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Old 07-05-2017, 01:07 PM   #1
HammerDown   HammerDown is offline
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Colorado Hwy 141, Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway

Perfect day for a 4th of July ride on one of my favorite roads in western Colorado - Hwy 141, also known as the Unaweep-Tabaguache (pronounced tab-uh-wash) Scenic Byway. The route completely encompasses the Uncompahgre National Forest, part of a high plateau topping out above 10,000ft.
The Route:
Route map July 4 2017.JPG

Highway 141 climbs up out of the valley off of US 50 at the town of Whitewater, CO. You gain a few thousand feet of elevation ascending Nine Mile Hill into Unaweep Canyon. Here you have farm and ranch lands in the valley, surrounded by steep rock walls. This section of road can be a little dicey. It takes a pounding in the winter. Watch out for big cracks and pot holes.
Hwy 141 Unaweep Canyon.jpg

In about 30 miles you start the decent into the town of Gateway, CO. There's an upscale resort here, and a gas station and convenience store.
Gas here is expensive, but if you filled up in Grand Junction, you don't need to stop. Most bikes can easily make it to Norwood on a tank.
The Gateway Canyons Resort is owned by the founder of the Discovery Channel. It has a museum featuring his private car collection, spanning about 100 years. It's worth seeing if you have time.
Those are the La Sal Mtns, in the extreme background. Moab, Utah is just on the other side.
Hwy 141 Into Gateway.jpg

Once in Gateway, the scenery turns into Red Rock country.
Gateway CO.jpg

The road soon picks up the Dolores River and winds through a deep and narrow red rock canyon. I wanted to get some pics inside the canyon, but there is no shoulder, and stopping in the middle of a shadowy, winding road is dangerous, to say the least.
Mouth of the canyon:
Attachment 12898
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File Type: jpg Into the Canyon.jpg (97.2 KB, 12 views)
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Last edited by HammerDown; 07-05-2017 at 01:43 PM.
 
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Old 07-05-2017, 01:37 PM   #2
HammerDown   HammerDown is offline
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The road then makes a short climb out of the canyon, and onto the plateau.
South end of the canyon overlooking the Dolores River:
Dolores River Hwy 141.jpg

On the Plateau between Naturita and Norwood. Nothing but farmland. San Juan Mtns in the background.
On the Plateau.jpg

Descending out of Norwood, you come the Telluride turnoff.
Decision time: It's only about 13 miles to Telluride, but Telluride on a major holiday - no thanks. On to Ridgway it is.
Telluride or Ridgway.jpg

Here the scenery changes to pine and aspen forest, the road follows the San Miguel River, and the air temp drops 15-20 degrees. This is one nice section of road, both in terms of road surface, flow, and scenery. So nice, I kept riding and forgot to take any pics.
The road climbs slowly up to the summit of Dallas Divide, which tops out at a paltry 8970 ft. There's a big gravel pullout at the summit, and you're rewarded with some amazing views of the San Juan Mtns.:
Dallas Divide Overlook.jpg

Dallas Divide toward Ridgway.jpg

After dropping down into Ridgway, it's a quick 80 miles back to Junction on US 50. About 250 miles all together, if you skip the out and back to Telluride.
A great way to spend the holiday.
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Old 07-05-2017, 04:28 PM   #3
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Very Nice Dave. Looks like not much traffic either.
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Old 07-05-2017, 05:43 PM   #4
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Thanks for sharing.
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Old 07-06-2017, 12:57 PM   #5
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That is an awesome ride! My spouse's favorite!



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Old 07-06-2017, 03:03 PM   #6
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Thanks for sharing!
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Old 07-06-2017, 04:01 PM   #7
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Great looking tour.. Thanks your narrative, very nice job... I'll be sharing this with some friends.

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Old 07-06-2017, 08:50 PM   #8
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Thanks for the post! I remember my first trip that way and just loved it. I understand why you stayed!
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