Overall Route Rating
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4.5 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.5
2 Reviews

Arkansas River Road

Motorcycle Route Author

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By sknockel (7 McR Points) on Feb 11, 2013

Rider Reviews

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GJRonK
2629 McR Points
February 10, 2020
Wonderful scenic route. The write up describes it…
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knoxone
85 McR Points
June 25, 2021
canyons are always fun scenic rides
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Written Directions

Start by heading west on US 50 towards the royal gorge bridge until you get to Salida. Turn right on county highway 291/OAk st. Follow to highway 285 and turn right and take that into Buena Vista.

Scenery

This route runs up along the Arkansas River valley. Rock cliffs and rafters can be seen most of the trip. Pull over spots along the way to walk down by the river and just watch the rafters go by. Watch the cliffs for mountain goats they are a little tricky to see. Once up by Salida you'll see mountain ranges to the west all the way to Buena Vista. As you ride on US 285 near Buena Vista, you'll see a stretch of mountains known as the "Collegiate Peaks" named so because many of the peaks are named after famous US colleges (ex. Mt. Princeton, Mt Harvard, etc). All these peaks exceed 14,000 ft of elevation and line up to form an inspiring and beautiful line of Rocky Mountains. Learn more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collegiate_Peaks. Just an overall beautiful ride all the way

Drive Enjoyment

The road is real nice with a lot of curves. Traffic isnt real bad usually. Mite get a slow 4 wheeler trying to look at the scenery and not many places to pass them.

Tourism Opportunities

Royal Gorge Bridge is along the route. Great to stop and see but expensive to go out on it. Lots of pull over spots to see the river. Not much for restaurants or gas stations until Salida.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

Best way to go the route is From Canon City To Buena Vista because you're on the river side of the road.
 

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GJRonK
February 10, 2020
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Wonderful scenic route. The write up describes it pretty well. Sorry I haven't posted photos yet, why don't you? Take your time and stop a lot.
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knoxone
June 25, 2021
85 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
canyons are always fun scenic rides
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