ~55 miles

	A very nice ride, crossing the Colorado River and Glen Canyon (start of the Grand Canyon), continuing on with the Vermillion Cliffs to the north and climbing the Colorado Plateau to Jacob Lake (nice little place).
	Vermilion National Monument
	Lodging in Jacob Lake is limited to the Inn.

Jacob Lake AZ-67 south to North Rim Grand Canyon ~42 miles

	Just a great ride with a mix of twisties and sweepers through trees and meadows, staying on top of the Colorado Plateau all the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park .
	Grand Canyon Natl Park Visitor Information, North Rim
	Grand Canyon National Park (National Park Service)

Lodging at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park

Day 4: North Rim to Bryce Canyon ~ 210 miles

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North Rim AZ-67 north to Jacob Lake ~42 miles

Jacob Lake US-89 ALT to Kanab to Mt. Carmel Junction ~54 miles

Dropping down off the Colorado Plateau. If you stayed in Page and traveled on US-89 to Kanab, you will pick up the route here.

Mt. Carmel Junction UT-9 west to Zion National Park to Springdale ~27 miles

	UT-9 is a great ride into Zion National Park. Fantastic rock formations showing significant erosion and beautiful colors . Stop at several of the overlooks, including the one for Checkerboard Mesa. As you start dropping down into Zion you will come to the long tunnel (usually traffic is stopped to allow for one-way traffic through the tunnel for RVs). If you are up for an outstanding and pretty easy hike, park the motorcycle in the small lot to the left jsut before the tunnel -- cross the road and hike up the stairs (this is the hardest part). This is about a 1/2 mile hike out to the Canyon Overlook , an awesome view of the canyon below, including the road where you will be riding. The hike out to the overlook is very pretty also (we saw some Big Horn Sheep there on one of our hikes). Back to the motorcycle, continue through the tunnel and down into Zion. The road into the canyon is closed to vehicles during the summer so go to the Visitor Center (you want to do this anyway). If you want to get a tour of Zion Canyon (sheer, narrow, red cliffs several thousand feet high) take one of the tours up into the canyon -- it is worth the time . You can then ride into Springdale for a bite of lunch.
	Zion National Park (National Park Service)
	Zion National Park

Zion National Park UT-9 east to Mt. Carmel Junction ~27 miles

	Make a reverse trip back on UT-9 -- the view is much different and very enjoyable both directons.
	If time permits, you could continue west on UT-9, then UT-17 to I-15 to Cedar City. Awesome ride east out of Cedar City on UT-14, climbing several thousand feet into the Cedar Breaks area . You could also visit Cedar Breaks National Monument, the continue on UT-14, joining US-89 north of Mt. Carmel Junction. This is a great ride, but you should not allow it to cut short your visit to Zion.
	Cedar Breaks Road Map - Cedar Breaks National Monument road map

Mt. Carmel Junction US-89 north to UT-12 ~43 miles

	Nice ride with big sweepers as US-89 gradually climbs to higher elevations.
	Mt. Carmel Scenic Byway - highway 89 - US 89 - Mt. Carmel Jct. - Utah

UT-12 to Bryce Canyon National Park ~19 miles

	A great ride as you climb back up to the Colorado Plateau, passing through Red Canyon to the top.
	Utah - Red Canyon

Lodging at or near Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park (National Park Service)

Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Torrey ~ 120 miles

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Get up early and go out to Sunrise Point (if it is clear or partly cloudy [a few clouds are even better]) and watch the hoodoos turn an awesome red as the early morning sun starts hitting them. Take the park road all the way to the end at Rainbow Point (about 20 miles one-way) and then stop at some of the overlooks on the way back north. If time permits, a hike down into the hoodoos is an awesome experience. You should take most of the morning for touring and seeing the park.

Bryce Canyon National Park (National Park Service)

Bryce Canyon UT-12 north to Escalante and then into Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, continuing on to Torrey ~120 miles

	This is one of my favorite rides, with a nice mix of sweepers and twisties. Mostly sweepers over to the town of Escalante, then you get into some nice twisties as you ride through some of the most unbelievable canyon country . After you cross the Escalante River, you climb a narrow and twisty road to a hogback that provides awesome views of the surrounding (on both sides of the road) canyons . After passing through Boulder you will being climbing into the high country of Boulder Mountain (some nice overlooks for viewing Capitol Reef to the east ), then dropping down into Torrey. Just an awesome day of riding!!!!
	Highway 12 -- Great Info
	Highway 12 Scenic Byway \| Utah.com
	Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Since this will be a pretty easy day of riding and if you get to Torrey early, have dinner and then ride out UT-24 into Capitol Reef National Park , stopping at the Visitor Center and taking the scenic road that goes south into the park. Also, just past the visitor center on UT-24 there is a viewing area on the left to see some of the petroglyphs.

Capitol Reef National Park (National Park Service)

Lodging in Torrey (quite a few places east of UT-12 on UT-24 towards Capitol Reef).

Day 6: Torrey to Moab ~ 250 miles

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Torrey UT-24 east to Hanksville ~48 miles

A beautiful ride with twisties and sweepers through Capitol Reef National Park.

Hanksville UT-95 south/east to US-191 ~122 miles

Another beautiful ride with mostly big sweepers. As you approach the Colorado River the views become particularly spectacular -- stop to check out the views of the Colorado River (and bridge) and the Dirty Devil River. A nice ride continues with many buttes and plateaus along the way to Blanding. You could stop in Natural Bridges National Monument, but I'd recommend riding on and having time that evening for some rides near Moab.

Bicentennial Highway

US-191 north to Moab ~78 miles

	Mostly sweepers with nice views.
	After you get checked into your motel in Moab and perhaps have a bite of dinner, take an evening ride out to Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky for some awesome views and some nice riding. Or, if you prefer, you could do the evening in Arches National Park. Both are beautiful with the evening sun and cooler temperatures!!!

Lodging for two nights in Moab

Day 7: Moab Riding

[click map for larger view -- Arches, Dead Horse Point, & Potash]

[click map for larger view -- LaSal Mountain Loop, Castle Valley, & Colorado River]

	Great riding around Moab. You should research this area, but I highly recommend a morning ride into Arches National Park (if you did not do it the evening before, going all the way to the end of the road, and also taking the side roads to The Windows and to Delicate Arch), Potash Road , Castle Valley (this can be combined with the LaSal Mountain Loop, which starts off US-191 south of Moab, winds through the LaSal Mountains, then drops down into Castle Valley to CO-128 along the Colorado river), and CO-128 along the Colorado River from Moab to the bridge across the river . If you did not do Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky the evening before, I would recommend that you do them this evening.
	Moab Utah Visitor Information
	Arches National Park (National Park Service)
	Utah State Parks Dead Horse Point State Park
	Canyonlands National Park - Official Home Page
	Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky District
	Moab - La Sal Mountain Loop Drive
	Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway
	Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway

Day 8: Moab to Glenwood Springs ~ 333 miles

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Moab US-191 south to LaSal Junction ~22 miles

LaSal Junction UT-46 (becomes CO-90) to Paradox Valley to Bedrock to Naturita ~49 miles

	Nice ride over the southern part of the LaSal Mountains, then into some canyons with twisties, entering into the large, open Paradox Valley . Stop at the old store in Bedrock for a soda and rest. Travel on to CO-141 (you can skip actually going into Naturita, although you might want to top off the tank in Naturita as the next gas will not be until Delta).
	Just Another Day in Paradox desert video

CO-141 north to Gateway to Whitewater ~95 miles

An awesome ride through Uranium mining country, stopping at the overlook on the left to see the Hanging Flume along the Delores River. Continue through Delores River canyon country with sweeping turns and high, red cliffs, perhaps stopping at the store in Gateway (hopefully it will be open, but don't count on it). Continue climbing into Unaweep Canyon with twisties at first giving way to the beautiful canyon with big sweepers and great views, giving way to more twisties as you descend into the valley below.

Colorado Scenic Byways Byways Unaweep-Tabeguache

Whitewater US-50 east to Delta ~30 miles

Delta CO-92 east/north to CO-65 ~4 miles

CO-65 over Grand Mesa to I-70 ~61 miles

A wonderful ride to the top of the largest flat-top mesa in the world . The road has lots of twisties and sweepers as you climb to the top of the mesa -- you will enjoy the cooler temperatures at the much higher elevation. If time permits, ride out to the lodge for a nice break. Nice riding and views as you descend down the north side of the mesa, dropping down into the Colorado River valley and I-70.

Colorado Scenic Byways Byways Grand Mesa

I-70 east to Glenwood Springs ~68 miles

A nice ride along the Colorado River to Glenwood Springs.

Lodging in Glenwood Springs -- you might want to take-in the hot spring pools in the evening.

Day 9: Glenwood Springs to Estes Park ~ 220 miles

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Glenwood Springs I-70 east to Vail over Vail Pass to Silverthorne ~91 miles

A great ride on the superslab, including an awesome ride through Glenwood Canyon -- the canyon walls are magnificent and the interstate consists of many bridges and hanging roadway as it follows along and above the Colorado River. A stop at one of the rest areas allows you to get a good view of the canyon walls. Nice views of the mountains in the distance after you exit the canyon. As you leave Vail you start climbing over Vail Pass -- it will be a lot cooler at the top, then dropping down to Copper Mountain and through another canyon to Lake Dillon and Silverthorne.

Glenwood Canyon: Guide

CO-9 north to Kremmling ~37 miles

Nice ride along the Blue River, with the Gore Range to the west.

Kremmling US-40 east to Granby ~28 miles

	Once again you reach the Colorado River, following it east through Byers Canyon and on to Granby.
	Colorado Scenic Byways Byways Colorado River Headwaters

US-34 east to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park to Trail Ridge Road and Estes Park ~65 miles

	A nice ride along Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Lake to Grand Lake (Grand Lake is a natural lake). Take the side road into Grand Lake and perhaps have an early lunch in this beautiful little town. Continue into Rocky Mountain National Park for a wonderful ride to Milner Pass and then on up to the top of Trail Ridge Road (several miles above timberline -- stop at a couple of the pull-offs to take in the scenery). The road then winds down out of the highest road and descends into Estes Park via either US-34 or US-36.
	Colorado Scenic Byways Byways Trail Ridge Road
	Rocky Mountain National Park (National Park Service)

After finding a place to stay and perhaps having a little dinner, take a ride back into the park -- if you came in on US-34, then take US-36, perhaps taking the Bear Lake Road and enjoying the views at Bear Lake or Sprague Lake. Continue on up to the junction of US-34 and US-36, taking the other route back to Estes Park. Watch for wildlife as you are likely to see Elk, Big Horn Sheep, and perhaps a Black Bear.

Lodging in Estes Park

Day 10: Estes Park to Woodland Park ~ miles

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Estes Park to Blackhawk via the Peak-to-Peak Highway . A great ride that follows the high peaks to the west, providing fantastic views and great riding.

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway Map - The Colorado Directory

Colorado Scenic Byways Byways Peak-to-Peak Highway

Estes Park, Colorado eWelcome Center

Rocky Mountain National Park (National Park Service)

Estes Park east/south on CO-7 to CO-72 (near Raymond) ~19 miles

CO-72 south to Nederland ~22 miles

CO-119 south to Blackhawk ~19 miles

Blackhawk to Central City to the Central City Parkway to I-70 ~10 miles

Central City Hwy

Blackhawk and Central City are old mining towns with small stakes gambling now at several casinos. It is a small old road climbing to Central City, then on to the new road with big sweepers and great views as you climb to the top of the mountains, then wind your way south with big sweepers, then dropping down into the valley and I-70.

I-70 west to the CO-103 Idaho Springs exit

Just a short jaunt on the superslab.

CO-103 south to Echo Lake ~13 miles

Nice ride with more twisties as you climb up to Echo Lake and the turn-off for Mt. Evans

Echo Lake to Mt. Evans via CO-5 ~14 miles

An amazing ride as you climb up to the top of Mt. Evans (14,250 feet) , highest paved road in the United States; the road can be a little rough in spots from frost heaves, but what an awesome view from the top; normally best to do in the morning so watch for possible afternoon storms if they are building (it will be cool/cold at the top to have warm clothes close at hand).

Mount Evans Scenic Byway & Wilderness (Colorado) -- Complete Guide

Colorado Scenic Byways Byways Mt. Evans

Mt. Evans to Echo Lake via CO-5 ~14 miles

Return by same route back down to Echo Lake.

Echo Lake CO-103 to Bergen Park ~19 miles

Very nice ride with lots of twisties as you go over Squaw Pass and descend into Bergen Park.

Bergen Park CO-74 to Evergreen ~4 miles

Evergreen via CO-72 to Conifer ~9 miles

A small backroad that winds its way to US-285.

Conifer US-285 west/south to Pine Junction (Silver Springs) ~7 miles

Mostly sweepers on 285 with nice views.

Pine Junction CR-126 south to Pine to Deckers ~25 miles

Lots of twisties mixed with sweepers along the South Platte river and Rampart Range Mountains.

Deckers CO-67 south to Woodland Park ~23 miles

Nice ride through the Rampart Range Mountains with lots of nice twisties and great views.

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