Motorcycle Route Author
By GJRonK (2630 McR Points)
on Aug 29, 2013
Overall Route Rating
3 Reviews
Hotchkiss to Carbondale on Hwy 133
Top Images
Deacon Blues
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I'm well familiar with CO-133, as I grew up in the area.
While it is true that 'amenities' are few and far between, they are available - just ask the locals.
Gas and food are available in the little hamlet of Redstone (you do have to leave the highway to find it), and there are a few restaurants in Carbondale including a roadside diner right before the CO-82 intersection.
As to the road, one major caveat - in the spring, the Carbondale (NE) section of the McClure Pass grade often has rocks in the road, due to the spring melt loosening up the cliffs above. In some sections of the Crystal River section (and likely the reservoir section), spring runoff causes mudslides that can mess up the road - not a problem in a car, but on a bike, it can be a bit tricky. CDOT usually dispatches crews and flaggers to clean all of this up, so unless you're riding the road early in the morning after a storm, you'll likely not find anything the hard way.
In the fall, this road is wonderful for the touring set - it's one of the best 'fall colors' roads in the state.
While it is true that 'amenities' are few and far between, they are available - just ask the locals.
Gas and food are available in the little hamlet of Redstone (you do have to leave the highway to find it), and there are a few restaurants in Carbondale including a roadside diner right before the CO-82 intersection.
As to the road, one major caveat - in the spring, the Carbondale (NE) section of the McClure Pass grade often has rocks in the road, due to the spring melt loosening up the cliffs above. In some sections of the Crystal River section (and likely the reservoir section), spring runoff causes mudslides that can mess up the road - not a problem in a car, but on a bike, it can be a bit tricky. CDOT usually dispatches crews and flaggers to clean all of this up, so unless you're riding the road early in the morning after a storm, you'll likely not find anything the hard way.
In the fall, this road is wonderful for the touring set - it's one of the best 'fall colors' roads in the state.
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3 riders found this road review useful
feejur11
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
One of my favorite rides. I don't think I miss it in either direction when I'm in CO. Great scenery, great twisties, and almost no traffic. I've done the Million Dollar Highway, and if I had a choice I'd ride this the Crystal Valley. Just an update: in mid-Sept '18 I rode W-E and road work was being done. As I approached the "6 miles to summit" sign I saw a "Road Work Ahead" sign. Not far after that a "Rough Road Ahead" sign. It appeared (without slowing down) that part of the Eastbound section of road, which was on the outside, had fallen away. The road was narrowed to allow for both lanes but was short and without a problem. After that there were signs for new pavement, which was chip and seal. I slowed down but didn't find anything loose. It was on some steep sections. Toward the lower section nearer Carbondale I saw signs for loose gravel, but didn't find any of that. Most of the "old" road was fine. I'm guessing by spring this section will be fine as long as nothing else falls off the mountain.
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2919scott
50 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
A great ride with a variety of scenery. Lots of sweepers and twisties along this ride.
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Photo Gallery of Hotchkiss to Carbondale on Hwy 133 (44 Photos)
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A barn near Paonia.
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North Fork of the Gunnison.
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Wide fertile valley along the North Fork of the Gunnison River.
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Heading north off McClure Pass (8755').
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Sheer rock walls along the Crystal River.
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Cool mailbox outside of Redstone. There are all kinds of gems in this town.
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Gathering near Paonia.
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Along the North Fork.
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Paonia Reservoir when filled up. June, 2016
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Shelf road drops down to the Crystal River Valley.
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Interesting sculpture along the road.
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Coal mining country.
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Coal car loader next to the road in Somerset.
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Nice scenery along the Paonia Reservoir.
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One mile of roadway along the reservoir is the most fun curves around.
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Blue spruce trees on the approach to McClure Pass.
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Mixed forest on McClure Pass.
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The Crystal River scenery.
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Coke ovens being restored.
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Redstone. Nice place to stop to shop or look at the old homes.
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Interesting Redstone shop.
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Railroad bed rip-rap made of scrap pure marble.
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Coal cars being filled in Somerset.
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Looking down the Crystal River Valley.
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Hays Creek Falls.
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Historical museum in Carbondale.
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Fall leaves are a whole new world.
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Interactive Views Along This Route
Start point
Latitude 38.8043139
Longitude -107.7100386
End point
Latitude 39.3965352
Longitude -107.2136776
