Colorado Question
Colorado Question
I'm planning a ride from Cleveland, Ohio west to Colorado. So far, I'm thinking ride from Cleveland to Ouray, ride the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton, Silverton to Durango, but then where??? When I hit Durango I'll need to start working my way north and east back towards Cleveland. I don't have to take the most direct, fastest route, but I need to start heading in the right direction towards home. I'm unfamiliar with the area so I'm not certain which way is best, scenic, good riding, etc. Any thoughts would be appreciated! I'll be heading out somewhere in Mid May or June. Plans are being firmed up now.
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 11,317
From: Colorado Rockies
Congrats on what should be a great ride. Here's some options based on my Colorado riding experiences.
From SW Colorado start heading East on 160 through Pagosa Springs. and Wolf Creek Pass. This is a fantastic area to ride for scenery. After that pick up 285 and start heading North to North West. From 285. Pick up 24 and head east towards Co. Springs, then at Woodland Park take 67 towards Deckers. From there take Deckers rd. to Pine, Co. at Pine you can take 285 down to Denver and pick up I-70 heading East.
Staying on 285 up to Buena Vista and then north on 24 will take you up to I-70 and that is also a great ride through the Collegiate Peaks area. If you'd like other options that take you farther north I can post them also.
Some things to keep in mind. You'll be hitting some high elevations. It can take a little time to acclimate. Snow in May or June is certainly a possibility. Watch for animals. Enjoy the ride. Colorado is unreal. Let me know if I can offer any other advice.
Also, we've had a fair amount of smoke from wildfires the last few years. Once they start it can diminish the riding experience.
From SW Colorado start heading East on 160 through Pagosa Springs. and Wolf Creek Pass. This is a fantastic area to ride for scenery. After that pick up 285 and start heading North to North West. From 285. Pick up 24 and head east towards Co. Springs, then at Woodland Park take 67 towards Deckers. From there take Deckers rd. to Pine, Co. at Pine you can take 285 down to Denver and pick up I-70 heading East.
Staying on 285 up to Buena Vista and then north on 24 will take you up to I-70 and that is also a great ride through the Collegiate Peaks area. If you'd like other options that take you farther north I can post them also.
Some things to keep in mind. You'll be hitting some high elevations. It can take a little time to acclimate. Snow in May or June is certainly a possibility. Watch for animals. Enjoy the ride. Colorado is unreal. Let me know if I can offer any other advice.
Also, we've had a fair amount of smoke from wildfires the last few years. Once they start it can diminish the riding experience.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 227
Likes: 84
From: ne.
I like the ride from Buena Vista to Leadville. From there take hwy.91 to I-70 to Dillon then hwy.9 to Kremmling and north to Walden to get on hwy.14. The ride from Walden to Fort Collins is great. You will miss Denver but in my opinion that's a good thing.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 21,413
Likes: 18,030
Loveland CO to Ouray
Hwy 34 Loveland CO, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Granby.
Hwy 40 follow Colorado River to Kremmling.
Hwy 131 to Wolcott Interstate 70.
I-70 Glenwood Springs. Hwy 82 Carbondale, Hwy 133 Paonia & McClure Pass, Hotchkiss.
Hwy 92 Delta, Hwy 50 Ouray.
Durango CO to Colorado Springs:
Hwy 160 Pagosa Springs, South Fork.
Hwy 149 Crede, Lake City, Gunnison.
Hwy 50 Monarch Pass, Salida Arkansas River.
Hwy 285 Buena Vista. Hwy 24 Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs Interstate 25.
Limon CO Interstate 70 East.
Hwy 34 Loveland CO, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Granby.
Hwy 40 follow Colorado River to Kremmling.
Hwy 131 to Wolcott Interstate 70.
I-70 Glenwood Springs. Hwy 82 Carbondale, Hwy 133 Paonia & McClure Pass, Hotchkiss.
Hwy 92 Delta, Hwy 50 Ouray.
Durango CO to Colorado Springs:
Hwy 160 Pagosa Springs, South Fork.
Hwy 149 Crede, Lake City, Gunnison.
Hwy 50 Monarch Pass, Salida Arkansas River.
Hwy 285 Buena Vista. Hwy 24 Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs Interstate 25.
Limon CO Interstate 70 East.
Last edited by user 7172984932; Feb 17, 2022 at 11:08 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 11,317
From: Colorado Rockies
To add to @hooter57 post, continuing north out of Walden go to Riverside, Wyoming. From there head towards Saratoga then head east on wy. 130, Snowy Range road. I highly recommend that ride. This will take you to Laramie and you could pick up I-80. Keep in mind, 130 doesn't typically open until Memorial day weekend. All of these suggestions are good one's. Poudre Canyon out of Walden is also very nice.
As a heads up, some of these areas can have gas stations few and far between.
As a heads up, some of these areas can have gas stations few and far between.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
My suggestion would be to wait as late as you can before on this trip.
Even late May can be vey cool in the higher elevations and sleet or snow is not unlikely.
Be sure to take appropriate riding gear.
Even late May can be vey cool in the higher elevations and sleet or snow is not unlikely.
Be sure to take appropriate riding gear.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,604
Likes: 4,045
From: Virginia
You can loop around Durango, Silverton, Telluride. There is the 3 corners monument, land revered by the Native American tribes. AT the minimum, plan on 3 days just in that area, you wont be sorry.
There is a cool little town at the base of Pike's Peak called Manitou Springs that is also a good base. Besides riding Pikes Peak, you can loop around to Cripple Creek, another cool mining town now a gambling mecca lol! I could go on and on, the best thing you can do in my opinion is to slow down in the different areas of Colorado and stop and see what its really about. So many riders just pile on the miles, dont stop and explore and miss the best stuff these towns and areas have to offer. Here are a few pics from our different trips out there.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 310
Likes: 309
From: Halfway up the hill 🇨🇦
Not sure how far West you are willing to go but I would suggest heading from Durango out to Cortez, Mesa Verde NP is on the way. Carry on to Kayenta Az and then up through Monument Valley. From there, head up to Moab, you can ride Moki Dugway near Mexican Hat on the way. Lots to see around Moab, Arches NP etc. Head East out towards Grand Junction, 128 is a great ride along the Colorado river.
