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Colorado (CO)
Whitewater
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Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway
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Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway

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Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway
5

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
24 reviews
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Bee80204
Denver, CO3,898 contributions
Spectacular drive
Oct 2022 • Couples
This area is spectacular. The Unaweep Divide was a lovely drive. Into Unaweep Canyon which is a deep canyon between Whitewater and Gateway. The land is lush on one side and more barren on the other. It’s name means canyon with two mouths in Ute Indian. This is a reflection of the two creeks - East Creek and West Creek - which flow out of opposite ends of the canyon, separated by the Unaweep Divide. The divide is at 7008 feet. The mountains are layers of different rock making for pretty layers. I enjoyed imagining making a home here. But when I looked the sale price of the land I liked was $1.3 million. Sigh. The sweeping vistas filled my heart and there’s a peacefulness here even while vehicles drive by. The ranch homes are large and lovely. Cows dot the landscape. The drive to Gateway was indeed lovely.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gloandbob
London, UK575 contributions
Wonderful drive
Jul 2013 • Couples
It says something about people when a winery gets top billing over what must be one of the most stunning drives in the US. We are staying in Ouray, and made plans for a long day to incorporate this route plus the Colorado National Monument before returning to Ouray on route 50/550.

First, have a full tank and lots of water.

The first part of the drive to Ridgeway and Norwood were pleasant but not spectacular. When one turns onto route 141 the landscape becomes dramatic. We have never seen as many colours and formations in such a short space of time - and we have been to both rims of the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and Monument Valley. It was a partly cloudy day which meant that the colour of the rocks kept changing.

There are a couple of information points for stop off and a picnic stop just outside Gateway, but as it s such a little used road, photo opportunities abound just by slowing on a straight stretch of road.

It is not a short drive and is only really feasible if you are staying in places such as Ouray, Telluride, Grand Junction, or along the US 50/550 route and do a circular tour.
Written July 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ABbcsb
Boulder, CO51 contributions
really lovely scenic drive in Western Colorado
Mar 2012 • Couples
When traveling by car between Grand Junction, CO and Telluride, CO, a pleasant alternative to Hwy 50 is the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway (Hwy 141, then Hwy 145). We think driving it from north to south is more scenic than south to north. Locals says this is faster than going through Delta and Montrose, but we think it's about the same. To begin, turn off Hwy 50 onto Hwy 141 just south of Grand Junction, near Whitewater. Gateway is a good place to stop for a break, and it has an Auto Museum that gets rave reviews. Along the route, where it looks like you could drive over the edge and into the Dolores River below (-:, watch for the historic site marker on the "hanging flumes". It's pretty interesting. We've never stopped in Naturita, but Norwood is a great little town with 2 restaurants (Happy Belly Deli and West End Pizzaria) that are real gems. Continue down "Norwood Hill" and along the lovely San Miguel River toward the Placerville turnoff. Here you can turn off towards Telluride or head up towards Ridgway. The route towards Ridgway and up to Montrose is also very beautiful.
Written April 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rita B
3,218 contributions
Beautiful in all seasons
Feb 2017 • Family
We often do this drive when we just want to unwind. You travel through such varied geology - Unaweep Canyon was carved as deep as the Black Canyon, but has filled in with lake silt which created a U shaped canyon from the original V shape. There are ranches trough the canyon and vistas of rock battlements.

The Unaweep canyon is a popular spot for bicyclists - you need to be on the lookout for them, especially around curves.

In Uravan, you will see an old uranium mine (copper has been mined in this area as well). And this is an area where dinosaur fossils have been found.

This is about a 3 hours drive - we don't always do the whole thing. But, it is so beautiful that it is worth driving any part of it. We have also taken this as a back route from Telluride to Grand Junction.
Written May 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April A
Grand Junction, CO88 contributions
An Epic Scenic Drive
Apr 2015 • Family
As a local when someone comes to visit we always take them on this scenic drive. It shows the many facits of Colorado, from desert to canyons. A drive where you can see desert big horns on high rocks and huge elk in the valley. A must see road trip.
Written August 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli_Hepler
Delta, CO37 contributions
Spectacular Geology and Histort
May 2012 • Friends
I recently traveled along the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway with takes one from Hwy50 at Whitewater to Ridway Colorado.
Watch for a number of interpretive pull outs to learn about the Unaweep Seep, Driggs Mansion or the amazing Hanging Flume.
A stop in at the Gateway Car Museum for a tour and some lunch is always a treat.
This Byway moves through some fascinating rock formations carved out by time. It's a long trip, but a day trip. Take water and your camera.
Written July 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mountainman827
Custer, SD1,230 contributions
Great scenic drive
May 2018 • Couples
Took this as another way to get to Moab from Grand Junction, great choice if you have the time. Could not believe the variety of landscapes that we drove thru. Have your gas tank full and realize eating choices along the route are few. Stop to see the hanging flume historic site few miles south of Gateway, just about missed it as is just a pull off along the road with interpretive signs to read once you pull over.
Written May 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4sacketts
Whitewater, CO32 contributions
Lived here
Nov 2017 • Family
Great and beautiful place to visit or live. Lots to see and learn. Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path.
Written December 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian B
Denver, CO5 contributions
Much more scenic than I-70
Jun 2017 • Family
I decided to add this route to our trip back to Denver from Moab. It added about an hour and a half and was totally worth it.

I had planned on using the La Sal Loop/Dolores Safari Route/John Brown Canyon but it didn't seem accessible as parts of it are currently under construction. This route was paved and much more practical for my travel companions.

Much more scenic than I-70 between Moab and Grand Junction.

So many beautiful sights and we even saw a young black bear in Gateway!

Absolutely amazing drive if you ever get the chance.
Written June 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dookie62
Erie, CO59 contributions
Gas Up Before You Go!!!
May 2017 • Couples
We took this route from Grand Junction to Ridgway and are glad we did. Just be sure to start with a full gas tank. When we left Highway 550 at Whitewater, we saw a sign warning that there was no gas for 44 miles. There were also few people, but the scenery was varied and always spectacular. Also be advised that the Ouray Visitor's Guide says that this byway is 55-65 miles, but it is twice that distance and took about 4 leisurely hours instear of the 1-2 hours advertised.
Written May 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway (Whitewater) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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