Day 3

Day 3

A luscious tree lined ride along the South Fork of the Rio Grande River will be our first attraction as we leave South Fork in our mirrors and head southwest on US Hwy 60 where we travel a classic high alpine pass journey for the next 42 miles, with river valley riding and sweeping, muli-lane ascents to the summit of Wolf Creek Pass. There is something about the name of Wolf Creek Pass that makes it sound serious. At 10,863 feet, straddling the Continental Divide, it doesn't take a pillion seat to any other ridable pass. The ascent to the top is full of anticipation, a quickening of the pulse rate. It is almost like finally getting on the amusement park ride after a long wait. In addition, this road has an attribute not found on most paved Colorado mountain passes - passing lanes most of the way up. This means the curves aren't as tight, but it makes the road a sweeper dreamland, with few to no impediments in front.

As progress is made toward the Wolf Creek Pass, the valley walls will narrow and steepen, becoming canyon walls. Soon the walls will widen, as does the road with the addition of a climbing lane to the summit. Have fun, but watch out here. There is a curving tunnel (or snow shed) below the summit. Inside, it hides a curve tighter than others and can catch an unprepared rider who is just cooking through it.

The west side of Wolf Creek Pass is a major riding blast. Back in 1975, Country Music artist C.W.McCall recorded "Wolf Creek Pass", a song about two truckers in an out of control truck on the pass descent in which he called "37 Miles O' Hell".

There is a nice overlook near the midpoint of the descent and at the bottom of the pass there is a turn off for nearby Treasure Falls, which is said to be worthwhile interrupting the ride for. The remaining 15 miles to Pagosa Springs is a nice wind down with the San Juan River showing the way. It is ultra-scenic here, especially with intimidating Wolf Creek Pass filling up the northern sky with her rocky cliffs and outcroppings.

We soon enter Pagosa Springs and continue westward to Durango along US Hwy 160. This is a rolling 60 mile countryside ride through fields and forests interspersed with attractions, communities, and history. The Pagosa Springs area is rich in history with its nearby mineral hot springs which the Native Americans would fight to own and defend.

The first few miles out of Pagosa Springs is rather uneventful however from the junction of Colorado Hwy 151 to Bayfield, US Hwy 160 presents some great riding. For 24 miles there is an enhancement of all that really matters when it is just you and the motorcycle out in the wind. After crossing the modest Yellowjacket Pass, at 7,700 feet, there is a meandering 800 foot descent which will deliver us to Bayfield 10 miles down the road. For the next 12 miles, from Bayfield to Durango the road is less impressive as traffic increases along with the straightness of the road.

The ride north out of Durango along US Hwy 550 is the eastern leg of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and is probably one of the most favorite riding roads in the country. Once you ride it, you will see why.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in continuous operation for 130 years, and we ride alongside its two rails on our two wheels. We part ways 13 miles north of Durango when the train blows a farewell whistle for a descent to the Animas River Canyon. We on the other hand, will traverse high over Coal Bank Pass and then Molas Pass, before making a great riding descent into Silverton.

From Silverton to Ouray, this San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway takes on the additional name of "Million Dollar Highway", but you can't really put a price tag on this riding experience. You will be hard pressed to think of a more amazing, breath-taking, awe-inspiring, section of paved road anywhere. There are very few superlative words to describe this road, both in terms of scenic awe and travel. Once you ride it you too will be speechless.

If we find a lumbering RV blocking the view or backing up traffic we pull over at a pass summit or a wide spot. Inhale all that surrounds us, give it some time, and then don’t twist the throttle until we know there is a good gap between us and what’s ahead. The scenery here is beyond words and the road is a marvel to witness. You will question the sanity of the person who envisioned building a road through these valleys and mountains.

The descent to Ouray is world class riding as this quaint and historic town is revealed in its box canyon setting. Ouray itself is a very picturesque and quaint western town surrounded by equally picturesque mountains. We will find our lodging awaiting us in Ouray.

Day 3: 173 miles 4 hours saddle time

Continue to Day 4