NAFO Day Trips

[PapaUtah]

Those of us with slight OCD are already planning our July trip into a little slice of FJR heaven. I have had the luxury of riding many of Colorado's scenic routes over the years. Here are a few of my favorites that make for an easy day trip with stops for food porn and sight seeing in the Montrose area.

Day Trips

Route 1

380 miles, Montrose to South Fork to Durango to Montrose. 149 and 550 are iconic roads you need to experience at least once.

https://binged.it/1YiJIyI

Route 2

322 miles, Montrose to Uravan to Hotchkiss to Blue Mesa to Montrose. 141 and Black Canyon of the Gunnison are highlights.

https://binged.it/1YiKTyd

Route 3

280 miles, Montrose to Durango to Telluride to Montrose. Easy trip with many sightseeing stops along the way.

https://binged.it/1WlLQbT

Route 4

325 miles, Montrose to Durango to Mesa Verde NP to Rico to Montrose

https://binged.it/24NY5z4

Any of you interested in the ancient history of southwestern Colorado I encourage you to rise early one day and make it down to Mesa Verde or Canyons of the Ancients. Both are a 150ish mile trip one way from Montrose. A determined ride down early can give you plenty of time to explore the park or national monument and make it back Montrose in time for dinner.

In Bound Routes

Route 1

295 miles Denver to Montrose via Leadville and Carbondale

https://binged.it/1VWjjcm

133 and 82 are some fine scenic roads and this route only slabs you until Copper Mountain.

Route 2

260 miles, less technical, Denver to Montrose via Confier and Poncha Springs.

https://binged.it/1VWk3OH

Route 3

For the adventurous a trip thru RNP on your way to Montrose. 361 miles.

https://goo.gl/maps/tuc5kNiMyQR2

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Three day trips? I guess I will have to add another nights lodging.

 

[PapaUtah]

Options dear Abercrombie, options...one must not eat everything on the menu...

 

[Geezer]

Nice routes, thank you.

 

[stose85]

My wife lived in Pagosa Springs for a while when she was younger. Our plan is to ride Hwy 550 south to Durango and Hwy 160 East to Pagosa on one of those free ride days. Maybe we can make that first loop around.

 

[CraigRegs]

Many thanks! Always appreciate the insights of those familiar with the terrain.

 

[extrememarine]

If someone wants to wash these through a converter and provide a GPX, I can post and host downloadable files on the NAFO website...

wr

 

[Intech]

Definitely going to hit Mesa Verde on this trip. That reminds me. I need to get a new park pass.

 

[LCB]

Definitely going to hit Mesa Verde on this trip. That reminds me. I need to get a new park pass.

You can be the "second" on mine... I always seem to be the only user listed on the back of my card.

 

[LCB]

Three day trips? I guess I will have to add another nights lodging.

That's a must - so many roads... and none ALL are straight and boring

Options dear Abercrombie, options...one must not eat everything on the menu...

One should try as many things on the menu as possible... life is short.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Definitely going to hit Mesa Verde on this trip. That reminds me. I need to get a new park pass.

You can be the "second" on mine... I always seem to be the only user listed on the back of my card.

So are you saying Bob can "ride bitch" on your pass?

 

[smitty141]

I'm thinking Montrose to Ouray, jump on Black Bear Pass to Teluride.. Back over Imogene or Ophir to 550 north to Montroe.

Smitty

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="LCB" data-cid="1309289" data-time="1462902742"><p>

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Abercrombie FJR" data-cid="1309116" data-time="1462842439"><p>Three day trips? I guess I will have to add another nights lodging. <img src='https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_emoticon' /></p></blockquote>

That's a must - so many roads... and <del class='bbc'>none</del> ALL are straight and boring<br />

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="MNFJR05" data-cid="1309117" data-time="1462842610"><p>Options dear Abercrombie, options...one must not eat everything on the menu... <img src='https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/tease.gif' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_emoticon' /><img src='https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/hyper.gif' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_emoticon' /></p></blockquote>

One should try as many things on the menu as possible... life is short.</p></blockquote>

I like your way of thinking! Life is too short for moderation.

 

[Intech]

Definitely going to hit Mesa Verde on this trip. That reminds me. I need to get a new park pass.

You can be the "second" on mine... I always seem to be the only user listed on the back of my card.

Too late. Already ordered one.

 

[Intech]

Definitely going to hit Mesa Verde on this trip. That reminds me. I need to get a new park pass.

You can be the "second" on mine... I always seem to be the only user listed on the back of my card.

So are you saying Bob can "ride bitch" on your pass?

How is that helpful?

 

[wheatonFJR]

I'm thinking Montrose to Ouray, jump on Black Bear Pass to Teluride.. Back over Imogene or Ophir to 550 north to Montroe.
Smitty

Would that be an "adventure" on an FJR? Would it be bad to be scared of heights on that trail?

Sounds like a fun day Smitty...

 

[russperry]

I'm thinking Montrose to Ouray, jump on Black Bear Pass to Teluride.. Back over Imogene or Ophir to 550 north to Montroe.
Smitty

Would that be an "adventure" on an FJR? Would it be bad to be scared of heights on that trail?

Sounds like a fun day Smitty...

I started looking at Trails.com to get an idea of what you were getting at Mark regarding Black Bear road - i thought the following entry was illuminating (I highlighted the interesting sections). Obviously they're talking about 4 wheeled vehicles, but this is not the usual commentary you read about roads that are frequented by FJRs!

This route features incredible views from high above Red Mountain Pass and Telluride. Close-up views of historic mines and dramatic waterfalls. Pass by the top and bottom of spectacular Bridal Veil Falls. This road is closed November through May 1st. ATVs are allowed, but remember, if you go down the one-way switchbacks, you can’t go back up. A pick-up vehicle would have to be waiting at the bottom. Most of the trail is easy to moderate. The difficult rating is based on a mile-long stretch of dangerous switchbacks above Bridal Veil Falls. (One way, downhill only.) Hardly a summer passes without some kind of accident. The latest accident occurred in July of 2004. A couple died when their Jeep went off the road and plummeted about 900 ft. Your vehicle must have low-range 4WD, good tires, good brakes and an excellent emergency brake. In addition, it must have excellent articulation or a differential locker. Without these last two features, your tires may come off the ground when you back up to make the tight turns. This situation could lead to ultimate terror as you become stuck at a point when you are literally hanging over the edge. If you do not understand this paragraph, stay off this trail!

 

[PapaUtah]

You can stop in Telluride and have the locals take you part way up in a Jeep to see the falls from above. Great view of Telluride also...

https://www.tellurideoutside.com/4wd-tour

As for the pass...take a gander and decide...



If you are going to do it on the FJR let me know! I will be there to watch...

 

[Tyler]

Is 550 aka the Million Dollar Hwy?