Overall Route Rating
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4.95 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.95
21 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 17, 2011

Rider Reviews

GJRonK
2629 McR Points
November 28, 2012
This is an amazingly beautiful route. The first…
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COHDrider
2 McR Points
February 23, 2012
This route is BEAUTIFUL and well worth any detour…
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Written Directions

Starting in Whitewater about 10 miles south of Grand Junction through Hwy 50, follow CO 141 for 104 miles to Naturita. In Naturita take CO 145 for 36 miles to Placerville.

Scenery

Breathtaking vistas and a sky so blue that looks surreal in contrast with the red rocks. The traffic seems to be very light. Make you feel you are riding inside a miniature Grand Canyon. There's a section of the road where the turns and the canyon gets very tight with just enough room for the road and the river.

Red rock canyons along the Dolores river. Makes you feel like the road runner in some stretches.

Drive Enjoyment

Decent road, almost perfect surface with a few bumpy spots. Lots of high speed sweepers. Visibility can be limited in some areas and narrow shoulders call for extra care. The road crosses through open range country so lookout for cattle on the road.

Tourism Opportunities

Nice resort at Gateway which is about a third into the ride. There you can find a nice restaurant and a convenience store with some take out items. The resort also have high end accommodations and even an Auto museum worth visiting. Nothing else for over 60 miles until you reach Naturita. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you start. Bring extra water, this is high desert country. No cell phone service through most of the route so a breakdown can result in a very long wait for help. Make sure you carry a good roadside emergency kit.
 

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Dr. B
October 16, 2020
126 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Amazing Canyon ride. It is rated correctly in that the ride enjoyment is a 4 and the scenery is a 5. Can be a little hot. Well worth including on your way from the San Juan Mountain loop to Hotchkiss in preparation for the Black Canyon Run. I would rate it as #2 in the state.
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Marshman
July 15, 2018
28 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
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mmmudpuppy
February 4, 2021
50 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Came upon this route without having previous knowledge of how beautiful it would be. High desert so in the mid-summer can be hot and dry. Bring water and I wore my hydration vest. Going back again to take my husband.
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