Overall Route Rating
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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
2 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By GJRonK (2629 McR Points) on Jul 01, 2013

Rider Reviews

KBlewiRides
68 McR Points
May 1, 2018
Not much out here, but typical Colorado. But, I…
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GJRonK
2629 McR Points
December 2, 2019
-- As this is natural gas country, lots of semi'…
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Written Directions

Start in Rangely (not far from Dinosaur National Monument in the northwest corner of Colorado) and head east on Hwy. 64 for 57 miles. At the stop sign on Hwy. 13, turn left (north) and go 3 miles.

Scenery

The entire distance is either semi-arid brush country, or lush grass and trees along the White River. The river runs all year and with all the meanders, often covers wide stretches of irrigated river bottom. There is some cattle grazing throughout, but the low land is heavily into hay harvesting, after which is used for cattle grazing. The ranches in this area are strictly small size, working, low investment types and fancy spreads are non-existent. It is pleasing to see the contrast in either green by the river or tan where there is no irrigation. Just out of Rangely is a small reservoir used for recreation and with restrooms and picnic tables. There are some odd rock formations along the way, mostly variants of sedimentary rock. This type of rock often has soft layers that can erode into interesting shapes. It is the back side of the Book Cliff mountain area where the rock layers are quite distinct. Before the pioneers who settled this area, it was a frequent hunting and homeland for the Ute Indians. Pioneers started coming here after the early Mexican explorers (late 1700s) mapped the routes. Most well-known of the early white men, was Nathan Meeker, who had come from helping settle Greeley, Colorado. He started an Indian agency for the Utes, but through pig-headedness, in 1879 caused a fight and massacre of his family, dubbed the Meeker Massacre. These days, Meeker is best known for the world class Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials held the beginning of September each year.

Drive Enjoyment

Good pavement all the way with wide turns. There are rarely wide enough shoulders conducive to motorcycle parking, so you must plan your pull-offs. There is frequently large truck traffic as this is gas drilling country. The problem there is not their slow travel, but they really barrel along.

Tourism Opportunities

There is food and limited lodging in both Rangely and Meeker, nothing in-between. If you want the best meat available on a hundred kinds of sandwiches, you'll go to Brother's Custom Processing on the main street of Meeker. The name is odd, but the sandwiches are great. If you just want ice cream, then go to Clark's.
 

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KBlewiRides
May 1, 2018
68 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Not much out here, but typical Colorado. But, I like to run all the places I can, and this is a nice ride, especially as part of a bigger loop
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GJRonK
December 2, 2019
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
-- As this is natural gas country, lots of semi's barrel along, so be aware. Check the photos, as the route is entirely along the White River which runs all year and has varied vegetation. --
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