Today Colorado State Highway 141, also known as Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway was the most wow road we rode. Miles and miles of twisties with beautiful mountains on both sides.
"This road goes around numerous rock formations, knifing through the soft red sandstone of the Uncompahgre Plateau. This canyon witnessed a copper boom a century ago, and decades later processed ore to produce uranium for the first atomic bombs. There’s some natural power at work here.
The wide canyon walls narrow as you meet up with the Dolores River at Gateway, and by now it’s hit you—you’re on a motorcycle dream road.
Gateway also has a luxurious resort (Gateway Canyons), and a world-class collection of American automobiles on the premises."
We did ourselves a favor and stopped for a look and lunch at the Paradox Cafe.
"You’re fully immersed in red rock now, and the massive butte looming over the town (it’s called The Palisade) confirms it. From here, the Byway shadows the Dolores River as it heads southeast, mirroring its every twist and turn. This body of water has way more spirit and drama than mellow East Creek, especially when gaining elevation. If the sheer scenic overload—thousand-foot-tall striated cliffs, endless streams, Montana-grade skies—doesn’t get you, you’re not paying attention.
The road continues its undulations along the Dolores to the San Miguel River, eventually meeting Route 145 at Naturist.
Here’s the disclaimer: the Unaweep Scenic Byway doesn’t offer one awesome destination at its end; it’s simply about the journey. In this case, that’s more than enough."
We also stopped and took an opportunity to do some pictures of the GSA with such a contrast background. Colorful !
Just could not take enough pictures. We have been in many roads and this one makes it to the top 5.
"This road goes around numerous rock formations, knifing through the soft red sandstone of the Uncompahgre Plateau. This canyon witnessed a copper boom a century ago, and decades later processed ore to produce uranium for the first atomic bombs. There’s some natural power at work here.
The wide canyon walls narrow as you meet up with the Dolores River at Gateway, and by now it’s hit you—you’re on a motorcycle dream road.
Gateway also has a luxurious resort (Gateway Canyons), and a world-class collection of American automobiles on the premises."
We did ourselves a favor and stopped for a look and lunch at the Paradox Cafe.
"You’re fully immersed in red rock now, and the massive butte looming over the town (it’s called The Palisade) confirms it. From here, the Byway shadows the Dolores River as it heads southeast, mirroring its every twist and turn. This body of water has way more spirit and drama than mellow East Creek, especially when gaining elevation. If the sheer scenic overload—thousand-foot-tall striated cliffs, endless streams, Montana-grade skies—doesn’t get you, you’re not paying attention.
The road continues its undulations along the Dolores to the San Miguel River, eventually meeting Route 145 at Naturist.
Here’s the disclaimer: the Unaweep Scenic Byway doesn’t offer one awesome destination at its end; it’s simply about the journey. In this case, that’s more than enough."
We also stopped and took an opportunity to do some pictures of the GSA with such a contrast background. Colorful !
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