Sacramento To Colorado

[OrangevaleFJR]

Edited for updates. 7/22

TRIP Delayed for Topcase and Intercom purchases...

Hey all, I will be departing to Colorado On July 24th [Now Aug 8th]. I live in Orangevale (East of Sacramento) and will be travelling to a town just outside of Fort Collins first. There, I will stay with my sister's family sailing around on "their" lake for a few days. From there, down to Lakewood (West of Denver at bottom of foothills) and Ideledale. I will be visiting family and riding all over Colorado with my wife (Sherri). I figure on a 1.5-2 week stay there.

Idledale is situated on my favorite mountain canyon road of all time. Morrison road, or CO Hwy 7 is well maintained and has every kind of turn you can imagine...all with Bear Creek running alongside...the fun begins just beside Red Rocks and continues all the way up to Mount Evans wildlife area (think fish, bears, elk and beauty).

Yep, I grew up in Colorado and I know the back roads there better than I know them in California! That's why I look forward to riding with FJRForum riders in California..I figure I have a lot to learn about places to see around here)

Route -

The way there is going to be (as suggested by SilveradoSlick):

I-80 to Salt Lake then 40 to Steamboat Springs then 14 to Fort Collins

The way back will be:

Hwy 285 out of Lakewood (West)

to CO 112 to CP 160 to Cortez

---along this long trip across Colorado, I will be stopping various neato places to show Sherri where I used to go fishing when I grew up, and some other keen things. We plan on getting a new digi-cam so we can share some good quality pics with you all.

From Cortez, I am going North up to 70, across to 50 and home (as suggested by SilveradoSlick)

 

[exskibum]

I envy you, Andrew; Colorado is spectacular. I lived in Boulder in '73-'74, and in Steamboat Springs from '76-'78. But I'm a California native and most of my adult life, my stompin' grounds have been around Lake Tahoe. I had a '75 Kawasaki 900 Z1 when I lived in Steamboat and there's some great riding all over those spectacular mountains.

Hope you can make it to Markleeville this Saturday. I can't do the whole ride with you guys, but will meet the group for lunch in Markleeville and ride at least to Bear Valley before I have to double back over Ebbetts again (such a pity to have to see such ****** scenery twice) to get some things done in Gardnerville Sat. afternoon and eve.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Hwy 40 through Steamboat and the surrounding roads is incredible. I usually get to Denver via 40 to Berthoud pass...but this time I have to visit my sister up near FOrt Collings first so I just take 80 to Casper and cut down.

I will certainly make it around your stomping grounds on the way back though!

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Hwy 40 through Steamboat and the surrounding roads is incredible. I usually get to Denver via 40 to Berthoud pass...but this time I have to visit my sister up near FOrt Collings first so I just take 80 to Casper and cut down.
I will certainly make it around your stomping grounds on the way back though!

Changed my mind. I am going 40 to 14. This takes me through Steamboat Springs to Fort Collins while avoiding the superslab.

 

[SilveradoSlick]

Ovale,

Don't know if you've tried it, but one killer route is 50 through Nevada, then pick up 70 through Utah and into Denver. We were planning to do it this spring but had to push it off till next year. It gets kinda empty out in the middle of Nevada, awsome rock formations in Utah, and I've never seen a prettier section of freeway than following the river in Colorado.

 

[exskibum]

You guys are driving me nuts with this post and this one:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=871

Peak to Peak, Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park, anything around Telluride, Vail Pass, and especially, Hwy 40 from SLC to Steamboat to Kremling to Berthoud or Dillon!

Fields of hay swaying in the afternoon breeze as 40 east takes you through Hayden on the way into Steamboat with evergreens and aspens providning contrasting greens on the mountain sides . . . and then the Yampa winding its way down the valley as you ascend Rabbit Ears Pass on your way out of Steamboat ---

AAAARRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!

For me, it's not just the beauty, but the memories of youth. I may have to get really irresponsible and just bolt with you, Andrew on your trip east. I've lived in some beautiful places, and Lake Tahoe and its surrounding areas is pretty spectacular, but Colorado's beauty will always be at the top of my list. I still think that Mt. Zirkel Wilderness is the prettiest place I've ever seen -- almost Alice in Wonderland surreal.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Ovale,Don't know if you've tried it, but one killer route is 50 through Nevada, then pick up 70 through Utah and into Denver. We were planning to do it this spring but had to push it off till next year. It gets kinda empty out in the middle of Nevada, awsome rock formations in Utah, and I've never seen a prettier section of freeway than following the river in Colorado.

I have not tried that. That just might be another route change! Thanks

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

New routes there are back edited

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Departure date confirmed: Monday August 8th B) :clap:

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

we are back...many ride reports to add to that section...what an awesome time! I already want to go out again...why is the Yosemite trip so far away???