Colorado sights

[Paul Carver]

  For those riders in Colorado, can you tell me if Route 317 (Gothic Road) is a good motorcycle road? It starts in Crested Butte and heads north to Marble. Thanks for your input.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

What kind of motorcycle? The last time I crossed over that road once you leave CO 133 (Placita area) it is dirt. It still looks that way per Google maps sat view. Got a KLR? Great. Valk, BAD.

It was a beautiful drive but it was the worst 30 miles of washboard dirt road ruts I've ever driven across.

Raymond


http://www.hanselmannphotography.com/nTarge_newsletters/Newsletter8-1-06/GothicValley.html

"Be aware that there is often a snow drift that closes Gothic Road about mid way up the valley until the middle of July or so. There is also a peaceful picnic area on the right about half way up the valley that is a great place for lunch. Gothic Valley can be a busy place in mid summer and the main road can get a bit dusty"

[R J]

If you are using routing software or a GPS, watch for dirt/gravel roads.

Since I updated my maps, my GPS has sent me on several gravel road trips.

[MarkT]

Gothic Road is fine for a dirt bike.  No road bikes however.  There are no roads out of the valley of Crested Butte, other than Hwy 135 to the south, that are paved and suitable for a road bike.  At least as of a couple years ago - and I'm pretty sure the highway dept isn't spending a lot of money on new pavement right now.  I have a friend who has ridden over Cottonwood Pass to the East - to Buena Vista - on his wing.  It's paved on the East side up to the top.  Western slope into Crested Butte is gravel.  I've been to the top from the East many times.

[2KVALKRIDER]

I agree with statement above. My brother and I came across this road this past summer and soon found out to back track as fast as possible. Very nice road and area for dirt bikers.......

[Paul Carver]

Thanks for the info. I guess I will stay clear of that one. I don't mind going down gravel roads as sometimes there are many great surprises awaiting but I did not see any replies such as " give it a try". Thanks!