Guide to First Colorado Road
Trip
| Distance: | NA |
| Difficulty: | NA |
| Hike Time: | NA |
| Elevation: | NA |
| Season: | Year Round |
| USGS Maps: | Too numerous - use a Highway Map |
| Directions: From: Grand Junction |
Take US 50 South to State 141, turn South on 141 to Naturita, 4 miles past Naturita take State 145 to Placerville. From Placerville take State 62 over Dallas Pass to Ridgeway. From Ridgeway take US 550 South to Ouray, Colorado. Return by going north on US 550 to Montrose and then north to Grand Junction on US 50. |
I had been invited to join my brother-in-law and family for a camping trip over the 4th of July weekend in Ouray, CO . But rather than cruising for an hour and a half down the oft traveled Highways of US50 and US550, I chose instead to take the more scenic, circuitous route described above - a nearly five hour sojourn which allowed for several stops to take in and photograph the vistas.
The outbound trip starts by traveling south-west from US 50 on State 141, following along- side of the East and then the West Creeks of the Unaweep Canyon, which skirts the North edge of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Following down the canyon on the way to Gateway, you will pass the remains of the Brigg's Mansion at the foot of Thimble Rock, a lush wetlands called the Unaweep Seep, and finally the red cliffs of the Uncompahgre Plateau.
After crossing the Dolores River at Gateway, State 141 turns south-easterly and follows up the scenic Dolores River canyon to its confluence with the San Miguel River and from there 141 continues up the San Miguel River canyon until reaching Naturita and Naturita Creek Canyon. While traveling along beside the San Miguel keep an eye open for the "Point of Interest" where you will have a chance to view the remains of the 5 mile long "hanging flume" that was suspended along the side of the canyon.
Four miles past Naturita, State 141 turns South at the junction with State 145 - take State 145. Following Naturita Creek canyon, 145 crests the wonderfully scenic mountain park known as Wright's Mesa which it traverses for several miles before reaching the township of Norwood. From Norwood the road returns to the bottom of San Miguel canyon and continues up the canyon past Placerville into the box canyon that is home to Telluride.
Just before reaching Placerville you will come to the junction of State 141 and State 62, turn left onto State 62 and drive for 23 miles to Ridgeway. After about 12 miles, just past the crest of Dallas Pass, you will encounter one of the most majestic vistas in all of Colorado - perhaps in all of the world. Looking to the south over a grove of Aspen trees you will take-in a range of mountains that includes the 14,120 foot Mount Sneffels and several other peaks that are just shy of 14,000 feet in elevation. It is a incredible vista and it alone is worth the trip - I can't wait to return when the Aspen have turned colors this fall!
From Ridgeway, turn South on US 550 and drive the few remaining miles to our destination - Ouray, CO. Using Ouray as a base camp, we rode motor bikes up Corkscrew Gulch and took a day-trip over to Telluride where we drove up near the top of Bridle Vail Falls. The Ouray/Telluride area is a wonderful playground, offering an unlimited variety of outdoor activities. And then of course, there are the hot springs in Ouray to sooth those aching muscles at the end of the day.
Enjoy,
Trekker