Epic Rocky Mountain Road You Must Ride

The Collegiate Range is vast and impressive

Located in central Colorado on US 24 (65 miles south of I70) sits Buena Vista. Buena Vista offers awesome views and access to many 14'ers (mountains 14,000 feet or higher) in the Sawatch Range.  It also provides the eastern approach to one of the highest and less traveled paved mountain passes in the Rocky Mountains.

Heading west out of Buena Vista on Colorado Highway 306 Mount Princeton towers to the south at an impressive 14,196 feet and to the north Mount Yale rises to 14,199 feet. The magnificent behemoths are members of the Collegiate Peaks range and beautiful valleys loaded with aspens abound.   The road leads to the Cottonwood Pass.  Historically Cottonwood Pass was the major crossing point for travelers and merchants.  For many years it was only paved on the eastern side, but in September 2019 the newly fully paved road on both sides of the pass opened.

The views are awesome

If one approaches the pass from Almont, on the west side of Cottonwood Pass, take Colorado Highway 742 and turn right on Colorado 209 after traveling approximately half way around Taylor Park Reservoir, which is a picturesque mountain lake with Grizzly Peak (13,433) and Jenkins Mountain (13,440) to the north of the reservoir. The paved connection between Buena Vista and Almont is 56.8 miles of curves, vistas, and access to some of Colorado’s best hiking trails and campsites.

Taylor Park Reservoir is surrounded by snow-capped mountains

Cottonwood Pass 12,126 feet

The average grade of the road is 4.1% but has a 6.1% grade at its steepest section. The road ascends 3970 feet from Buena Vista to the 12,126 feet at the top of the pass making it the second highest pass in the USA behind Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park which rises to 12,183 feet. At the summit the continental divide is crossed and breathtaking views of both sides of the divide can be enjoyed.

 

What a curve!  Looking east from the summit in July

 

Looking east from the pass as the sun is setting - mid June

The road is closed due to snow and/or ice during the colder months but typically open late May till late October or early November. Colorado road closures can be found HERE.

The ride is smile-inducing and the views are world class. Wildlife viewing is always a possibility especially in the earlier morning hours or as the sun sets, caution is advised. The road is popular with bicyclists so be alert.

Buena Vista has a lot of lodging and eating options. 18 miles north of Almont on highway 135 Crested Butte, another beautiful mountain town, has a lot of options or 10 miles south on highway 135 is Gunnison which also has plenty of options.

 

My brother-in-law, Jeff and I at the pass

Western view from the pass in July

 

Cottonwood Pass will not disappoint, but be prepared. 

Some Trave Tips from the Road

Best time to go: Late June through early October. The road usually closes in winter, and snow can linger well into May. Fall is absolutely stunning with the aspens turning.

What to bring: A light jacket (even in summer, it can get chilly up top), water, and snacks. If you’re into hiking, there are trailheads along the way — toss in some boots.

Keep an eye out: Wildlife is common, especially in the early morning and at sunset. Elk, deer, and sometimes bears wander nearby. And remember, cyclists love this road — give them space.

Food + fuel stops: Grab coffee or a burrito in Buena Vista before heading up. On the west side, Crested Butte has tons of great restaurants (plus that mountain-town charm), while Gunnison is bigger and has plenty of practical options.

Photo ops: Don’t miss the pullouts near the summit. The views of both sides of the Divide are the kind of thing you’ll want on your camera roll forever.

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A Wyoming Road That is a Must Ride For Motorcycle Riders

The Rocky Mountains stretch from New Mexico to western Canada for 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) and is full of great roads that twist through, over and around the mountains.  Inspiring vistas, expansive valleys, meandering rivers and abundant wildlife can be see along the way.

 

Taylor Park Reservoir in the Sawatch Range in central Colorado

 

I have been blessed to ride many, but by no means all, of the Rocky Mountain roads, some paved and a few not paved.  All have unique traits, charm and of course views.

One in Wyoming that I have greatly enjoyed on two different occasions, once as I lead a group to Yellowstone National Park for six days and again when a friend and I were heading to Glacier NP then on to Alaska.  The  scenic road travels north of Cody, WY to US 212 aka Beartooth Pass (which is also a delightful and breathtaking ride).  So in reality combining the two roads makes for an awesome ride full of views and curves.

Surrounded by the Shoshone National Forest the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway aka WY 296 starts 17 miles north of Cody off WY 120.  Turning west the byway curves left and begins to rise and fall for the next few miles before beginning to ascend up to Dead Indian Summit Overlook at 8,071 feet (2,460 meters).  The overlook is 13 miles from WY 120 and is worthy of a stop to soak in the amazing view of some of the most pristine Wyoming landscape. 

Breathtaking vista from the overlook

  

From the overlook one can see the Absaroka Mountains to the west, to the north the Beartooth Mountain Range and the Clarks Fork River down below.   

Absaroka Mountains

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway winds off Dead Indian Summit Pass

 

Overlook to the left and Dead Indian hill to the far right

 

Heading north from the overlook for 32.5 miles the scenic byway continues to provide smile inducing curves, switchbacks, elevation change and massive views until it intersects with US 212.  Turning left will take you to Cooke City, Montana and a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.  Turning right will lead up Beartooth Pass, pass Top of The World Store and on to Red Lodge, Montana.

If you get up to NE Wyoming or South Central Montana don't miss the opportunity to ride Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and Beartooth Highway (closed in the winter).  You will be glad you did.

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Biker Oz Interview on Motorcycle Men Podcast

 

I became a fan of podcasts in 2019.  I listened to a lot of different styles and various topics with motorcycle related podcasts occupying the largest portion of my listening time. Some hosts his/her show solo while others use a team approach.  Some are 30 minutes or less while others are much longer.

Some podcasts were entertaining, some informative and some educational.  I continue to listen to have kept me interested and engaged.  In 2021 I posted a list of some of my favorite at the time - check it out HERE.  

However, at that time I had not started following Motorcycle Men podcast.  Many are no longer active anymore while others have built a good following, so I may need to post a new list of favorites soon.

Motorcycle Men is a four man team with the host Ted Kettler aka "Wrongway" and co-hosts Tim aka "Buktu", Chris aka "Joker" and Justin aka "Shoes."  The four guys "share with you their exploits of the road, the roads, the people, the destinations and everything that goes along with it." (Motorcycle Men website)

Broadcasting from the "V-Twin Cafe" stories, motorcycle information and laughs are plentiful.  One-on-one interviews with a wide range of people in the motorcycle world are frequent.  The range of topics and personalities has made the Motorcycle Men podcast one of my current top 5.

While listening to a particular interview with a man who rode to Alaska I was struck by how my experience riding to Alaska was quite different.  I emailed the show and mentioned how much I enjoyed my ride to Alaska with some friends.  Ted responded he was interested in my story.  After communicating we scheduled a time to talk.  I also go to share some of my experiences of track marshaling for MotoGP and MotoAmerica.

2024 I gave Joe Roberts a USA flag to carry as he celebrated his 2nd place finish

 

Follow this LINK to listen to any or all of their shows.  I believe you will enjoy them so give them a listen.  You can find the Motorcycle Men Podcast on various podcast platforms.   Check out past episodes and let me know what you think.

  

Follow this link for a big sale - up to 30% off at Dainese - Good until August 31, 2025!

 

 

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Follow this link for a big sale - up to 30% off at Dainese - Good until August 31, 2025!

 

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

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Unforgettable Waterfall Experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains

 

The Smoky Mountains Waterfalls are beautiful

I've had the incredible opportunity to uncover a variety of stunning waterfalls while journeying through

 the breathtaking scenery of Western North Carolina. Many of these hidden gems are conveniently 

 located near the highway, making them easily accessible. If you’re a waterfall lover looking for an 

unforgettable day trip, let me share one of my favorite scenic routes that begins and ends 

in Waynesville, NC!

 

Kick off your adventure on US 276, famously known as Pisgah Highway. You’ll find yourself enchanted

by the twisting roads as you head east. After enjoying the drive, take a turn onto US 64 west, where

you’ll pass through the charming town of Brevard on your way to Highlands. Keep going west on US

64, and you’ll glide through Franklin, eventually connecting with US 23 north to join US 74 East. This

route winds just north of Dillsboro before bringing you back to Waynesville.

Waynesville Waterfall Loop has plenty of fun curves also!

 

As you navigate along US 276, don't miss the chance to stop at some of the region's most mesmerizing

waterfalls. Must-see spots include the iconic Looking Glass Falls, the easily accessible Moore Cove 

Falls (just a 1.5-mile round-trip hike), Upper Log Hollow Falls (a 2.6-mile trek), Barnett Branch Falls (a 

brief 0.7-mile hike), and the exhilarating Sliding Rock Falls. Each waterfall promises a visual delight, 

and the drive itself is filled with scenic twists and turns that make for an exhilarating trip.

The route has twists and turns as well as beautiful scenery

For a unique adventure, make sure to visit Sliding Rock Falls, located just 28 miles southeast of 

Waynesville and 19 miles north of Brevard along US 276. This favored spot is managed by the 

National Forest Service and requires a $5 entry fee per person. Lifeguards are available from 9 AM to 6 

PM during the peak season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring a safe experience for 

everyone.

The natural slide is fun, refreshing and produces many smiles

What truly makes Sliding Rock Falls stand out is its thrilling opportunity to cool off on a hot southern 

summer day. With a natural 60-foot water slide leading into a refreshing 7-foot deep pool, it’s a fun way 

to beat the heat. The current is just right, guiding you down into the inviting coolness below. While the 

water can be brisk, it’s incredibly refreshing, especially in warm weather. The surrounding landscape 

adds to the ambiance, filled with laughter from fellow adventurers eager to take the plunge.

Sliding Rock Falls is surrounded by old growth trees

 

A visit to Sliding Rock Falls is absolutely worth the trek and small fee—just be prepared for an 

exhilarating splash when you slide in!

A walking path leads behind Dry Falls

As you continue your journey towards Highlands, NC, be sure to take in the sights of Sequoyah Falls 

and Bridal Veil Falls along US 64, just a short distance of less than three miles. More waterfalls await, 

including Dry Falls, Quarry Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. One of the most unique experiences is being able 

to park and walk behind Bridal Veil Falls, a thrill not offered at many other spots!

Bridal Veils Fall pullout allows for a unique perspective

 

Each town on this delightful 135-mile loop has its own charm, featuring inviting shops and cozy “mom 

and pop” restaurants renowned for their delicious meals. This route is a treasure trove of winding 

roads, extraordinary landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and outstanding hiking trails, all just waiting to 

be discovered!

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A Great Ride Deserves a Great Meal: CO 165 and Max’s Place

 

Heading west on CO 165 from I25 - the view is awesome

 

After a satisfying ride, a hearty meal seems almost essential, and when you're riding through Colorado, you're never short on breathtaking roads. With their twists, turns, hills, and stunning landscapes, the state offers some of the best routes for motorcyclists. While finding a great road is relatively easy, discovering a local eatery that serves up fantastic food can be more of a challenge. But when you do find that perfect spot, it’s definitely worth sharing.

Max's has plenty of parking and outdoor seating with a view

 

One such place is the 36-mile stretch of Colorado 165, which runs from Colorado 96 near North Hardscrabble Creek to I-25 in Colorado City. This stretch of CO 165 is a true joy to ride, featuring a mix of sweeping curves, tight bends, and changing elevations.

CO 165 is a fun and scenic road

Co 165 also will lead you pass Bishop’s Castle—an intriguing stop that’s well worth a visit. And after enjoying the ride, be sure to end or start your journey at Max’s, located in Colorado City.

Bishop's Castle is a fun and interesting stop along the way

Max’s sits on the north side of the road as you head east into Colorado City, with plenty of parking available. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options. If you opt for the outdoor area, you’ll enjoy a lovely southwest-facing view of the mountains.

The service at Max’s Place is quick, friendly, and filled with that classic country hospitality. Although the menu highlights breakfast, burgers, and dairy treats, I couldn’t resist trying the Green Chili—a dish that’s hard to come by in Texas.

The green chili is tasty and satisfying

The bowl of Green Chili arrived hot (but not too spicy), topped with shredded cheddar and accompanied by a soft flour tortilla. The first spoonful was a revelation—no need to add anything. The blend of ground meat, beans, spices, tomatoes, and green chilies created a rich, flavorful dish with just the right amount of heat.

The tortilla complemented the chili perfectly. Savoring each bite while taking in the view made for a memorable lunch. And to finish the meal, I couldn’t resist the fresh-baked blueberry pie à la mode.

The pie was served warm, with a generous scoop of soft-serve ice cream on top. The flaky crust and rich blueberry filling made it a standout—one of those rare pies that could stand on its own, even without the ice cream.

Blueberry pie and ice cream was a perfect end to the meal

What really made the meal special, however, was the value. The old-fashioned service and cooking were matched by equally old-fashioned prices. It’s hard to find this level of qualityfor the same price.  It was a great value.

So, if you’re ever riding through the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, make sure to check out Colorado 165, and don’t miss a stop at Max’s in Colorado City.

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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