3-Day Weekend In Gunnison

[Toner]

Planning a long weekend with some friends in July, would appreciate some feedback from those who have toured this area.

Better routes, must see’s, good eat's, etc?

Day #1 – Kenosha Pass, Independence Pass, McClure Pass, Gunnison
http://tinyurl.com/3nc9fez

Day #2 – Lake City, Slumgullion Pass, Durango, Million Dollar Highway, Gunnison
http://tinyurl.com/5s7m5ah
Better route this day? Is 149 paved? Million Dollar Highway vs. Telluride via hwy 145?

Day #3 – Monarch Pass, Westcliffe, Bishop’s Castle, I-25
http://tinyurl.com/6c4fxvq

Thanks!

[aerofaze]

Day #2: Yes, CO149 is completely paved. Ninja2 and I rode it last September and the scenery was awesome with all the golden aspen!

I'll add this girly comment, too: if you stop in Ouray on the Million Dollar Hwy, stop by Mouse's Chocolates and grab some of their "Scrap Cookies." Mmmm! And Buen Tiempo is a pretty decent restaurant there, too. Also enjoyed both the Ouray Brewery and Ourayle House beers.

[asp_125]

There's gotta be a better way back to Castle Rock than I-25:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...4.0979&t=h&z=8

[Toner]

There's gotta be a better way back to Castle Rock than I-25:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Gunnison,+CO&daddr=salid a,+CO+to:Westcliffe,+CO+to:Bishop's+Castle,+CO+to: 39.3560181,-105.2474183+to:castle+Rock,+CO&geocode=FaEpTAId93K g-SmfW4P1w5I_hzHskqdFEJ12zA%3BFT_-SwIdypWu-SldLrhRwBcVhzG24a8hAO8rug%3BFcLjRQIdFbi2-Sm1ZWDivkMUhzGvTOQ54M8R9g%3BFQ7ERAIdomO8-SHdtcNBD31ZHg%3BFXKGWAIdRg26-SmVUxsz7mhrhzEKVKAaRm3NPg%3BFbTFWAId5gXA-SlHtDrPBZdshzGaOVwbFHrcYQ&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrsp=4&sz= 9&via=4&sll=39.095963,-105.279236&sspn=1.12974,2.04895&ie=UTF8&ll=38.7626 5,-105.666504&spn=2.270083,4.0979&t=h&z=8

Ha, I knew I'd take some shit for that one! Good idea, and I know there's a fun way to get from Canon City to Woodland Park behind Pike's Peak that I'll have to dig up.

[asp_125]

Day #2: Yes, CO149 is completely paved. Ninja2 and I rode it last September and the scenery was awesome with all the golden aspen!

I'll add this girly comment, too: if you stop in Ouray on the Million Dollar Hwy, stop by Mouse's Chocolates and grab some of their "Scrap Cookies." Mmmm! And Buen Tiempo is a pretty decent restaurant there, too. Also enjoyed both the Ouray Brewery and Ourayle House beers.

... and apparently there is some good fudge to be had in Silverton, but no photo evidence of such exists.. om nom nom nom, gulp.

[Sean]

Yup, I've done all of those roads. That's some good riding, right there. 92 into Gunnison, 550 Durango to Silverton, and 149 through Lake City are my favorites! You'll have a blast!

[asp_125]

If you made it into a 4 day weekend, you could turn west at Ridgeway and head up CO 141 thru Gateway.

[Bashed]

If you made it into a 4 day weekend, you could turn west at Ridgeway and head up CO 141 thru Gateway.

SHHHHHHsush.
Don't be given up the best kept secret in Colorado.

[Ninja2]

My 2 cents:

Day 1 route: Independence Pass was awesome, esp in the Fall when the leaves turned. There was a lake after Independence Pass and before Aspen, that made for great photo shoots (and yoga poses). Many nice places to eat in Gunnison. Forgot where I stopped with Powers, but it was next to a dog wash in one of the side streets.

Day 2 route: I think the Lake City route is a bit overrated. It was nice, but there are much nicer rides. Again, the foliage made it well worth it. There are great outdoor hot springs in Pagosa Springs. Maybe a bit too warm outside in July though, and not the same without Aerofaze :-). Oh, Sarah, where did we stop to have dinner and a mojito in Pagosa Springs? It was great food and drinks. A bit pricy.
Multi-million dollar highway is my favorite so far. I thought Red Mountain Pass is great too. Take it easy though - no guard rails and steep cliffs. You are definintely missing a stop in Ouray.

Day 3 route: Instead of I-25, take a right towards Wetmore after coming back down from Bishop's Castle. Then head towards Florence and take 115, which will take you to Colo Springs. You can catch I-25 there or proceed on 83 or whatever runs by Black Forest to Castle Rock out east.

Have fun, and share many pictures!!!!

[Ninja2]

On a side note - Jim Bishop placed a second porter potty in the upper portion of his castle, close to the store. That one is a lot more pleasant and I did not have to gag.

[aerofaze]

...Day 2 route: I think the Lake City route is a bit overrated. It was nice, but there are much nicer rides. Again, the foliage made it well worth it. There are great outdoor hot springs in Pagosa Springs. Maybe a bit too warm outside in July though, and not the same without Aerofaze :-). Oh, Sarah, where did we stop to have dinner and a mojito in Pagosa Springs? It was great food and drinks. A bit pricy...

The Alley House Grille right on US160 in Pagosa Springs is delicious with a spacious outdoor patio, but they are on the pricier side. I believe they're only open for dinner, plus brunch on the weekends.

Maybe I'm only remembering the fun parts of CO149 since I was in good company and golden leaves at the time, but it should be checked out it if you haven't been.

[asp_125]

CO 149 - The fun part is between South Fork and Lake City, but I noticed last weekend, some sections the pavement is getting frost heaved. North of it to Gunnison is pretty much wide open sweepers to Blue Mesa Res, not as much fun or scenic.

[Toner]

Thanks for the scoop guys! It would be great to stretch a 4th day into the trip, but we'll have to save Gateway for another day.