Colorado Black Canyon — 3-Day Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour
Take on a 725-mile Colorado loop linking Denver, Gunnison, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Glenwood Springs, Vail, and the I-70 mountain corridor. This compact three-day ride combines long mountain stages, national-forest scenery, deep canyon overlooks, hot springs, and some of Colorado’s most rewarding paved roads.
Day 1 covers approximately 255 miles from Denver to Gunnison. Leave the Front Range on US 285 and ride southwest through Pike National Forest. The route crosses high valleys and mountain communities before joining US 50 toward Gunnison. Possible stops along the way include Bailey, Fairplay, Buena Vista, and Salida, depending on the chosen alignment and available time. Gunnison serves as the gateway to the Black Canyon region and provides a relaxed mountain-town overnight stop.
The second day is approximately 210 miles from Gunnison to Glenwood Springs. Follow US 50 toward Montrose and enter the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park area. The canyon’s narrow gorge, sheer dark walls, jagged rock formations, and distant river create one of the most dramatic landscapes in Colorado. After exploring the overlooks, continue through Delta and follow Colorado 133 through Gunnison National Forest and mountain communities toward Carbondale. The day concludes in Glenwood Springs, where riders can relax in the mineral hot-springs pools after two demanding days on the road.
Day 3 covers roughly 260 miles back to Denver. Follow I-70 east through Glenwood Canyon, Eagle, Vail, and the central Rockies. The route crosses high elevations, passes through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel, and descends through Georgetown and Clear Creek Canyon toward the Denver metropolitan area.
This is a mileage-intensive short tour intended for riders comfortable with full days in the saddle, sustained highway travel, elevation, and mountain curves. Temperatures may range from approximately 40–90°F, with sudden rain, wind, or cold possible at altitude. Riders should inspect the motorcycle before departure, carry layers and rain gear, download offline maps, fuel before remote stretches, and monitor weather and road conditions.
This is a self-guided tour, giving you flexibility to choose departure times and extend stops at the canyon or hot springs. Booking the Experience includes a detailed tour booklet with the complete itinerary, daily mileage, route information, suggested restaurants and lodging, rider guidance, and Google Maps links.
3 Days · 725 Miles · Denver · Gunnison · Black Canyon · Glenwood Springs · Vail · Self-Guided
