Anyone been to the Uncompahgre Plateau?

[Java]

I'm looking for info on a route that looks like fun, it's in the Massey / Wilson CO book, trail #16, Uncomphagre Plateau Trail. It's also called Divide road, and on the maps it's 402. You can see it on the Delorme maps below as 402. It's about 85 miles of easy dirt road that is loaded with campsites and forest service roads. It goes between Montrose and Grand Junction, looks like you can take 90 out of Montrose right into it, and I want to combine it with Rattlesnake Canyon / McInnis Canyons to the North,
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=212 and probably with Tincup Pass on the way there.

Has anyone been to the Uncomphagre Plateau? Any info is good info!

[trailfiend]

I didn't know there was a trail there... I'd be interested to see if anyone has more info, it's gorgeous out there!

[Chris]

I agree, more info would be great!

[Jim]

No, but I've looked at it a time or two. I'd be interested in an exploratory visit!

CO-141 between Gateway and Naturita is my #1 Colorado road for a motorcycle (and perhaps convertible)! One sweet piece of asphalt in a red rock valley. True RoadRunner comic scenery at the southern end.

The Gateway Canyons Resort is another draw to the area - specifically if you like cars... (or have the deep pockets to stay there [300+/night]). The auto museum is worth the stop (with a reasonable admission cost). www.GatewayAutoMuseum.com

You want to plan something, perhaps at either end of the Moab trip? Or maybe a specific trip mid-summer with a stop at some Ouray area trail?

[Jim]

Ah, I see you also mentioned McInnis Canyons. I was there a few weeks back. Some photos start about 60% down this page (they start with a photo of the McInnis Canyons sign and map):

www.JimWilliamson.net/automobile/2012-10-11--luke-to-co/

Looking at what trail damage lists, the trail I was on is not even on their map. I added it to the attached map. The guy I was there with said he used to be able to drive from the northern trail, across the Colorado River, and south to the larger trail system except now there is a locked gate (at what might be the northern end of the trail set that TD shows).

[Java]

Jim Williamson previously posted:

[Java]

your website www.JimWilliamson.net/automobile/2012-10-11--luke-to-co/ is GREAT, you sure have some cool adventures!!!! Those pics are fantastic, I'm sold, it's on the list for sure.

[Jim]

Paul previously posted:

[Chris]

I've spent quite a bit of time reading Jim's stuff as well. well done though it does need better navigation links.

[Brad]

You know I am interested in this area too Paul!

[Java]

Nucking futs!!! http://www.jimwilliamson.net/ultrali...ght/index.html

[Jim]

For a taste of what the world looks like from the driver's seat, the video on this page might be interesting:
www.JimWilliamson.net/ultralight/2005-06-18-low-flying/

I'm a scenery junkie. Perhaps Chris should update my screen name...

[Java]

found this video, the road looks like a basic county road to me and the scenery is awesome. kinda reminds me of parts of Beef Basin in Moab.

[Jim]

Reminds me of the Grand Mesa as well. Reinforces the wish to visit the location and all of the offshoot, dead-enders up there.

[Java]

this campsite is along the way, and the description of the road is pretty good
http://www.coloradowestoutdoors.com/.../iron-springs/

and from one of John Fielder's books:

[Chris]

You may have just located the first trip I take with my trailer Paul.

[Brad]

Good idea Chris! Road looks easy to tow.

[Chris]

Only one wat to find out, probably have to wait until Spring though. It's a bit chilly for me to flip my axle these days.

[Java]

Planning this out, turns out there are a ton of trails for OHV and hiking there. Expand the OHV and Hiking sections the lists are huge! Lots of free camping too.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fs...pahgre+Plateau


This is pretty cool too, not sure how old all of these pictographs really are though:

[AdventureReady]

This is awesome! I'd love to travel on this trail.