any one have any riding recommendations,we have a group of about 12 planning to go thru colorado in july??we would like to do some rafting and take in some great scenery,any help would be appreciated.....thanks from 14 degrees in fricking chicago....[8D][8D][8D][8D][8D][:@]

 

Where through Colorado are you heading? I am in the metro area myself and I can recommend a few good rides to your group, or heck even meet up for a tour with you all even (who needs an excuse to ride?).

If you are able to places like Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park (could still have a snow storm in July through there), Grand Lake, Winter Park are really nice rides. I will have to look over my map of a few rides I have done this past summer and lay out a few connected ones for you. Sfarson is in the central part of the state and knows a number of great rides through that area.

Once we know how/where you are coming through the state we can better treat you to some truly amazing rides.

 

FIRST,THANKS FOR RESPONDING SO QUICKLY WE ARE COMING FROM CHICAGO SO I BELIEVE WE WILL GO THRU DENVER POSSIBLY INTO THE CENTER OF THE STATE....TRYING TO SWING UP AND TAKE IN STEAMBOAT,JACKSON HOLE,AND POSSIBLY BEAR TOOTH PASS....I KNOW THAT THE LAST TWO ARE IN DIFFERENT STATES BUT WE ARE JUST IN THE THINKING OUT LOUD STAGES....WE HAVE ALL BEEN TO STURGIS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS AND LOOKING FOR SOME NEW SCENERY.WE ARE GONNA BE TRAVELING THE THIRD OR FOURTH WEEK OF JULY...AND ALSO WOULD LIKE TO MAP SOME KIND OF PREDETERMINED ROUTE OUT.....WE ALSO ARE OK WITH STAYING IN JUST THE BEAUTIFUL STATE OF COLORADO......

 

Colorado is a tourist mecca. There's so many great roads and spectacular scenery, you won't be able to see it all in one trip. I've ridden all over the sate. Had mostly good rides, some spectacular rides.

These are what I consider "spectacular":

1. Rocky Mountain National Park. Wow. Head west on I-70 out of Denver. Get off at exit 262, and head north on 6th street. About 5 miles up, there's a left turn to Rt 6. That follows the river a ways, and through a couple of tunnels.

After about 12 miles, Rt 6 hangs a left at a lighted intersection. But you want to go straight on 119 toward Blackhawk. That's the Peak to Peak Highway, and will take you to Estes Park. There's a Brewery in town that makes excellent chili and burgers. Their onion rings are killer. The beer and coffe's pretty good, too.

Go through the park, up over the pass at around 11,000' ASL, and down through Grand Lake. There's a BBQ place in town that's pretty good.

From there's it's an easy (but less spectacular ride) to Steamboat.

2. 139 Between Vernal and Grand Junction. A short little detour, but well worth it. If you're in Grand Junction, take a short side trip through Colorado National Monument.

3. Independance Pass near Aspen.

4. The Million Dollar Highway. US 550 from Ridgeway to Durango. This sometimes called the American Alps. This is the very best road in CO. Maybe in the entire US. If you miss this, you'll regret it.

If you want the very best of CO, here's the best route (IMO). Through Estes Park, Grand Lake, and Kremmeling. South on 9 I-70. I-70 west to Glenwood springs. South on 82 through aspen, over Independance Pass, into Buena Vista.

South on 285 to 160. If you have time, stop at the alligater farm near Hooper. Consider visiting the Sand Dunes.

Take 160 west over Wolf Creek Pass, through Pagosa Springs, and into Durango. There's a sports bar near the train depot that makes excellent broasted chicken.

Then take the million dollar highway north to Ridgeway. At Ridgeway, turn west on 62 to Placerville. Then follow 114 north to Grand Junction. Stop at the car museum in gateway and see the $5M Oldsmobile.

From Grand Junction, take 139 north. As you climb the pass, be sure to look behind you; the view is spectacular.


I've ridden this route before, and it's a real thrill.

 

I agree! There are too many places to see in just one trip.
Thanks for the short list bobcowan!
I am printing that one right now and will place it in my saddlebag for future reference.
I am a native of Colorado, and there is a lot I want to explore on 2 wheels!

 

Million Dollar Highway is worth every penny!If you're thinking of stopping in Durango / La Plata County, be aware that there's a special police-state style noise ordinance in effect for loudpipes. Durango's LE & citizens arenot biker friendly. They even have a hotline ph# for residents to report bikes that citizens claim are too loud!

http://www.durangoherald.com/asp-bin...s/al060724.htm

http://www.durangoherald.com/asp-bin...ws071204_6.htm

 

>>... bikers who reveal their inadequacies by needlessly revving their unmuffled engines.. <<

>> ...one of those rare breeds: a Harley rider and law abider. <<

>>...a miscreant revving one of those flatulent overpriced scooters <<

Well, I guees we know how Mr. Mike Smedley feels about motorcycles, don't we. Lets hear it for fair and impartial reporting!!

Of course, that was 18 months ago. Maybe he's "moved on" by now.

 

bobcowan has a really nice ride there. About the only thing I would change would be the 285 to 160 segment. Take 285 South out of Buena Vista and intersect hwy 50 at Poncha Springs (Just West of Salida). Go West towards Gunnison, over Monarch Pass and after about 40 miles total,you will intersect hwy 114. going South towards Saguache. Once you hit Saguache, you can head South to Monte Vista and intersect 160, or detour a little East and get back on 285 heading South. You can then still see the dunes or the 'gator' farm.

 

I agree with all the choices above, Many many great rides. You could ride out there for a year and still have lots to see. Something nobody mentioned......the weather. If you are riding in the mountains, and you will, it will be pretty nice during the morning and early afternoon. You better be prepared for a rain (or snow) shower anytime after 2 pm. I lived in Winter Park for 4 years. And you could set your watch by the afternoon rain showers. They wont last long and it will clear up and be nice. If you are going during the last of july it will start to get cooler as the sun goes down, at higher altitudes. So just like the boy scouts,,,,,,,,,,,be prepared. And have fun it is GREAT riding.

 

Oh, yeah! I forgot about that little side trip. Takes 2-3 hours. Less if you ride instead of gawk. Great little side trip. The western side of the pass on 114 is really spectacular.

If you go that route, be sure and stop at the top of Monarch for a photo op. The last time I stopped in there, it was snowing and I was pretty cold. The coffee in the gift shop was pretty darn good. Or maybe is was just hot