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

Motorcycle Route Author

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By GJRonK (2629 McR Points) on Oct 01, 2020

Rider Reviews

GSrider
62 McR Points
October 12, 2020
I just love the area and with so much nature and…
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rtcoker
197 McR Points
May 21, 2021
The western portion was paved about 6 or 8 years…
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Written Directions

This mountain route starts at the high elevation (9,300’) Taylor Park Reservoir. It goes north on County Road 209 along the lake several miles before turning east towards the pass. At the pass itself (12,119’), the road changes to CR 306 to Buena Vista (7,965’). If you start in a westbound direction, you would turn at the traffic light of Hwy. 24 and Main Street.

Scenery

This is pretty much a regular old Colorado mountain road with a lake in a park (a large low area in the mountains) surrounded by 12,000’ peaks all around in the distance, frequently with snowcapped tops; then moving along sagebrush hills turning into steeper valleys with abundant conifer trees; leading up to a tree line where the trees stop and the tundra like ground with its marmots, pikas, and ground squirrels. Along one side is a narrow valley with a permanent stream and both conifers and deciduous trees growing along the banks. There are usually closer scenes of steep rock walls, mostly igneous rock from old volcanic flows. Quite different from the long distant views from the higher elevations, visible from the bike as you traverse the roadway to the pull offs along the way. There you can see some formations created by glacial action. Caution, though, pull offs are usually gravelly and guardrails are infrequent. If you are lucky you will see some mountain sheep above tree line, and deer along the lower canyons (although half the two dozen deer I saw last time were all eating flowers at the Buena Vista homeowners’ gardens).

Drive Enjoyment

The roadway, much of it completed in 2019, is fantastic. Very smooth asphalt, easy turns, low traffic (except during fall crazy). There are numerous hairpin turns which require slowing, and there are virtually no shoulders—certainly none that any bike can use even in an emergency. The views along most of the way are fantastic but only good until the first snow that shuts down the route for the winter. There is one small picnic area just west of the large parking area for the summit that has pit toilets and some tables along with a nice view of Taylor Reservoir. You’ll also pass Rainbow Lake, a short ways above BV, which is just off the road and can give some pretty camera shots through changing aspen leaves. The five miles just west of Buena Vista is level and country residential, so not so scenic.

Tourism Opportunities

At Taylor Park, you can start at the general store in the Park central area. There is a sometimes open restaurant there, too. From here the activities include: mountain biking, Jeeping, ATV riding, dirt biking, non-power boating, climbing, fishing, and rock hounding. This is also headquarters for hunting in the fall. At the east end is Buena Vista which in the 1800s was a stage stop, railroad depot, and is still the center of various agriculture products. The town has groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and motels. But most importantly, there is one place that sells chainsaw cut wooden bears, so you’re okay.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

To the west of Taylor is the town of Gunnison where all services are available.
 

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GSrider
October 12, 2020
62 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
I just love the area and with so much nature and history around places like Tincup, Ohio City and Pitkin there is something for everyone. Almost all outdoor activities can be done there. I.E, I like to MTB and have gone up and down Alpine Tunnel which is the first tunnel through the continental divide. There is so much to do there and the riding is absolutely worth it!
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rtcoker
May 21, 2021
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
The western portion was paved about 6 or 8 years ago and affords good access to some wonderful NF camping along the road near the river up to Taylor Lake (from Gunnison/Crested Butte side). The eastern side was gravel but is now paved and that makes the whole route a wonderful ride. The plus is not many folks know about it so it isn't very crowded, especially during the week (mosly just locals know about it). One of the best kept secrets for twisty riding.
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GJRonK
July 3, 2021
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Just want to note that there are few roads in the Rockies that give a visitor all the views possible of high country. This is one and should not be missed if possible to ride it. There are a fair number of locals, actually, as it's just in the back yard of a couple of mountain towns.
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