We're heading to Colorado 4th of July weekend. Need info on what to expect road conditons, weather, etc.

Thurs.: Chandler, Az. to Mesa Verde Nat'l Park, approx. 437 mi.

Fri.: Check out ruins & get to Gunnison via Hwy 550 & 50, approx. 213 mi.

Sat. is where I need help.
We're planning on taking Hwy. 135 from Gunnison thru Crested Butte to Hwy 92 Near the town of Somerset & then continuing to Delta.
From Delta there is a Hwy 90 that runs into Hwy 141 NW of Norwood. Some maps show Hwy 90 others don't. Does anyone know what this road is like? Gas stations?
We plan on staying somewhere around Telluride if we can find a place to stay, if not continue thru to Cortez.

Sun.: Ride back to Chandler, Az.

Anyone familiar with the area see any problems with our route or have any other info we should be aware of or look out for?

Thanks.

 

Give yourself a few hours on Mesa Verde if you plan on seeing the ruins. The largest ruins are about 20-25 miles south of Hwy 50 and you'll need some time to see Big House and getto Durango. If you are camping that'll save you some time; especially if you stay on the NP. From Durango its uphill to Silverton and down Red Mountain Pass to Ouray before heading to Gunnison. IMO, this is one FULL day.

I'm not certain whether the road from Crested Butte to Somerset is pavedso you might call the C of C in Crested Butte or CDOT in Gunnison to find out. Crested Butte is a beautiful town but if the road isn't paved you might have to doubleback to Gunnison...which isn't bad since the road from Gunnison to Hotchkiss to Delta skirts the North Rim of the Black Canyon NP. You'll have time to make the run from G to Crested Butte and back before heading to Delta.

The ride from Delta - Whitewater & down the Escalante Canyon to Gateway is a beautiful drive. You'll go throughNorwood - Naturita andup the Dolores River Canyon and eventuallyend up nearTelluride. The short detour intoThe-Hell-You-Ride is worth it butmay need lots of cashto afford a hotel room (maybe you do, in which case I'd say go-for-it).Be sure to see Bridal Veil Falls at the south end of town. If you decide not to stay there you'll have to cross Lizard Head Pass and down the Dolores River Canyon to Cortez which is about a two-hour ride from Telluride (with time to stop and take pictures along the way). Leaving to Chandler from Cortez will be much easier on you than staying in Telluride.

Hope this helps. Ride safe and have fun in Colorado.

 

AZGunner: Take a look at this thread. I'm not exactly sure but we may be coming by Chandler in June. Let us know if you're around and maybe our group can hook up with you for a bit.

https://www.hdforums.com/m_2809174/tm.htm

 

Thanks Whiskers.