Does anyone have a good planned loop for touring around Colorado? Planning on heading out there over 4th of July this year from Iowa. Right now my plan is to get to Denver on the night of the 3rd (700 mile day from Iowa), then have Thursday-Sunday of riding, and I would like to end up back in Denver Sunday night so I can haul butt back home on Monday. Two things I want to do for sure as Million Dollar Highway and then also I'd like to make it over to Mexican Hat, Utah. Any help planning a route would be appreciated !

 

Back in September I road from North of Denver(Greeley) though Rocky Mountain National Park, came out of Silverthorne on I70 and road to Glenwood Springs on day 1(about 7 hours riding time). Then south from Glenwood springs through carbondale and made my way over to hwy50 and then south to Ouray, and road million dollar highway then down to Durango on day 2(about 6-7hours riding time). I suppose you could head east from there and make a loop back around over the next 2 days. With stops to eat and taking pictures, we were on the road 10-11 hours each day.
I continued south west to 4 corners and out though arizona to Vegas, was a great ride.

 

 

For sure eat at the restaurant in Mexican Hat. It's on the curve overlooking the river! Gooseneck is a must, and if you go just north of there is Moki Dugway, it's hard pack gravel on the straight but paved in curve. I've done it several times with touring bikes and passenger , no problem just pay attention . View is awesome. When you get to the top pavement all the way. Right there is a dirt road to your left. At the end of this is an even better view than Gooseneck Park had! In Colorado check out Mesa Verde.

 

Thanks for the input guys! Looking forward to this trip and getting a tourpack bought to keep the wife happy on this ride.

 

 

Pike's so you can get the patch.