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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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I love this road and do it everytime I am anywhere near Colorado. It is lightly traveled and so very enjoyable. Lightly patrolled so even MORE enjoyable. plenty of good sweepers with a few twisties thrown in here and there. Fantastic views valleys, ridges, canyons. creeks rivers, rocks, passes and, well you name it. When at the north end to the Colorado National Monument. When you ride through Gateway stop at the little gas stop and fill up again, becuase its another 50 miles to the next one. Gateway is the home of the founder of the Discovery Channel and his huge ranch. His resort has a car collection in the main building if you stop in there. Once you get to Placerville you have a choice to go visit the wondeful town of Telluride (do it!, Just do it!). it is dead end drive but worth it. Otherwise turn left and head up to Ridgeway so that you can go south on highway 550 the Million Dollar Highway aka the San Juan Skyway, through Ouray to Silverton/Durango. The best riding in Colorado. Seriously.
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KBlewiRides
August 28, 2020
68 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Beautiful and varied scenery
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wadebyers
September 18, 2020
91 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
My favorite road to date. Very low traffic and amazing views, especially between Gateway and Norwood. Canyons with huge rock faces and lots of twisties. Plenty of places to stop and take a rest. I stopped at one point for over 10 minutes and not one vehicle came by. Beware of squirrels everywhere in the woods popping out!
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