I am planning a solo trip from San Diego to Pagosa Springs Colorado in late July. I will spend one night in Laughlin, then ride 2-3 days to Pagosa. I am looking for any suggestions for the most scenic route possible. Also any general suggestions would be great. I will be meeting my wife and daughter at Pagosa and staying 4-5 days. will freeway home. thanks in advance.

 

Day 1. Hwy 40 to Flagstaff. Hwy 89 north to Hwy 160 Tuba City and Kayenta, AZ. Then scenic route through Monument Valley taking Hwy 163 through Mexican Hat continuing to Hwy 191. It will be a hot ride.
Then get back on Hwy 160 by taking Hwy 162&41 through Bluff & Montezuma Creek to Hwy 160. Hwy 160 east to Cortez. Spend night in Cortex.

Day 2 will take you through Delores, Co following Delores River up and over Lizard Head pass to Telluride. Then to Million Dollar Highway through Ouray, Silverton, Durango CO.
From Cortez Hwy 145 north to Telluride. Continue to Placerville. Hwy 62 to Ridgway. South 550 Million $ Hwy to Durango- Then Durango to Pagosa Springs.

Day 3. Pagosa Springs over Wolfcreek Pass to Southfork, CO. Then up to Creede and Lake City.
If you have a long day continue over Powderhorn to Gunnison, Co. Return via Hwy 14 & 285 to Pagosa Springs

 

I've made that trip before (in June.) Riding thru the dez is no fun. Be sure you plan accordingly.

 

We rode all those roads last July. Each one is a great ride. Yes day one will be hot stay hydrated and don't pass up gas stations. I would ride it again this year except I am going east to West Virginia.

 

Pics of Monument Valley

 

Pics of Million $ Hwy

 

OHV riding San Juan Mountains Million $ Hwy. Rent a jeep or your own 4WD.

 

Mesa Verde, Chimney Rock & Ruins, between Durango and Pagosa. I have also heard good things about camping along the Delores.

 

What he said. Makes me wanna go back.

 

Thank you all for the suggestions. I priviously rode a watercooled vtx 1300 and never was concerned about 100 degree temps. I now ride a 2017 road king. At what temp should i be concerned about the motor?