Durango, CO - 2021

Hey Guys,

My regular trip crew (brothers from VA and OH) and I are planning a trip to Durango, CO in 2021.

Anyone have suggestions on the following:

1. Roads to Ride
2. Things to Do
3. Places to See

We've already got the 'base camp' location decided on out of Durango - unless you all have a location that you highly recommend.

We're already thinking of hitting Lake Nighthorse for an afternoon as a part of our travels. I'm thinking some river rapid rafting and cave tour (suggestions anyone?).

Any and all suggestions much appreciated.

If you're along my route from Winnipeg, MB (CAN) to Durango, CO - give me a shout out for a visit. I'm likely going to do the ride out in 2 days vs. a 1 day Iron Butt (been there done that lol).

Thanks folks!!

 

Ska brewery is in Durango if you like beer. That's one of my favorite breweries at least.

Skickat från min H8324 via Tapatalk

 

I think riding "the million Dollars highway" C 550 is a must. You'll find great roads and great views if you ride a loop from Durango to Ridgway to Placerville down the 145 to Dolores and back to Durango. Ouray and Silverton are two great towns to explore.
The Arakansas river is great for river rafting, but it's far from your base camp.
There is an annual of Kawasaki riders every year in the town of Cortez that may interfere with your plans and campsites availability.

 

Thanks! Definitely adding that one to the list!

 

Perfect ... exactly the kind of information I wanted.

Do you know when that Kawasaki ride happens? My two buddies ride C14's actually.

 

I think it's in June, but can't quite remember. I know is mostly Concourse riders and it includes all years, other bikes are welcomed but only a handful show up.

 

Not sure what's your interest, but "canyons of the ancients" and "Mesa Verde" National Parks are very close. Worth a visit even if you're not into historical sites and/or National parks.
Independence pass, C82 from Glenwood springs through Aspen to Buena vista is another great road and one that I enjoyed very much. A quick stop at the visitor center will put at about 9K feet elevation and a good place to learn a thing or two and grab a cup of coffee. Nice view on the way down the mountain towards twin lakes with old snow on the peaks.
If I knew more of your intended route I could suggest some more roads and I'm sure the locals will too.

 

I agree with this 1000%. I keep going back anytime I'm in southern Colorado. The San Juan mountains are vast and remote. There are hundreds of other roads too.

 

We're making those plans now ... Durango, CO will be our 'base of operations' and we'll be returning there every day to our campsite.

Last trip in the Black Hills, we went on cave tours, checked out the wildlife, historical buildings, Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore monuments, various vistas etc ... the ride though, we like the twisties and elevation changes.

 

Bubba, Igrok and I did a ride to Colorado this June although we were based in Delta. Google maps put it at approximately 3 hours from Durango, so I dont know if it'll be something you want to consider.

We rode to the Blue Mesa dam via Hotchkiss and Crawford and we were going to continue on to Gunnison, but Igrok had to cut the trip short go back that same day so we didn't go all the way as we had originally planned, but the ride to the dam was a beautiful one.

We also rode to the top of the Grand Mesa on our way back to Utah and that's an exhilarating ride.

We stayed at a place called Sunset Valley Ranch in Delta. Really nice place with cabins or camping spots. in case you want to spend a night away from base at Durango exploring these options.

This thread shows some pictures.

https://vfrworld.com/threads/colorado-riding.56491/page-8

Hope it helps.

Cheers.
Ify.

 

Definitely! Thanks ... I'll look into all of those.

 

Jeff, based on the best roads and vicinity, you may want to put your base camp a little further north. Ouray, Montrose, etc. The black canyon (Hwy 92) is a MUST SEE and ride. My favorite in that area is hwy 133 between Hotchkiss and Carbondale (and my standards for roads are high ).

Hwy 149 between the Blue Mesa and Lake City is no slouch either. As mentioned, the Placerville run is good, as well as Hwy 141 (Naturita, Gateway, Grand Juncton).

 

I second those recommendations! My base camp was Montrose.

 

141 from Naturita to Gateway is a ton of fun - spectacular scenery. There's a good car museum at Gateway - great place to have lunch and look at cars.

http://gatewayautomuseum.com/

 

I'll mention it to the boys ... we have some time yet.

I plan on stopping in Alvo, NE (visit a breeder of GSPs that I know well - my pups from from some of their stock and their aunty directly from their stock).

I also plan on stopping close to Strasburg, CO to visit a hunting dog trainer buddy at some point as well.

If I get enough time, I may even stop in Wichita, KS to visit our good pal, Rusty from the forums here!

 

When are you going. depending on what my Chief Exec. Officer wants to do, I just may ride out to some whistle stop and meet you guys for a beer then go home. That's providing Reg and me are not lost somewhere up in Alaska.

 

Are you still planning this trip Jeff. The post is a year old. Let me know and Thanks