City Escape: Telluride, CO
Telluride, CO, is a popular adventure riding destination, thanks to its location in the San Juan Mountains and proximity to other locations, such as Moab, UT. This City Escape, however, demonstrates that even street riders can have fun in this area.
Being paved in its entirety, this route can in theory be ridden on any motorcycle, but you should make sure your machine is still up for steep climbs through twists and turns. Mountains are the name of the game around Telluride, after all.
You’ll head out of town northwest on SR 145, a nice two-laner that immediately plunges you into gorgeous mountain scenery. Wooded cliffs rise up on both sides as you follow the gentle meanders of the San Miguel River, occasionally catching calming glimpses of the water.
At West Vancorum, you’ll hop on SR 90 for a rather straight descent into the valley of the Dolores River. It’s a good chance to draw the last calm breath before you head upward again to cross into Utah through exhilarating hairpins.
After the mountain fun, you get to relax again with a jaunt through Utah and Colorado desert on US 191 and 491 through small towns. At the end of this arid landscape, you’ll get to see water again as you skirt the Narraguinnep and McPhee reservoirs.
The ride culminates with more mountain riding on a section of SR 145 that forms a part of the San Juan Skyway. Get ready for some outstanding mountain vistas along one of the best motorcycling roads in Colorado.
As a small tip, the San Juan Skyway continues on the eastern side of the San Juan Mountains on US 550. Just in case you want to see more stupendous sights while tackling some challenging curves.
This route showcases the fantastically varying terrain of the Colorado-Utah border region. With majestic mountains, calm riversides, rugged desert, and peaceful lakes, it has something to offer to any rider.
Points of Interest
Hole N” The Rock
The Hole N” The Rock is a unique diner and gift shop carved into a sandstone cliff. The Christensen family originally hollowed the cave out by hand in the 1940s and ‘50s to serve as their home. This a wonderfully quirky roadside attraction that’s impossible to miss (due to the huge painted sign on the cliff). Find it at 11037 S US 191, Moab, UT.
Wilson Arch
The Wilson Arch is a striking sandstone formation on US 191. It’s perfectly visible from the road, so you don’t even have to stop to admire Mother Nature’s handiwork. That said, there’s a pullout in case you want to stretch your legs on the short climb to the arch.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is an archeologically significant landscape hosting numerous Ancient Puebloan ruins. Many of the ruins are open to visitors and worth a short sidetrip. If you’re in a hurry, the visitor center and Escalante Pueblo are right by the route.
San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is designated an All-American Road, a National Forest Scenic Byway, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway… Look, the views are indescribably gorgeous. Add in the thrilling curves and elevation changes along the road’s 236-mile length (this route only covers one section of it), and you have one of the best riding roads in the entire country.
Length
Approximately 265 miles
Overview
This all-paved ride out of Telluride, CO, demonstrates that even street riders can have fun in the San Juan Mountains. After an initial meander along the San Miguel River, you’ll do a straight descent into the valley of the Dolores River before getting to enjoy the first set of hairpins as you climb up SR 90/46 into Utah.
Catch your breath on the following jaunt through beautiful desert and small town, as you’re about to finish the ride among the stupendous mountain vistas of the San Juan Skyway. The majestic mountains, calm riversides, rugged desert, and peaceful lakes showcase the fantastically varied terrain of the Colorado-Utah border region.
Lunch Stop
Gustavo’s is a small local Mexican restaurant that knows how to prepare world-class tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and anything else wrapped in a tortilla. You should try the chile verde, though—it’s to die for. Find it at 216 E Center St, Monticello, UT.
Recommended Lodging: The Hotel Telluride
The Hotel Telluride offers luxurious (if pricey) accommodations on the outskirts of the town. The large rooms make for a comfortable and upscale stay, with plenty of space for you, your pillion rider, and your gear.
You’ll also find amenities to keep yourself occupied after the day’s ride is over. Work out in the gym, relax in the hot tub, or—if you haven’t had enough good times on two wheels—grab one of the complimentary bicycles.
There’s an excellent bistro on the premises for when your stomach grumbles. If you want to venture into town for dinner without walking or riding, the hotel offers a free shuttle service.
Best Time to Travel
Early to mid-fall will be the most comfortable time to ride this route. Although the air can get crisp already in the mountains, the lower regions will be warm and you may also get to enjoy beautiful blazing foliage.
Summer is another option, but be aware that the desert section of this route may get very hot. Always carry plenty of water and take breaks as you ride.