Durango to Grand Junction
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 234
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From: Midland NC
Durango to Grand Junction
Which Route is best? And why?
1. Durango to Ridgeway on US 550N, Ridgeway to Placerville on hwy 62 Placerville to Naturita on hwy 145, Naturita to Gatewayon hwy 62, Gateway to Whitewater on hwy 141, Whitewater to Grand Junction on US 50
2. Durango to Ridgeway to Montrose, to Delta on US 550N, Delta to Orchard City on hwy 65, Orchard City to I70 on hwy 65, I70 to Grand Junction
1. Durango to Ridgeway on US 550N, Ridgeway to Placerville on hwy 62 Placerville to Naturita on hwy 145, Naturita to Gatewayon hwy 62, Gateway to Whitewater on hwy 141, Whitewater to Grand Junction on US 50
2. Durango to Ridgeway to Montrose, to Delta on US 550N, Delta to Orchard City on hwy 65, Orchard City to I70 on hwy 65, I70 to Grand Junction
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: High in the Colorado Rockies
#1 is best, but I would add to it and head east in Delta on 92 and drive the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (65) to I70 east of Grand Junction. Also, check out a quick loop west of Fruita/GJT on 340 (Colo. National Monument). SJ Ron 
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Colorado Springs CO
Best? Wow that will be hard. So the beginning is basically the same until Ridgway and then you start sorting out the roads.
In #1 62 (Dallas Divide) 145 and 141 are spectacular.
In #2 from Ridgway to Delta is where I think you lose me. I love the hiway 65 section but getting there is just ok.
Overall I think #1 will be far more scenic and fun to ride for the whole trip whereas #2 leaves me wanting more from Ridgway to Delta. To bad you cant fit 65 the Grand Mesa Scenic byway in tho...
In #1 62 (Dallas Divide) 145 and 141 are spectacular.
In #2 from Ridgway to Delta is where I think you lose me. I love the hiway 65 section but getting there is just ok.
Overall I think #1 will be far more scenic and fun to ride for the whole trip whereas #2 leaves me wanting more from Ridgway to Delta. To bad you cant fit 65 the Grand Mesa Scenic byway in tho...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bloomfield, NM
Don't know the numbers of all the roads and don't have a map in front of me, but Durango to Montrose via 550( Million Dollar Highway). Montrose to the road that goes to Black Canyon of the Gunnison and over the mountain to Crawford. From there to Delta, and then over Grand Mesa and into Grand Junction.
THis will make a nice day ride.
Bill
THis will make a nice day ride.
Bill
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 234
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From: Midland NC
Taking #1 and the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
Well you all talked me into it. We are going to turn right at Whitewater onto Hwy 50 and pick up Hwy 65 east of Delta and take the Grand Mesa Byway and just suck it up and make a big day of it. Thanks for all the help!
Stellar HDF Member
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From: High in the Colorado Rockies
If you get a chance while in GJT, take the Colo. National Monument loop (340). I always begin in Fruita (exit 19 off I-70) and take the loop thru the Monument until you reach 340 in GJT and then head north on 340/Broadway thru Redlands and back up to I-70 in Fruita (maybe 60 miles and 2-3 hours depending on your stops). I try to avoid the nightmare construction on I-50 in GJT. SJ Ron
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Midland NC
Already have it planned
My brother and I are going to camp at the saddlehorn campground. Any one know anything about it?
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: High in the Colorado Rockies
The Saddlehorn is very close to the Colo. National Monument Visitor Center. I know where it is but haven't personally stayed there, but its a good jumping off point to do the Monument. SJ Ron