Colorado advice and recommendations

[Beardo]

We're in the midst of a prairie Canadian winter and that's got me thinking of where we want to ride this summer.  We're leaning towards Colorado. Never been there and it's a relatively easy 2 day ride from here. 

We usually ride to a general area and just "wing" it, pun intended. But I do like to do some research of roads/places/areas to at are must see. Hate to ride that far and get a "oh, you definitely should have gone  here" after the fact.

This video was pretty cool and appears to recommend some really good rides.

https://youtu.be/7CpJEHJPBjQ

We generally don't like tourist traps, big cities, super high traffic areas. Roads and scenery are what we're looking for. We generally ride 6-800km (4-500 miles) a day, stay in cheaper mom and pop motels.

Any recommendations on general routes through the state? Places to avoid?  We'll probably have 3-4 days in Colorado, and it'll be the first/second week of July. 

Also, any gear recommendations would be appreciated. We ride the Canadian Rockies, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming etc all the time but I'm not sure of the weather/temperature to be expected at the altitudes in Colorado. Colder than your usual mountain riding? Hotter? Same? I have no idea. With the limited storage on the Wing for the long trips, we don't have room for extra jackets. We both have hot weather mesh/perforated riding jackets that we add layers or rain gear to if it gets colder and that's usually sufficed.

Any advice will be appreciated.

[..]

I will be taking my Gerbing liner and gloves. A mesh jacket and add a heavy waterproof for higher altitude cold.

I'm going to be somewhere in CO in the middle of July

Million Dollar Highway
Mesa Verde
Cottonwood Pass
Slumgullion Pass
Pikes Peak
Mt. Evans
Rocky Mtn National Park needs advance tickets to enter.
Grand Junction National Monument
Cookes Castle
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Dragonmans
Gateway Car Museum

So much more to ride and see.

[hubcapsc]

We got started on 160 headed west to Pagosa Springs last year. That's a pretty good road and it
speaks to your question about gear. In Colorado, when you go over a mountain pass, it might
be snowy at the top and warm when you get back down the other side.

Anywho... a giant storm drove us from our 160 route and we took (17?) which dipped down
into New Mexico, and was a VERY good road.

160 also gives you access to 149. Another very good road. A few years ago I went up
the million dollar highway from Durango one day and down 149 the next day all
the way back to Durango. I slept hard that night   ... and the million dollar highway
is getting kind of trafficky, it might only be worth $1.98 or so now...

-Mike

[Beardo]

Good stuff guys.

Thanks, Britman, for noting the advance tickets required...we went through Glacier National Park last year and were pretty ticked about the reservations being required, and us not knowing about that ahead of time. 

Ordered a Colorado map off Amazon and will start planning a rough route with your help. Thanks.

[Avanti]

Research driving the roads into these parks that require advance pass tickets. The roads are not gated and can possibly be accessed when attendance are not on duty, early mornings and late in the afternoon.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Research driving the roads into these parks that require advance pass tickets. The roads are not gated and can possibly be accessed when attendance are not on duty, early mornings and late in the afternoon.

With everywhere having cameras nowadays, I don't know if I'd risk it. I'd hate to see our Canadian friend banned from crossing the border again because of a National Park violation.

As to non touristy areas in Colorado. I don't know if there are any that time of year. But, it's still worth riding. If you make it as far south as Durango this little Mom & Pop motel was really good.

[..]

Research driving the roads into these parks that require advance pass tickets. The roads are not gated and can possibly be accessed when attendance are not on duty, early mornings and late in the afternoon.

With everywhere having cameras nowadays, I don't know if I'd risk it. I'd hate to see our Canadian friend banned from crossing the border again because of a National Park violation.

As to non touristy areas in Colorado. I don't know if there are any that time of year. But, it's still worth riding. If you make it as far south as Durango this little Mom & Pop motel was really good.

Wow.

Middle of July and $165 to $185 a night plus taxes.

[Avanti]

It is not against the law to ride the roads that are not gated. The problem is at peak time. I have driven through the Badlands several times when no rangers are on duty.  I have a lifetime pass for national parks and I even stopped and camped at Cedar Pass Campground. I have also driven Going to the Sun and Trail Ridge roads. These roads are not gated roads.

[..]

Wolf Creek Pass

[Beardo]

Research driving the roads into these parks that require advance pass tickets. The roads are not gated and can possibly be accessed when attendance are not on duty, early mornings and late in the afternoon.

With everywhere having cameras nowadays, I don't know if I'd risk it. I'd hate to see our Canadian friend banned from crossing the border again because of a National Park violation.

As to non touristy areas in Colorado. I don't know if there are any that time of year. But, it's still worth riding. If you make it as far south as Durango this little Mom & Pop motel was really good.

Wow.

Middle of July and $165 to $185 a night plus taxes.

...which is like a million Canadian dollars 

We usually "splurge" on a Super 8 or a Motel 6 every few days. They're not usually that expensive. I do understand though that in the more touristy places, it'll be inevitable.

[..]

Research driving the roads into these parks that require advance pass tickets. The roads are not gated and can possibly be accessed when attendance are not on duty, early mornings and late in the afternoon.

With everywhere having cameras nowadays, I don't know if I'd risk it. I'd hate to see our Canadian friend banned from crossing the border again because of a National Park violation.

As to non touristy areas in Colorado. I don't know if there are any that time of year. But, it's still worth riding. If you make it as far south as Durango this little Mom & Pop motel was really good.

Wow.

Middle of July and $165 to $185 a night plus taxes.

...which is like a million Canadian dollars 

We usually "splurge" on a Super 8 or a Motel 6 every few days. They're not usually that expensive. I do understand though that in the more touristy places, it'll be inevitable.

I've found these more budget motels

Naturita  Lodge  970-865-2700 is near the Gateway Car Museum

Motel Durango
2202 Main Ave     970-341-8786

Idaho Springs has some $$ motels.

[Beardo]

We normally don't reserve motels ahead of time and just look online when we're taking a break a few hours away from where we feel like stopping or just pull up to a "looks like a biker motel" place and walk in. Is that not a safe plan for Colorado in July? 

We've travelled long distances every summer through some fairly touristy places and have never had a reservation...I kinda don't want to have to...prefer to not have to be in a place at a predetermined time.

[..]

We normally don't reserve motels ahead of time and just look online when we're taking a break a few hours away from where we feel like stopping or just pull up to a "looks like a biker motel" place and walk in. Is that not a safe plan for Colorado in July?

Me too. I just make notes about the cheaper motels I see online whilst ride planning if they also have semi decent reviews.

I'm sure the CO riders will chime in about availability etc

[Beardo]

I will be taking my Gerbing liner and gloves. A mesh jacket and add a heavy waterproof for higher altitude cold.

I'm going to be somewhere in CO in the middle of July

Million Dollar Highway
Mesa Verde
Cottonwood Pass
Slumgullion Pass
Pikes Peak
Mt. Evans
Rocky Mtn National Park needs advance tickets to enter.
Grand Junction National Monument
Cookes Castle
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Dragonmans
Gateway Car Museum

So much more to ride and see.

Looks like Pikes Peak and Mount Evans require a reservation as well  .   Sorta tough to do when you don't know which day you'll be there.

[..]

I will be taking my Gerbing liner and gloves. A mesh jacket and add a heavy waterproof for higher altitude cold.

I'm going to be somewhere in CO in the middle of July

Million Dollar Highway
Mesa Verde
Cottonwood Pass
Slumgullion Pass
Pikes Peak
Mt. Evans
Rocky Mtn National Park needs advance tickets to enter.
Grand Junction National Monument
Cookes Castle
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Dragonmans
Gateway Car Museum

So much more to ride and see.

Looks like Pikes Peak requires a reservation as well  .   Sorta tough to do when you don't know which day you'll be there.

Well bugger. I'll check it out, thanks.

EDIT

Reservations are required to drive your personal vehicle to the summit from May 27 – September 30

Make your reservation today to drive yourself to the top of America's Mountain!

Our new timed-entry reservation system is designed to make your experience more enjoyable, reduce your wait in line, and ensure you have a parking space on the summt. Guests will have a two-hour window arrive at the gateway. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance and cost $2.  Reservations are non-refundable, however you may request to reschedule your reservation provided there is availability.

During the months of June and July we will also be running a complimentary shuttle so guests who are unable to secure their reservation can hop on our shuttle and get your Pikes Peak donuts at the new Summit Visitor Center.

[Beardo]

I will be taking my Gerbing liner and gloves. A mesh jacket and add a heavy waterproof for higher altitude cold.

I'm going to be somewhere in CO in the middle of July

Million Dollar Highway
Mesa Verde
Cottonwood Pass
Slumgullion Pass
Pikes Peak
Mt. Evans
Rocky Mtn National Park needs advance tickets to enter.
Grand Junction National Monument
Cookes Castle
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Dragonmans
Gateway Car Museum

So much more to ride and see.

Looks like Pikes Peak requires a reservation as well  .   Sorta tough to do when you don't know which day you'll be there.

Well bugger. I'll check it out, thanks.

Mount Evans too.

[..]

I will be taking my Gerbing liner and gloves. A mesh jacket and add a heavy waterproof for higher altitude cold.

I'm going to be somewhere in CO in the middle of July

Million Dollar Highway
Mesa Verde
Cottonwood Pass
Slumgullion Pass
Pikes Peak
Mt. Evans
Rocky Mtn National Park needs advance tickets to enter.
Grand Junction National Monument
Cookes Castle
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Dragonmans
Gateway Car Museum

So much more to ride and see.

Looks like Pikes Peak requires a reservation as well  .   Sorta tough to do when you don't know which day you'll be there.

Well bugger. I'll check it out, thanks.

Mount Evans too.

F.F..S

Give Govt an inch and they will take a mile. You will have access as ve see fit peasant. Ve vill control your vacation plans und make sure you don't travel freely.

Booking Windows

Primary Booking Window: 75% of the timed tickets will be available 30 days in advance at 10AM EST, on a daily rolling bases.

Secondary Booking Window: 25% of the timed tickets will also be available two days in advance at 10 a.m. ET on a rolling window. Example: On June 1 tickets will be available for June 3; on June 2 tickets will be available June 4.

[Beardo]

Yep. This is why I got out of ATV'ing and snowmobiling....you couldn't go anywhere anymore. Just approved trails with a trail pass. I guess spontaneous, go where you want, when you want bike trips are going the way of the dodo bird too.

I gotta admit. This has me pondering whether it's worth it. If you can't go where you want and if it's going to be that busy if you are lucky enough to get a pass and get through, maybe it won't be what I'm looking for. .

[..]

If you can't go where you want and if it's going to be that busy if you are lucky enough to get a pass and get through, maybe it won't be what I'm looking for. .

I used to tell people I was a fan of all the theme parks because it meant the people were there and not where I wanted to be.

Seems like that is slowly changing as peoples free time pursuits alter.

[h13man]

It's been 7 yrs. ago for my last visit and Pikes Peak was super crowded and RM National park was getting that way also. Mt. Evans was less crowded but I'm sure that's changed also. Leadville is interesting place to visit. Durango and all roads taking you there is pretty awesome.

[..]

It's been 7 yrs. ago for my last visit and Pikes Peak was super crowded and RM National park was getting that way also. Mt. Evans was less crowded but I'm sure that's changed also. Leadville is interesting place to visit. Durango and all roads taking you there is pretty awesome.

I spent a night in Leadville. Bad nights sleep due to less oxygen in the air.

[Beardo]

Wondering if another tip to Beartooth Pass/Yellowstone is in order instead. It's been a few years since we've been there and it wasn't too bad for traffic, didn't need reservations.

...or is the popularity of the show Yellowstone going to bring out a bunch more traffic and the Instagram/selfie crowd? 

Or maybe I'll just ride around Saskatchewan a few times. No one wants to come here so I shouldn't need reservations to go anywhere

[..]

Wondering if another tip to Beartooth Pass/Yellowstone is in order instead. It's been a few years since we've been there and it wasn't too bad for traffic, didn't need reservations.

...or is the popularity of the show Yellowstone going to bring out a bunch more traffic and the Instagram/selfie crowd? 

Or maybe I'll just ride around Saskatchewan a few times. No one wants to come here so I shouldn't need reservations to go anywhere

I rode Beartooth in low cloud with no views years ago.

Last year crap weather during Inzane closed it due to flooding around Red Lodge.

Seems like I will die with the cloud obscuring views in my memory. 

[Valkorado]

I will be taking my Gerbing liner and gloves. A mesh jacket and add a heavy waterproof for higher altitude cold.

I'm going to be somewhere in CO in the middle of July

Million Dollar Highway
Mesa Verde
Cottonwood Pass
Slumgullion Pass
Pikes Peak
Mt. Evans
Rocky Mtn National Park needs advance tickets to enter.
Grand Junction National Monument
Cookes Castle
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Dragonmans
Gateway Car Museum

So much more to ride and see.

Looks like Pikes Peak requires a reservation as well  .   Sorta tough to do when you don't know which day you'll be there.

Well bugger. I'll check it out, thanks.

Mount Evans too.

Grew up here.  Lotsa changes over the decades for sure.  Unfortunately it's getting crowded at the touristy parks.  Be prepared to hurry up and wait (in line).  Still, if you haven't seen them they're worth seeing -- at least once.

[Serk]

I thought it was a gimmick at first, but after the first Billings IZ ride through Colorado I bought some of these for the more recent one:



Being an aging, ex-smoker flat-lander, having those on hand, and using 'em, made a HUGE difference while at the 12,000'+ elevations...

They've available on Amazon, lotta shops in the higher elevation areas sold 'em but getting' em beforehand was a lot less expensive...

Nice bonus - getting a few hits of pure O2 the morning after seems to help with a hangover as well!

[Valkorado]

I thought it was a gimmick at first, but after the first Billings IZ ride through Colorado I bought some of these for the more recent one:



Being an aging, ex-smoker flat-lander, having those on hand, and using 'em, made a HUGE difference while at the 12,000'+ elevations...

They've available on Amazon, lotta shops in the higher elevation areas sold 'em but getting' em beforehand was a lot less expensive...

Nice bonus - getting a few hits of pure O2 the morning after seems to help with a hangover as well!

Bought several similar but bigger cans of O2 for BigBF when he came up to work on Ruby a few seasons ago.  They had a mask built on to the can.  It was a double whammy for him that year because of some thick forest fire smoke that was trapped in the valley. 

I sure miss that man...

[DIGGER]

Have ridden Colorado many times from Houston Tx area.  My favorite overall state to ride in.  Usually try to leave Labor Day weekend as most families are through vacationing for the summer and kids and college students are back in school.  Less traffic.  Weather still nice.   However ....my last Colorsdo tour we left Labor Day weekend and drove up to Durango to start our tour and Collrado had gotten a freak snow and all the passes were closed.   The day we had tickets to Rocky Mountain Park was predicted to be 3 degrees so we abandoned Colorado and went to the Grand Canyon instead.  Still was a great trip.

[Rams]

Bought several similar but bigger cans of O2 for BigBF when he came up to work on Ruby a few seasons ago.  They had a mask built on to the can.  It was a double whammy for him that year because of some thick forest fire smoke that was trapped in the valley. 

I sure miss that man...

Yep, same here.   

Rams

[gordonv]

We're leaning towards Colorado. Never been there and it's a relatively easy 2 day ride from here. 

Have you ever watched the Aerial American shows (I think I have the right name)? One for each state.

I refer to them to find out the highlights of each state that I want to visit.

Of course, your personal interests may go in another direction.

[h13man]

It's been 7 yrs. ago for my last visit and Pikes Peak was super crowded and RM National park was getting that way also. Mt. Evans was less crowded but I'm sure that's changed also. Leadville is interesting place to visit. Durango and all roads taking you there is pretty awesome.

I spent a night in Leadville. Bad nights sleep due to less oxygen in the air.

Definitely affected my sinuses more than usual the next morning. We stayed in the B&B in 98'. Went through there in 08' and went by the B&B and spoke with the new owner and come to find out he was a student @ Purdue thus a lot conversation following. Visiting in just Memorial Day or a couple weeks after Labor Day is probably is the best times to visit from my experience. Went there least once a year 97'-15' just right before than "Great Exodus". 

[h13man]

It's been 7 yrs. ago for my last visit and Pikes Peak was super crowded and RM National park was getting that way also. Mt. Evans was less crowded but I'm sure that's changed also. Leadville is interesting place to visit. Durango and all roads taking you there is pretty awesome.

I spent a night in Leadville. Bad nights sleep due to less oxygen in the air.

Definitely affected my sinuses more than usual the next morning. We stayed in the B&B in 98'. Went through there in 08' and went by the B&B and spoke with the new owner and come to find out he was a student @ Purdue thus a lot conversation following. Visiting in just after Memorial Day or a couple weeks after Labor Day is probably is the best times to visit from my experience. Went there least once a year 97'-15' just right before the "Great Exodus" from the west.  

[..]

https://dlslawfirm.com/blog/10-best-colorado-scenic-motorcycle-routes/

[fudgie]

I really like 50 across Colorado. Moves fast and nice views. Nice sweepers too. We use it to get to Utah. We went in late July of 2021. We were on the wing also and I didn't bring our leather. Sweatshirts were good. Only got cool 1 morning on the west side of the San Juans. It was tolerable.