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Last Update:  05/17/2008

Crawford - Black Canyon Loop ~165 miles

(West Elk Scenic Byway)

[click map for larger view]

This loop provides the opportunity to circle and visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.  This narrow, deep, dark canyon provides awesome sights and views, along with some awesome twisties along the North Rim and nice sweepers as you ride to the South Rim and then visit Black Canyon National Park.  Another trip heading west on US-50 to Delta, but then north/east on CO-92 to Crawford.  After Crawford the fantastic riding begins with big sweepers, but things tighten up in the twisties as you climb to the rim of the canyon.  Enjoy the ride along the North Rim of the Gunnison River (do not turn off for the North Rim of the National Park as it is an unpaved road).  Several nice pull-offs and overlooks provide spectacular views of the Gunnison River Canyon (be sure and stop at the turnoffs and, for the one at the east end, walk along the trail to the edge of the canyon for some great views).  After crossing Blue Mesa Dam, head west on US-50 towards Montrose.  About five miles east of Montrose you can take the right turn to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  Enjoy the drive along the Rim Road, and for real excitement and awesome perspectives, take the short, STEEP road to the bottom of the Canyon (turn right just past the park entrance station).

If you don't want to do the whole loop, you can spend a nice, easy day just visiting the Black Canyon National Park.

GPS Data Files:

[NOTE:  After downloading these files to your computer, you need to re-calculate the route in MapSource or your software before transferring them to your GPS.]

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Click here to download a Garmin GPS data file with all Montrose Routes and Waypoints (should work in most Garmin GPS units, but you will probably have to have the GPS recalculate the route using these points)

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Click here to download an iWay GPS data file with all Montrose Routes and Waypoints (courtesy of Jon)

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Click here to download a GPS Exchange data file with all Montrose Routes and Waypoints (should work in most GPS units, but you will probably have to have the GPS recalculate the route using these points)

NOTE:  There are few places to have lunch along this route, so you might want to take along a snack or sandwich.  Crawford has a restaurant (Boardwalk Cafe), but you will be there too early for lunch.
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Montrose US-50 west to Delta ~22 miles

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Delta CO-92 to Hotchkiss ~20 miles

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Hotchkiss CO-92 to Crawford to North Rim Black Canyon to Blue Mesa Dam and US-50 ~55 miles
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This is an awesome ride, so take your time and enjoy.  The Mad Dog Cafe in Crawford is closed unfortunately.  Crawford is the home of Joe and Pam Cocker and for several years they operated the Cafe and the store -- awesome food and good shopping when they were open.  Continue on to the  North Rim of the Black Canyon (do not take the turn-off for the entrance to the NP as the roads on the north side are not paved); CO-92 will follow the rim, twisting in and out.  Several nice pull-offs and overlooks provide spectacular views of the Gunnison river Canyon (be sure and stop at the turnoffs, particularly the one at the east end, walking along the trail to the edge of the canyon for some great views -- don't miss it).  Drop down to Blue Mesa Dam and up to US-50.

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Colorado Scenic Byways West Elk

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US-50 west over Blue Mesa Summit and Cero Summit to the turnoff for Black Canyon National Park ~30 miles

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CO-347 into Black Canyon NP, climbing to the top of the rim of the canyon, then return to US-50. ~24 miles round trip
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Awesome views and some short trails on the main part of the park -- these roads are paved.  The Rim Road is very nice and go all the way to the end, stopping at several of the overlooks.  Also, immediately past the entrance station to the park (where you pay your fee) there is a road that goes down to the Gunnison River in the bottom of the canyon -- be sure and take this down .  NOTE:  It has 15% grades, but the Wing handles them well -- just watch for the temperature gauge to possibly climb as you come up out of the canyon as the speeds are slow (try to shift to 3rd gear when possible).

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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (National Park Service)

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US-50 west to Montrose ~8 miles

Click Here for a Video-Clip of Riding in the Black Canyon National Park

Several Photos From This Ride

Around Crawford

North Rim

 

Black Canyon National Park