Cortez, CO or where?

[philbytx]

Deb and I (finally!) have finalized our out trip route to the Un.

 

We are heading west via Las Cruces (where we stop overnight) and then North to Albuquerque up 25 heading towards 4 corners and planned on staying in Cortez (3 nights) and riding the area. We then go to Torrey for 3 nights then to Ely NV overnight and then on to the Un in Gardnerville.

 

Torrey we know from all your wisdom but has anyone stayed and ridden around the Cortez CO area and would that be a good place to stop (the Tomahawk Lodge?) or what would be better in that general area? Would we be better off staying 4 nights in Torrey??

 

Thanks so much for all your help.

 

 

 

[EffBee]

I know a bit about the area, although not Cortez specifically.

 

For riding, you're not far from Durango and the Million Dollar Highway (CO-550), or CO-160 to Pagosa Springs, CO (very nice as well). In fact, you could do a nice loop utilizing 160, 149, 50 and 550. Plan to take the whole day.

 

As for Torrey from Cortez, the short route is 491 to Monticello, 191 to south of Blanding, then UT-95 to UT-24 to Torrey. But I would strongly recommend 145 to 141 to 491, then follow the above. It's beautiful through the mountains, and on 145, plus 141 has a variety of terrain, with plenty of relaxing straights and some really enjoyable twisty sections. Again, plan all day at a relaxed, picture-taking pace. And you WILL be clicking snappies, I promise.

[philbytx]

Hi Nando,

 

Thanks for your kind reply. We will not be riding all the way there from TX. We are towing the RT on the Kendon behind Deb's Subie. Her recent health issues make a 350 mile day about as much as she is able to handle on the back of the bike. Does it make sense to stay in/around Cortez and do those rides you suggested out from there?

 

I just sent Killer a PM asking if staying 4 or 5 nights in Torrey makes more sense that splitting it into two 3 night stays, one in CO and the other in Torrey. We are very open....I just booked 3 nights at the Chuckwagon and could tack on a couple of nights before that if it makes sense instead of booking a 3 night CO stay.

 

Thanks for all your help mate

 

[Rinkydink]

Head east from Cortez/Durango through Pagosa Springs (a really cool town)then towards Creede, Lake City and on to Gunnison. West to Montrose and it's take your pick at Ridgeway, either go the Ouray/Silverton (my favorite)or Telluride route and you can't go wrong. Take lots of pics and enjoy again and again. Ride safe!

 

PS In Pagosa Springs there is an Italian restuarant, if it's still open, that was superb. I'm sorry I don't remember the name of it but it is on the main drag with a huge deck overlooking the street. If you find it check it out. a wee bit expensive but well worth it.

[Paul Mihalka]

If in Cortez, do NOT miss Mesa Verde! From Cortez to Torrey, even trailering you could visit the Moki Dugway which is UT261. From Cortez US160 west, CO41/UT262-163/US163 to the south end of the Moki Dugway near Mexican Hat. Then UT95/24 to Torrey. If you don't want the adventure, US163 north takes you to the end of UT95.

[Bheckel169]

Phil,

 

If you like wine, one of the finest vinyards if not the best in Colorado is a little out of the way place in McElmo Canyon just outside of Cortez. John Sutcliffe is the owner. A former British soldier, cowboy, a former owner of 4 star restaurants in New York and an author, he is salt of the earth and a delight to talk with while he shares his very nice wine. You can also ask to stay at his fantastic home and he'll cook you some wonderful meals while there. I think he charges for this experience and he has some rooms available with optional meals, but sipping wine under the stars in his vinyard is magical. Here's his site, http://www.sutcliffewines.com/

I'll pm you with my name and I'm sure he'd be happy to welcome you. He's worth the visit and it may be the one of the best parts of your trip. You'll know when you get there.

Bruce