Aspen and McClure, Independence, & Monarch Passes -- 347
miles
[click map for larger view]
This route might be a long day for some,
but it includes some exceptional riding and views, with a mix of mountains,
passes (twice over the Continental Divide), lakes, trees, streams, and above
timberline riding. After departing Paonia, CO-133 becomes an exceptional
ride with larger sweepers with a mix of tight twisties (particularly along
Paonia reservoir) as it follows the North Fork of the Gunnison River and then
Muddy Creek to the top of McClure Pass. As the road climbs towards the top
of the pass, you are surrounded by awesome views of the West Elk Mountains.
Dropping down on the north side of McClure Pass provides awesome mountain views,
following by more great riding along the Crystal River. The ride towards
Aspen follows the Roaring Fork River and then runs right through the Main Street
of Aspen. After Aspen the really awesome ride begins as the road narrows
and climbs through the aspen trees to above timberline (right at timberline is
the old ghost, mining town of Independence). A beautiful ride above
timberline as you climb to the top of Independence Pass (closed in the winter).
The mountains are spectacular as you rapidly drop down the east side of the
pass, then following the stream down to the small town of Twin Lakes, and then
on to the lakes themselves (nice side road or two by the lake). Lots of
sweepers along the Arkansas River down to Buena Vista and on to Poncha Springs.
Then climb to the top of the Continental Divide once again at Monarch Pass, with
lots of beautiful twisties down the west side and on to Gunnison and Blue Mesa
Reservoir. Nice mix of twisties and sweepers over Blue Mesa and Cerro
Summits as you travel on to Montrose.
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.]
US-50 west from Montrose for a quick ride up to Delta ~23
miles
CO-92 north/east through some pretty barren country, but with
views of Grand Mesa to the west and the West Elk Mountains to the north and
northeast), to Hotchkiss ~20 miles
CO-133 north on part of the
West Elk Scenic Byway to Paonia and then through the Somerset coal mining
country, turning into some awesome riding along the North Fork of the Gunnison
River (to the turn-off for Crested Butte [road to Crested Butte is NOT
paved]), nice twisties along Paonia Reservoir, then the awesome, gradually
climbing sweepers along Muddy Creek and to the top of McClure Pass. Just
some great views of the West Elk Mountains, but you'll probably be
concentrating on the riding on this great road. After cresting McClure
Pass you'll have great views of the backside of the mountains near Aspen, with
views up the valley towards Marble (the marble used in many of the buildings
and monuments, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Washington, DC,
came from this area). Riding along the Crystal River is a lot of fun,
and think about stopping in Redstone (turn off to the right about 5 miles
after you reach the bottom of McClure Pass). ~50 miles
Continue on CO-133 along the Crystal River with Mt. Sopris to
the right and on to Carbondale ~16 miles
Right/east on CO-82, following the Roaring Fork River up to
Aspen ~30 miles
Continuing on through Aspen, then climbing to the top of
Independence Pass ~20 miles
The road to Independence is very narrow in some places --
almost down to one lane on the west side as you climb up towards Independence
Pass -- and it provides some spectacular riding. At timberline on the
right is the old mining ghost town of Independence, then the road winds on
above timberline to the top of the pass (always a good stop).
Riding down the east side of the pass the views really open-up
and you have great views of the various mountains. You drop down
rapidly, then follow Fork Lake Creek down to the hamlet of Twin Lakes and on
to Twin Lakes themselves, and on to US-24, just past the lakes. ~21 miles
There are a couple of roads that lead down along Twin Lakes --
these can provide some very nice views on a nice day.
US-24 south/east follows the Arkansas River with lots of big
sweepers to Buena Vista and the junction with US-285. ~22 miles.
During the first few miles on US-24 you can see the Old Stage
Road, that ran from Buena Vista to Leadville, on the other side of the
Arkansas River.
Buena Vista might be a good place for lunch. For some
great Mexican food, turn left on US-24 (vs. continuing on south on US-285) and
in 1/4 mile the Coyote Cafe will be on the left -- a little on the rustic
side, but outstanding food.
Just past Buena Vista US-24 turns to the east while US-285
continues south to Poncha Springs, with the big sweepers continuing. ~20
miles
NOTE: Watch your speed on this section of highway -- it is patrolled
very heavily and they love to issue citations -- several of us Colorado folks
know too much about this.
US-50 west out of Poncha Springs and you rapidly get into lots
of sweepers and twisties as you climb towards the top of Monarch Pass.
~17 miles
The tram at the top of Monarch Pass can take you to the top of
the ridge.
Continue on US-50, dropping down the west side of Monarch Pass
-- the twisties here are awesome, as are the views. Lots of big sweepers
as you travel on to Gunnison. ~43 miles
After Gunnison continue on US-50, traveling along the Gunnison
River and Blue Mesa Reservoir. US-50 eventually crosses the reservoir
(stay on the main road and do not take CO-149 across the reservoir early on)
-- stop at the pull-over about 1/2 mile after US-50 crosses Blue Mesa.
Very nice views of the Dillon Pinnacles on the other side. Continue west
on US-50 with a mix of twisties and sweepers over Blue Mesa and Cerro Summits,
then on to Montrose. ~64 miles
