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Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
I saw this ride on this website and made the journey out here from Arizona. Wow I'm glad I did!!! This will now be an annual ride for me and a group that roams the western US each summer. I especially loved the fact that in between the jaw dropping scenery are great stops sprinkled pretty evenly. We stopped at every one of the nice towns along the way and ended up stretching a one day trip into three and wished we could have stayed longer. Just a lot of neat towns with plenty to do if you're not in a hurry and enjoy snooping around and taking things in. I was told however that we should have tried in early Oct for the color changes. Will be there next year!!!
1968
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13 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Probably the best motorcycle road in America! The scenery is no doubt by far the best scenery I've ever seen and I've been riding for 26 years and put about 5,000 plus miles on per year and have driven in every state but Hawaii. It's a little remote being in the southwest corner of Colorado but that's also what helps me give it a 10 because it's not crowded and not as cliche as "riding the dragon" (I like the dragon too though). Good luck and bring a good camera and a great friend!!
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8 riders found this road review useful
MotoForever
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
We did this ride in June 2014 from Durango up 550 and stayed in Cortez CO after 225 miles. It was amazing. Tops my list for wonderful rides. Everything seems to be just a little more amazing here. The elevation, the alpine trees, the western history, the curves, the valleys, the snow covered peaks, the number of bikes on the road, the museums, I can go on. You might see similar things elsewhere, but you seem to appreciate them more here. Not sure why, I guess I'll have to come back again... The stop in Silverton is bike friendly and parking is easy. We found it difficult to park in Ouray. Finding level areas to park was difficult there. Silverton has excellent food, stores, museum... lots to do. I found myself wanting to see more of the views, but need to keep my eyes on the roads with the huge steep drop offs everywhere! The west side back on Hwy 62/145 is good for running at a faster pace. Sweeping corners. Plan to stop a few times on this road and soak in the beauty. We will be back.
2013
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7 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I have traveled all over Colorado and this is the best of the best. It's truly a religious experiance,
2004
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5 riders found this road review useful
GJRonK
2629 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
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This is a tremendous write-up on this area. Living near there has given me the opportunity to travel various parts over time. It is truly as beautiful as others have described it. I wrote up one description
This is a tremendous write-up on this area. Living near there has given me the opportunity to travel various parts over time. It is truly as beautiful as others have described it. I wrote up one description
2000
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5 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
This is a good route I have ridden many times over the years. If you really want to experience a grand ride, or expand on this loop, instead of taking CO 62 to Ridge way, continue North on CO 145 to Naturita and CO 141 to ride the Dolores River Canyon. Truly an epic ride and worth the time.
2003
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5 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I rode from Miami to California and detoured to take the Million Dollar Highway. Starting in Durango the road climbs to Silverton through alamedas of Aspens that give way to evergreens as you gain altitude. There are three passes over 10,000 ft that still had snow in late May. The road from Silverton to Ouray rates as highly as the Tail of the Dragon in my opinion. The scenery is spectacular, the road is challenging and traffic was light. Ouray is a good stop for lunch. I then followed the loop through Telluride down to Cortez. Much of the route follows valleys with rushing mountain streams following the road. Ten miles of road under repair ("Warning, motorcycles use extreme caution") with oil and loose gravel made the ride challenging. This is definately a Bucket List ride.
2005
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4 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I have also elk hunted in this area and it has, without a doubt, some of the most beautiful scenery to be had. Nice sweeping curves, elevation changes, and good road. A must-ride road if you are in the area. Early October is a great time to ride to see the different fall colors. They are spectacular.
2005
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4 riders found this road review useful
Tallguy88
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is the best ride ive ever been on!! We did do about 3 hours n the rain but it was still unbeatable. Hwy 550 north of Durango has to be the best road in the country. The town of Ouray is one of my favorite towns with hot springs and if you have time stop and take a jeep tour in the mountains. We went in July and the only bad thing was the heavy traffic. I would also recommend getting over mountain passes early in the day because its seems like the weather turns after lunch and you don't want to get caught in a mountain storm. We rode all over the state of Colorado and any road west of Denver is a good ride.
2012
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4 riders found this road review useful
DgoMountie
33 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Have lived near and ridden this road for a lifetime and, always knew it was great, just never realized it till I started touring more.
This is the best of the best and has it all. Good surface, plenty of amenities and stops. History, scenery, challenges, elevation changes and a route made for great riding.
Tips : Sept - Oct and May - June have less traffic. Sept - Oct has unpredictable weather. May - June will have road hazards such as sand and potholes.
Take C184 between Dolores and Mancos. It is more scenic and only takes you a couple miles out of the way if a Mesa Verde visit is in your itinerary.
This is the best of the best and has it all. Good surface, plenty of amenities and stops. History, scenery, challenges, elevation changes and a route made for great riding.
Tips : Sept - Oct and May - June have less traffic. Sept - Oct has unpredictable weather. May - June will have road hazards such as sand and potholes.
Take C184 between Dolores and Mancos. It is more scenic and only takes you a couple miles out of the way if a Mesa Verde visit is in your itinerary.
1998
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3 riders found this road review useful
RedWing04
63 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is one of the greatest routes in the US. It has it all, super scenery, good amenities, good roads and curves, several mountain passes, good overlooks and scenic stops and lots to see and along the way. This route takes you through some of the most rugged part of the Rocky Mountains. While you can travel it in one day it will be a long one if you make only a few stops. It is best traveled in 2 to 3 days with so much to see and visit along the way. Be sure to spend some time at Mesa Verde, Silverton and Telluride and take the train trip from Durango to Silverton if you have extra time. One great ride and a super area you will definitely want to return to.
2004
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3 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
I did this ride about two weeks ago and it was phenomenal. It is a little difficult to get to it because it's tucked down in a corner of Colorado but I was glad I made the trip as there were a lot of nice miles getting there too. I really loved how the ride has the incredible scenery you would expect in a Colorado Rocky Mountain ride with the added bonus of nice stops spread out along its path. I really enjoyed Silverton and Telluride! Great suggestion on the ride - many thanks!
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3 riders found this road review useful
?Wild Bill
6 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
After a recent trip in this area I decided to go back on the motorcycle. This loop is so. Beautiful, it has it all from the mountain passes with switchbacks to some open scenery where you can enjoy the peaks above. All together I rode just over 3000 miles in Colorado in 8 days and want to go back. This loop is one of the best as far as scenery and towns to enjoy.
Take the time to make this trip if you are even close to Colorado, its worth it.
Take the time to make this trip if you are even close to Colorado, its worth it.
2011
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2 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Trike,Triglide, Ultra-Classic. Great ride for a trike, bike or car. Warning- even in heat of summer, freak storms, even snow can pop up. Carry proper warm clothes, and some "survival" gear (food,poncho,c-phone etc.) Other than that- be prepared for most awesome ride of your life!
2013
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2 riders found this road review useful
ROADWHORE
42 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I make it a point to ride this at least once a year. I is my favorite road. when we go yo the four corners Rally we ride it every day. It is steep and twisting with no guard rails. Awsom ride
8
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2 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
We rode this ride in Aug 2012 from Ridgeway down 550 to Durango and then to Cortez. Great ride! Out of Ouray, we ran into rain in the mountains until we got to Silverton. Even in the rain, the ride is fantastic. Stop to enjoy the scenery along the way, it makes for a great ride. Mesa Verde is a must do.
2002
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2 riders found this road review useful
tonyp
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Rode this during the summer of 2011 with my wife. It was the best trip ever. Snow in the mountain in the middle of summer. Great roads, lots of turns, and wonderful views. Add this road to your must do motorcycle rides.
1993
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2 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
We traveled this route in July of 2007 and the roads and weather were perfect, no doubt this is the most scenic motorcyle road in the US........Red Mountain Pass........awesome~!
2008
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2 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
We just finished this ride, 11 July 10, it is truly awesome. The roads were great and the views were breath taking. Make sure you take decent wet weather gear that is warm as the mountain passes are prone to wet chilly weather.
2010
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2 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I'm lucky to live close to this loop and it is one of my favorite rides. Amazing scenery, great twisties. Try to avoid weekend traffic. Durango and Ouray are great places to eat/shop/stay. Can't go wrong with this ride!
2008
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2 riders found this road review useful
Helixor
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
I've done the Million Dollar Hwy ride three times now but only added the 156 loop the last time and it was a great add. The ride between Durengo and Cortez is nothing special so if you're adding this to a route, you can skip that part. I suggest stopping in Silverton to eat at one of a bunch of great choices. But the ride. Well, it's been my favorite road in the US for the last 5 years and I've been to about 42 of our states. My buddies and I typically stay in Durango. I was there just a few months ago, but the Million Dollar Hwy was closed due to a big fire in Silverton. Might go back next month. Whatever you do, find a way to do this loop. If you absolutely must cut some of it out, then the Million Dollar Hwy is the priority
2004, 2013,2015
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1 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Good write-up and I appreciate the submitter's time to do it. One small nit - the "Bridal Veil Falls" link goes to a waterfall with the same name in North Carolina.
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1 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
We took the Ridgway -- Silverton -- Durango -- (Mesa Verde) Cortez legs in late July. The roads were very good with spectacular views. Mesa Verde is a must see. Recommend taking your time. With all there is to see and do, this area could be a vacation destination on its own.
2005
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1 riders found this road review useful
Guest
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Best ride I have ever had! Simply breath taking.
2007
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1 riders found this road review useful
Raul Mondragon
79 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
One of the most beautifully scenic ride I've ever experienced. Rode it the breathtaking ride during the changing of the season and witnessed a multitude of fall colors mixed with evergreen. The mountainous road between Silverton and Ooray (AKA The Million Doller Highway) was filled with majestic scenes, twisty turns, along a multitude of climbs and descends. Telluride was spectacular as was the ride to Cortez. Each town one passes through offer a unique spender, lots of thing to see and experience, The local people we met were extremely hospitable.
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1 riders found this road review useful
pods
65 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I plan my trips to follow the top 100 roads from this list, and this route was "as promised" definitely earns it's top 10 ranking. Red Mountain pass, had been described to me in 2015 by some seasoned riders I met in Oregon.. and I'd been looking forward to trying it.. and it was well worth it. I did the route as described in the original post.. then the next day did 145/141.. also nice riding, but a different type altogether. Recommend this road to anyone. July 2017
2008
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1 riders found this road review useful
wadebyers
91 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Great views! I started in Placerville and went Clockwise. In hindsight I would have did this counterclockwise. The best part is from Ridgway to Silverton which I did early. Avoid Telluride in my opinion, 15mph strict speed limit and a bunch of hipsters.
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1 riders found this road review useful
Dr. B
126 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This was our #1 for scenery out of the whole 7000 mile run. I did it in the fall with the color change and it was outstanding. The ride enjoyment was excellent for a 2 up but the scenery knocked your socks off. We all agreed it was the best we had seen in the whole 7000 miles I can see why it is rated #1 in Colorado. If you can do it in late Sept. early Oct. you won't regret it. PS We could not find anywhere to eat breakfast in Ouray and for a tourist town there was not much available or open.
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0 riders found this road review useful
Smadge
42 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I road this portion on 5 July 2019 and again a top road pick of mine and will be back again.. Great scenery and roads and the smaller communities along the route are worth a stop and walk around to explore...
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0 riders found this road review useful
FightclubTX
25 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Seriously amazing ride. Can be a bit nerve wracking on some of the switchbacks with huge drops off the side of the road, but it is not dangerous if ridden conservatively.
If you're in the region, you need to go on this ride. The journey south from Ouray is tighter and more twisty than the journey north from Durango to Telluride. Both are fantastic.
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0 riders found this road review useful
Cpermenter79
35 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Good ride
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txtraveler
126 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
great road
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0 riders found this road review useful
wadebyers
91 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
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0 riders found this road review useful
Coop
10 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Beautiful ride. I did this ride in late September 2020 the perfect time to go. The weather is still good and fall is settling in so the trees were turning color.
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0 riders found this road review useful
MaxnMim
30 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
We've done this ride a couple of times. It's so beautiful it's worth doing again!
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mmmudpuppy
50 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Breathtaking is really all you can say. I prefer riding it from Durango to Ouray so I'm riding next to the mountain and not on the edge where there is mostly no rail. So much to see and do.
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0 riders found this road review useful
Gary & Vicky
29 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
If you miss this ride, you only have yourself to blame!!! This was the most beautiful ride. we were camped in Cortez, so we did this ride forwards and backwards several times......and will do it again!!!
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0 riders found this road review useful
BVSoftail
48 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Breathtaking. Good roads and striking scenery. Route description well done and, if anything, understated.
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0 riders found this road review useful
Dawg75
55 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
A must ride road in Colorado. Exceptional Rocky Mountain scenery and cool towns along the route. Not a lot of road side barriers along the edge so stay safe.
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Spartaka
89 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Beautiful ride, up and down elevation with lots of turns.
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0 riders found this road review useful
Lynnguist
63 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This is a great ride. The 550 can be very congested.
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G550PLT
10 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Great ride, I would highly suggest spending some time in Ouray!
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eaparada
236 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Rode from Durango to Ouray - the million dollar highway. What a fun ride and beautiful scenery. Had breakfast in Silverton - neat place to visit too.
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Buzz357
9 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Just road this route. Road it counter clockwise. Stopped in Mancos for lunch, nice little town. Parked by the town park. Shade and tables if you just need a break. Silverton and Ouray are nice little tourist towns if you want a break. Great sweepers a few hairpins. Did get stuck behind a camper that brought things to a creep. Pulled off and took a break to give it some time to get ahead.
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BVSoftail
48 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Rode this July, 21 - Great, Great ride. Roads were first rate and the scenery jaw dropping. Only reason not a "5" is the Glacier/Teton/Yellowstone/Bears Tooth trip in 20 - can't hardly beat that trip. Had mechanical trouble near Durango. Mike at Bear Mountain MC Repair dropped everything to get us going. Good man.
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0 riders found this road review useful
tankrat09
105 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Rode the east part of the loop and it was awesome! Unfortunately we caught rain from Ouray almost all the way to Durango but it was still lots of fun.
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619Robert
14 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
If you want to experience everything "Colorado" or "Rockies", or John Denver, this is the route to take!
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619Robert
14 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
If you want to experience everything "Colorado" or "Rockies", or John Denver, this is the route to take!
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woodsracer
5 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Some of the best riding in south west Colorado. You can pretty much start anywhere on this route and make a loop with good eating in Ouray and Silverton
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reddogg051
114 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
beautiful ride
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