Posted by Momo Vuyisich on March 8, 2006 at 11:18 PM
I will spend a week driving from Northern New Mexico to Salt Lake City in early April, and was thinking of visiting the area of Colorado between Mesa Verde and Grand Junction. I would like to know which places to visit in that area. I can go on dirt roads (Subaru Outback), but cannot hike more than 1 mile each way (my son is way too heavy). The only place I know to visit so far is the Colorado National Monument (CNM). If someone has specific locations in mind within CNM, please let me know. Also, is there a road between the towns of Gateway (Colorado) and Moab? Thank you.
Posted by Les Barstow on March 9, 2006 at 12:58 AM
Theoretically, the map says "yes" to your route question, but my guess is that between private ranches in the area and road conditions the real answer is "no"; maybe someone can give you a more definitive answer. In theory, you'd come out along Onion Creek Rd. near Fisher Towers, which I've been back quite a ways; it gets hairy for a Subaru after a bit...
A detour to Hovenweep might be on the itinerary, though you might be ruined-out by that time... If you go the main roads and take a slight detour, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is nice.
You can also get from Gateway to Moab by driving south on 141, west on 90 (turns in to 46 at the Utah border), then north on 163.
For a graet (16 mile) shortcut, watch for the three settlement ponds at Uravan. Just past the third is the Umetco headquarters. Turn right, then follow the road straight downhill (about 100 yards) and over the bridge across the San Miguel. At that point it's a right turn onto the River Road. This follows the San Miguel down to the confluence with the Dolores, then upstream on the Dolores to reconnect with 90 in the Paradox Valley. It's narrow and dirt, but used frequently by the locals, so watch yourself and pull off the road to stop. It's one of the most dramatic canyon drives I know of, kind of like following along the bottom a miniature Grand Canyon in places.
As you drive between Gateway and Uravan, there are a bunch of side roads, all dirt. If they aren't too wet, each merits exploration. Depending on the time of day and angle of the sun, there's some really dramatic stuff up some of them. Beware if they are wet though. There's a lot of clay in the soils in this vicinity, and when wet it turns into something between peanut butter and pancake batter.
In Bedrock, check out the Bedrock Store. It was built in 1881, and has been used in everything from the Thelma and Louise movie to Jeep, Marlboro, Honda, and Penneys commercials. Early morning light is unbelievable on the ancient wood, but it's picturesque any time of day.
There's lots more in the vicinity, but with that list you will have more to do than you have time. Heck, my wife and I have spent a full day on the 16 mile River Road, then gone back the next day for another full day. And we keep returning every time we're near.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on March 10, 2006 at 9:12 PM
Thanks everyone.
Hank, I will take the road to Moab, and the shortcut. Thank you.
Discussion
4 repliesA detour to Hovenweep might be on the itinerary, though you might be ruined-out by that time... If you go the main roads and take a slight detour, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is nice.
For a graet (16 mile) shortcut, watch for the three settlement ponds at Uravan. Just past the third is the Umetco headquarters. Turn right, then follow the road straight downhill (about 100 yards) and over the bridge across the San Miguel. At that point it's a right turn onto the River Road. This follows the San Miguel down to the confluence with the Dolores, then upstream on the Dolores to reconnect with 90 in the Paradox Valley. It's narrow and dirt, but used frequently by the locals, so watch yourself and pull off the road to stop. It's one of the most dramatic canyon drives I know of, kind of like following along the bottom a miniature Grand Canyon in places.
As you drive between Gateway and Uravan, there are a bunch of side roads, all dirt. If they aren't too wet, each merits exploration. Depending on the time of day and angle of the sun, there's some really dramatic stuff up some of them. Beware if they are wet though. There's a lot of clay in the soils in this vicinity, and when wet it turns into something between peanut butter and pancake batter.
In Bedrock, check out the Bedrock Store. It was built in 1881, and has been used in everything from the Thelma and Louise movie to Jeep, Marlboro, Honda, and Penneys commercials. Early morning light is unbelievable on the ancient wood, but it's picturesque any time of day.
There's lots more in the vicinity, but with that list you will have more to do than you have time. Heck, my wife and I have spent a full day on the 16 mile River Road, then gone back the next day for another full day. And we keep returning every time we're near.
Hank, I will take the road to Moab, and the shortcut. Thank you.
Enjoy!
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