June 20, Unexpected Detour – Columbine Pass in the Uncompahgre National Forest

This morning we set out with our new friends, Aaron and Bridget, on a generous loop heading to the southwest toward Nurita, and then sweeping north toward Gateway, then Whitewater and Grand Junction and then back to base on US 50. Using suggestions from local folks, we chose County Rte 90 through the Uncompaghre Nat’l Forest. Easy peasy. Sort of.

Rte 90 started off as a paved country road and became a packed dirt country road fairly quickly. We weren’t concerned about riding a dry dirt road for a few miles. Connie and I have done it many times, as has Aaron and Bridget. (They are riding a big Indian Roadmaster touring bike with a hefty trailer coming behind. Take your time and you’re fine. We figured about 15 miles or so and we’d be back to good (paved) road. Until we hit a detour sign. Road is closed. Go that-a-way. being intrepid souls we declined turning around and forged ahead. Up a road used by logging trucks and 4×4’s. No problem we said. The scenery will be fantastic, we said. For 50 miles at 20-30 mph.

We climbed the Columbine Pass at 9500 feet in the Uncompahgre National Forest. It happens there were’t any problems and the scenery was spectacular. The route (Rte 503 or some such) took us through rugged ranch country and no stores, gas stations or restrooms. We were an intrepid bunch.

*It’s hard to capture the depth of the valley on the left and the mountains in the background are 20 miles away.*

The San Juan Mountains in the background are 50 miles away

In case you want to read some more about the unpaved Nucla-Delta Road to Columbine Pass in CO.

https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/6678-columbine-pass.html

It took us until noon to reach a good road again. We stopped at a gas station and bought sodas and cooled off before parting ways. Aaron and Bridget headed for Grand Junction and we are so glad we met. We traded invitations to stop by should we ever find ourselves nearby.

Connie and I stopped for lunch at the local Starvin’ Arvins which has become a favorite in this part of Colorado. Then we headed back to our cabin to relax. Not the day we set out to have, but it worked really well.

Have a great night!

Our route for the day

https://scenicapp.space/route/RsPFsTPx