Fall is approaching, and it's a perfect time to explore the valleys, the plains and the mountains of Southern Colorado. Motorcycling in Colorado in the fall requires lots of layers, as any outdoor sport in Colorado does. But the turning of the fall colors in the Aspen trees and the Oak brush make many of Colorado's destinations premier spots for hiking, enjoying the outdoors and photography.
Mesa Verde National Park, near Cortez, CO, offers ancient cliff dwellings of the ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home from AD 600 to AD 1300. Ticket and schedule information are available online by Googling "Mesa Verde National Park." From Cortez, the park is only 8 miles. From Denver, it's 380 miles, roughly, south on Highway 285 through Salida, Pagosa Springs and Durango. Within the park itself, there are many different options for food. And Cortez also has restaurants, lodging and gas. Don't forget your camera - Mesa Verde National Park has some of the best Indian ruins in the country!
Independence Pass between Aspen and Twin Lakes, CO, offers breathtaking views of Colorado's majestic Maroon Bells. You will travel through dense forests at lower elevations, but you will climb to nearly 13,000 feet at the top of Independence Pass. The road consists of switchbacks, steep drop-offs and sharp curves, so be sure to pay attention to the warning signs and don't be caught off guard. A camera is a must - the views are simply spectacular! Amenities are in either Aspen or Twin Lakes, with virtually nothing in between. From Aspen, go east on Highway 82. From Denver, take I-70 west to Vail, exiting I-70 at Highway 24. Follow 24 to Leadville and then find Highway 82 headed to Twin Lakes.
The San Juan Mountain Skyway is ranked by motorcyclists as a 9.5 out of 10 for popular riding destinations. This circular path will take you through historic mining towns, as well as fantastic ski resorts and through national forest lands as well. You will climb to over 10,000 feet three different times, and alternately will drive through some pristine canyons, bordered by 1000-foot cliffs. Tour the mining towns of Silverton and Ouray, ride the Narrow Gauge Railway from Durango to Silverton, and hike Bridal Veil Falls. From Durango, take Highway 160 west to Cortez. Just before Cortez, turn north on Highway 145, and follow it to Telluride. At Placerville, take Highway 62 to Ridgway, and then turn south on Highway 550. Highway 550 takes you back down to Durango, and the loop is about 250 miles. There are wonderful restaurants all along the way, great hotels and bed and breakfasts in which to stay, and shopping to beat the band! The roads are well maintained and in good condition, weather permitting. As always, when riding in Colorado's mountains, take plenty of layers as the weather changes sometimes every half hour.
These are some of the most beautiful destinations in southern Colorado, and they're especially nice on a motorcycle. The feel of the cool mountain air, the warm Colorado sun and the beauty of God's marvelous creation everywhere you look! Ride safe, ride smart, ride protected - but ride!
| Price : | Post Date : Nov 01, 2011 04:39:38
