West of Denver

[Wayne Orwig]

I plan to pass through the area west of Denver, and Eastern Utah. I may have a spare day or two.
Glancing at the map, it looks like some interesting roads just off of interstate 70. Are there any must see drives in that area?

[fotoguzzi]

Milner pass trough Rocky Mountain National Park. Brings you into Estes a cool little town.

[LowRyter]

I'd ask Seth.  I've got limited riding up and down I-70, I usually ride south of the highway. 

Three I can recommend are 133 South Carbondale to Paonia, the only problem is the traffic at Glenwood Springs.  If you're no so far west, you can try 103 south of Idaho Springs up to Mt Evans.  Another nice ride is south of Georgetown down Guanella Pass to Grant and back.

You can also do a loop through Aspen, hwy 82 and hwy 24 through Independence Pass. 

Good luck Wayne. Check your maps and see what works.

[Dharma Bum]

Get off the Interstate at Minturn, go up Tennessee Pass thru Leadville, turn west at Twin Lakes and over Independence  Pass to Aspen . Up the road to Glenwood Springs and back on the I. Or turn west at Carbondale, head over to Paonia and say hi to Seth!

[Tkelly]

Not sure where you are headed but145 from Delores north is a beautiful ride.

[Archangel]

I plan to pass through the area west of Denver, and Eastern Utah. I may have a spare day or two.
Glancing at the map, it looks like some interesting roads just off of interstate 70. Are there any must see drives in that area?

Right off I-70 just before Grand Junction get off on Hwy 65 South and go over the Grand Mesa all the way to Cedaredge and then return back to I-70. Going back the same way keeps you higher out of the heat.

Also HWY 92 along the Black Canyon of the Gunnison south of Paonia is one of the most scenic rides in Colorado. Just so happens there are a couple of Guzzi Riders in Paonia who would love to show you the way. You could do this after the Hwy 133 ride from Glenwood to Carbondale toward Paonia. Linking this ride to the Grand Mesa ride is also possible and would bring you back to I 70

[LongRanger]

Exit I-70 westbound at Exit #252 Evergreen Parkway and follow signs to CO 103 / Mt. Evans. It’s a very scenic and curvy 28-mile route and will put you back on I-70 westbound at Idaho Springs. Be sure to stop at Echo Lake Lodge located adjacent to the Mt Evans entrance station for a slice of homemade apple pie.

Once back on I-70 westbound, take Exit #240 US 40 and follow it over Berthoud Pass and continue on past Kremmling. A few miles after Kremmling, take CO 134 over Gore Pass. When you reach Toponas, follow CO 131 southbound and it will dump you out on I-70 at Walcott, which is just east of Glenwood Canyon and Glenwood Springs. All very fine roads.

Alternatively, instead of US 40 over Berthoud Pass, exit I-70 westbound at Georgetown and follow the signs for Guanella Pass. This will lead you to US 285 at Grant, which you follow southbound over Kenosha Pass and to Buena Vista. From BV, follow US 24 northbound towards Leadville and I-70. Or, exit US 24 at CO 82 and ride over Independence Pass towards Aspen and on to I-70 at Glenwood Springs.

Generally I recommend avoiding I-70 through the mountains because it’s rather boring and not very scenic.

[Guzzistajohn]

Hy 14 out of fort Collins is one of my favorite spots. Runs right up the Poudre river. Walden Co. has a bunch of moose. I just booked a KOA Kabin in Sept.

[Moparnut72]

I wouldn't miss Mesa Verde National Park.  It is my intention to see it again with more time before I pass. I really would like to show it to my second wife, 20 years, she hasn't seen much of the country. Work and everything else. Colorado has a lot to see, I  traveled a lot of the state on my R75/5.
kk

[travelingbyguzzi]

The Colorado National Monument near Fruita CO is is very impressive, with the bonus that Fruita is the home of Mike the Headless Chicken. Be sure to visit the statue of Mike and get a Welcome To Fruita sticker.
A little further West, if you are in Green River at suppertime, Ray's Tavern puts out a really good hamburger.

[guzzi4me]

The Colorado National Monument near Fruita CO is is very impressive, with the bonus that Fruita is the home of Mike the Headless Chicken. Be sure to visit the statue of Mike and get a Welcome To Fruita sticker.
A little further West, if you are in Green River at suppertime, Ray's Tavern puts out a really good hamburger.

The ride through the Monument is amazing. Might even see some Big Horn sheep. Best way to enjoy is to start at the East entrance. It will take you to the West entrance which is right at Fruita.



Have fun!

Jeff

[guzzi4me]

A few more from the Monument..