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[JCZ]

I knew this thread was going to take on a life of it's own.

Like Terry said....be sure that you've got a good camera strapped around your neck.....it's incredable.  One of those rides (like Beartooth Pass) that everybody ought to do at least once in their life.

[Talon]

Here are some web cam links in the area your going, Durando looks nice..


http://ouraycam.com/

http://www.nps.gov/webcams-blca/srvc.jpg

http://www.ridgwaycorealestate.com/webcam.htm

http://www.cheavens.com/purg/

[Buy early]

Trip is scheduled for June 10-13. 2 nights out. Trying to figure out where we should stop each night. Doesn't matter to us if we ride the MDH from the south or the north. Already picked up some great tips. Please keep them coming. We do want to do at least one rim of Black Canyon. Not sure if we would have time to do both south and north rims.

For anyone who lives in the area, could we do Denver to Gunnison, through Black Canyon all the way to Ouray in one day of riding?

Always appreciate advice. I will have a video camera with photo capability in the tank bag.

Thanks to everyone who has weighed in so far!

JC, your experience as a rider and moderator is always appreciated!

[Talon]

Denver to Gunnison is about 200 miles, Ouray is another 100 miles, so Denver to Ouray 5.5 to 6 hours at least not including stops, Durango 60-70 miles from Ouray. I never stayed in Gunnison, but Ouray is a nice little town, looks like you back in the old mining days.

Craig

[20 gauge]

What is the preferred route to get to Durango from Denver if driving a 65k motorhome pulling bikes? Supposed to be there 6-15.

[JCZ]

What is the preferred route to get to Durango from Denver if driving a 65k motorhome pulling bikes? Supposed to be there 6-15.

Same route.....park the motorhome in Montrose and ride the bikes.

[Talon]

Same route.....park the motorhome in Montrose and ride the bikes.

Agree with JC, but if you need to get the motor home to Durango and don't want to be on some pretty narrow winding roads, I'd take I25 south to Walsenburg and get on US160 heading west. Another option is to take I70 to US 285 south, this is scenic and has some mountain areas, but not near as bad as Million Dollar, this is a good road for a loop when riding the Million Dollar. Below is a google map of the 285 route.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl 

[JCZ]

I think this is the route (and link) that Talon ment to post.....   http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Denver,+CO&daddr=Durango,+CO&hl=en&geocode=FRJfXgIdgQ---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ%3BFZDGOAIdfeGR-Skj_IW9pgI8hzFafqajgogr3A&mra=ls&sll=37.27528,-107.880067&sspn=0.146979,0.219727&g=Durango,+CO&ie=UTF8&ll=39.164141,-106.435547&spn=4.582347,7.03125&z=7

[Talon]

I think this is the route (and link) that Talon ment to post.....   http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Denver,+CO&daddr=Durango,+CO&hl=en&geocode=FRJfXgIdgQ---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ%3BFZDGOAIdfeGR-Skj_IW9pgI8hzFafqajgogr3A&mra=ls&sll=37.27528,-107.880067&sspn=0.146979,0.219727&g=Durango,+CO&ie=UTF8&ll=39.164141,-106.435547&spn=4.582347,7.03125&z=7

Sorry, cut it off, thanks JC.

[Talon]

Here's a map of the loop, this would be good, you could do Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray, Million Dollar one way and take the easier route the other.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Denver,+CO&daddr=Gunnison,+CO+to:Durango,+CO+to:Pagosa+Springs,+CO+to:Denver,+CO&geocode=FRJfXgIdgQ---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ%3BFaEpTAId93Kg-SmfW4P1w5I_hzHskqdFEJ12zA%3BFZDGOAIdfeGR-Skj_IW9pgI8hzFafqajgogr3A%3BFcqvOAIdHimf-SlJtAebbts9hzF_FfhBzBaGew%3BFRJfXgIdgQ---SnPFx8jqoBrhzHWNoon-PSOEQ&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=38.505191,-106.435547&sspn=4.401456,12.65625&ie=UTF8&ll=38.470794,-106.435547&spn=4.403555,12.65625&z=7

[JCZ]

An alternative....go south out of Denver to Colorado Springs and then go over to Canon City and stop by Royal Gorge.   http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/

[20 gauge]

Thanks for suggestions. 3 coaches are using Durango as a base for riding the area for two weeks.

[Talon]

Thanks for suggestions. 3 coaches are using Durango as a base for riding the area for two weeks.

Well then, if your looking for the fastest way with the motorhome, I25 south to Walsenburg would be the best, but not the most senice route.

[JCZ]

Thanks for suggestions. 3 coaches are using Durango as a base for riding the area for two weeks.

O.K. I'm envious now.

Durango as home base......Mesa Verde Indian Cliff Dwellings, Four Corners and Monument valley (do a loop that includes US 160 to Colorado 41 north [it will turn into Utah 162 at the state line] through Montzuma Creek, Bluff, Mexican Hat, Monument Valley and come out at Kayenta, Az. where you'll head back north on US 160 past Four Corners and on back to Durango).  It can be done in one day if you get up and get moving.

[DesertHOG]

O.K. I'm envious now.

Durango as home base......Mesa Verde Indian Cliff Dwellings, Four Corners and Monument valley (do a loop that includes US 160 to Colorado 41 north [it will turn into Utah 162 at the state line] through Montzuma Creek, Bluff, Mexican Hat, Monument Valley and come out at Kayenta, Az. where you'll head back north on US 160 past Four Corners and on back to Durango).  It can be done in one day if you get up and get moving.