Our group, Old Hogs, did this ride June 8th - 15th 2024. We had five couples and the weather was great with cooler temperatures in the morning and highs of low 80s. We did experience a little rain and did use our heated gear a couple times in the mornings.
This was our second time driving this beautiful highway, but others in the group have driven it a few times. This is a canyon-clinging stretch of amazing roadway between Silverton, Durango, and Ouray on US Route 550. Many speculate it is called "The Million Dollar Highway" because it cost so much to build, the amount of ore that remained in the roadway's fill or the figurative price for the amazing San Juan Mountain views. It is one of most beautiful roads within the United States, but also one of the most dangerous. Just drive slow and enjoy the ride, but keep your eyes on the road for the hairpin turns.
We almost missed this stop, but thought to look for things you must do on our way to Salina, Colorado. We have been to the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming, but didn't realize he was actually buried in Colorado. Buffalo Bill Cody's final resting place is atop Lookout Mountain near Golden, Colorado, where the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave commemorates his legacy. The museum showcases artifacts, memorabilia, and exhibits detailing Cody's life as a frontier scout, Pony Express rider, and showman. Visitors can explore his Wild West show artifacts, personal effects, and learn about his impact on American culture. The site offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and Denver skyline.
Peak to Peak Byway provides a unique trip to/from Estes Park. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a picturesque drive through the Colorado Rockies, stretching about 55 miles. This scenic stretch of highway passes grand mountain views, historical sites, quaint towns and plenty of places to stop for photos. Established in 1918, it's Colorado's oldest scenic byway, offering stunning views of the Continental Divide and numerous peaks, including Longs Peak and Mount Meeker.
The Wolf Creek Pass is amazing and extremely scenic. There is a small parking lot to pull off of on Highway 160 north of Pagosa Springs that is a great spot to take pictures of the valley below. It comes up fast so you need to be on the look out for it.
Not to be confused with the Wolf Creek Pass in Utah, Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado is a high mountain pass on US Highway 160, known for its breathtaking scenery and challenging driving conditions. At an elevation of 10,857 feet, it offers panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. The pass is traversed by a winding road with steep grades, making it an adventurous route for motorcycle riders.
Wolf Creek Pass, Utah, is a drive that we have taken frequently. It is beautiful and one to completely enjoy on a motorcycle. Wolf Creek Pass is approximately 21 miles long from Woodland, Utah to Stockmore, Utah. It is located on State Route 35. Offering stunning views of the Uinta Mountains and lush aspen groves with an elevation of about 9500 sq ft. Though the road is winding and can be challenging, the scenic drive rewards travelers with breathtaking landscapes. This drive is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing.
We did not make this stop on this trip because we have visited it frequently, however it is a great place to visit and we wanted to include it for those that have not been.
Dinosaur National Monument, spanning Colorado and Utah, is famed for its rich fossil beds, especially the Quarry Exhibit Hall with its wall of dinosaur bones. The monument also features dramatic canyons carved by the Green and Yampa Rivers. There is a small cost to get into the museum, but it worth the stop. An America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass will get you into the park.
This is another stop we did not make on this trip because we have visited before, but worth the stop for those that have not been.
Arches National Park in eastern Utah is renowned for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. The park features stunning red rock formations, scenic drives, and a variety of hiking trails for all levels. Popular areas include the Windows Section, Devil's Garden, and Balanced Rock. The park offers excellent opportunities for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
We did not stop here on this ride, but have on previous rides so wanted to include as a popular ride destination.
Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah features a stunning landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves.
Where we stayed:
Nice hotel with good ratings on the travel websites. It was reasonably priced for the stay. There is not a lot of things to do in town, but we were so tired we ate and went to sleep. Breakfast was included. It was simple, but was good enough prior to the ride.
Where we ate:
Coaches Corner Bar and Grill. This was right next to the motel. Food was OK, but slow service. There are not a lot of places to eat in town, especially if you don't want to get back on the bike. If you find better restaurants, please share.
Rangely, Colorado, is a small town nestled in the northwestern part of the state, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. With a population of around 2,000, it offers a close-knit community feel. The town is surrounded by vast landscapes including the nearby Dinosaur National Monument.
bWhere we stayed:
RESIDENCE INN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
This hotel was amazing. It was a little pricier, however all the hotels in Steamboat were expensive. The accommodations were great. We would definitely stay here again. Breakfast was the best I have ever eaten in a motel. Everything was fresh and they even had chili verde for eggs. Yum!
Where we ate:
We ate at the Back Door Grill and it was amazing. There are a number of great choices on the menu and everyone was extremely happy with their order. It is a bar type restaurant, but they were able too seat all 10 of us together. Brad had the Dirty Harry Burger that included: Peanut Butter, egg, hashbrowns, and the bun was a donut and Susie had a regular cheeseburger and a delicious salad.
We were recommended this restaurant by a group of Steamboat high school football players that were on their way to a camp. I asked for a recommendation and they all said Back Door Grill. It did not disappoint.
Steamboat Springs, nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is renowned for its world-class skiing and outdoor recreation. Here's an overview:
- Steamboat Ski Resort offers a variety of slopes for skiing and snowboarding
- Natural hot springs are a popular attraction for relaxation and rejuvenation
- Known for its cowboy culture and annual rodeo events
- Quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants line Lincoln Avenue, offering a vibrant atmosphere
Where we stayed:
This hotel was good. The ratings on the travel sites were positive overall. The hotels in this area were relatively expensive so this was a 3 star hotel, but a little better priced. We were able to sit out front and visit and we did see a lot elk. The Stanley hotel is only a couple miles away and worth a visit if you are a fan of the Shining.
Breakfast here was extremely minimal, pop tarts. We ended up going out to breakfast at a great restaurant. Please see "Where We Ate" for information.
Where we ate:
This is a little hole in the wall restaurant, but the food was delicious. It is out of the downtown area and close to the hotel so easier to get to. When we traveled through this area they were doing a lot of construction downtown making it very difficult to drive or park. We chose to stay outside of town and just enjoy the peace and quiet.
This was a great place to eat for breakfast or brunch. Hotel had minimal breakfast and we were ready for a bigger breakfast for a long day. It was normal breakfast food, but delicious.
Estes Park, Colorado, serves as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and offers a charming mountain town experience with a range of attractions:
- Rocky Mountain National Park - Nearby, offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
- Downtown - Quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants along Elkhorn Avenue.
- Historic Landmarks - Visit the historic Stanley Hotel, known for inspiring Stephen King's "The Shining."
Estes Park combines natural beauty with a welcoming community atmosphere, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Where we stayed:
This was quite a quaint little hotel. The rooms were very colorful, but comfortable. We enjoyed the stay. Breakfast was served, but it was very continental with waffles you can make, but mostly muffins, yogurt, etc.
Where we ate:
Very unique restaurant. One of the ladies in our group requested steak for dinner. We googled and found this restaurant that said they served Filet Mignon. We didn't look any further and drove to the restaurant. What we didn't realize is that Filet Mignon is all they serve Sunday thru Thursday and only serve Prime Rib Friday - Saturday. It provides you a choice of ounces of meat, but everyone gets a baked potato, wedge salad with house dressing, and a roll. It was really pretty good, but remember you get one choice depending on the day you go. No substitutions.
Salida, Colorado is known as the Heart of the Rockies. There are three public Hot Springs to enjoy along with the beautiful mountains and rivers.
Where we stayed:
The motel was nice, but not fancy. Ratings on the travel sites are really good from travelers for a budget friendly hotel. Breakfast was not included.
Where we ate:
We stopped at this restaurant for lunch in Pagosa Springs on the way to Ouray. The food was bar style and good.
We ate here for dinner. This restaurant was down the street from the hotel and it was delicious! Great bbq meats, sides and desserts. Highly recommend.
We didn't starve on this day.
There was no breakfast at the hotel so we decided to wait until we got to Silverton to eat breakfast. Not a great idea. When we went through Silverton they didn't have any breakfast places open. Most restaurants opened at the 11 am. We ended up buying some food at the grocery store in Silverton to eat.
Durango, Colorado, is a vibrant town in the southwestern part of Colorado, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. Nestled in the Animas River Valley, it offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. The town's historic downtown features charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. With a population of around 19,000, Durango is a lively community with a strong connection to both its natural surroundings and its Western heritage.
the Where we stayed:
This motel was a favorite of the group. It was really quaint right off the Main Street. The rooms were very comfortable and quiet. It is a higher priced area, but the hotel was reasonable for area.
Where we ate:
We got to Ouray too early to check in so we decided to ride to Telluride. On the way to Telluride we stopped in Ridgeway at a little bar restaurant called True Grit Cafe. It is a restaurant that has decor based on John Wayne. The food was great and the atmosphere was fun.
Though we didn't eat dinner in Ouray, we did find a great cookie that you need to try. It was called a Scrap Cookie and it was sold at a little place on Main Street called Mouse's Chocolate & Coffee
Ouray, Colorado, known as the "Switzerland of America," is a picturesque mountain town nestled in a stunning alpine valley. Here's an overview:
- Hot Springs - Famous for its natural hot springs, offering relaxation with mountain views.
- Box Canyon Falls - A dramatic 285-foot waterfall accessible via a short hike.
- Historic District - Victorian-era architecture, shops, galleries, and restaurants line Main Street.
Ouray combines outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and small-town charm, making it a year-round destination for travelers seeking mountain experiences.
We drove to Telluride as a side trip from our hotel stay in Ouray, The drive to Telluride is beautiful and worth the side trip. However, it was pretty pricey to stay directly in Telluride so we chose to stay in Ouray. One must see in Telluride that we heard from talking with people in town is Bridal Veil Falls which is at the end of the Main Street. It is beautiful and worth the drive.
Telluride, Colorado, nestled in a box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, is renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures:
- Telluride Ski Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding with stunning mountain vistas.
- Victorian-era architecture, boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining along Main Street.
- Landmarks include the historic Sheridan Opera House and Telluride Historical Museum.
- Box Canyon Falls - nearby waterfall accessible via a short hike.
We did not stay in Gateway, but took a side trip on our way from Ouray to Moab. We made arrangements to stay in Moab because our map indicated that there was a road from Gateway to Moab, but it was a dirt road. We had to drive in and back track a bit for our reservation in Moab, Utah. If we were to do it again, we would definitely make this drive, but stay in Grand Junction, Colorado.
This was the most beautiful drives we have been on. It is a must see! It is like driving through the Cars movie.
We visited the Gateway Automobile Museum while in Gateway. It was a fun stop with some amazing cars to see.
Where we ate:
This restaurant had good food and right in Gateway. It is a little pricey, but it was a nice place to stop after the ride.
Gateway, Colorado, located in the stunning Unaweep Canyon, is a small community known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities:
- Access to picturesque drives through Uaweep Canyon and to nearby attractions like the Dolores River Overlook.
- Close proximity to Dinosaur Journey Museum and the Colorado National Monument.
Gateway provides a serene retreat amidst dramatic red rock cliffs and expansive desert landscapes, appealing to nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking relaxation.
Where we stayed:
It was a nice hotel for the area.
Where we ate:
We ordered Dominos Pizza and ate at the park. It was our last night of the ride and it was nice to sit and visit. We spent a few minutes asking the group their favorite parts of the trip. It was fun to hear what everyone enjoyed the most.
Moab, Utah, is a renowned outdoor recreation destination surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and red rock formations:
- Arches National Park - Famous for over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch.
- Canyonlands National Park - Features dramatic canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers
- Downtown Moab - Shops, galleries, and restaurants catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
Moab provides an unparalleled playground for adventurers seeking exploration and adrenaline amidst Utah's stunning desert scenery.
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