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Bicycle Colorado

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This out-and-back gravel ride takes you through beautiful Mancos Canyon south of Cortez. Take Mancos Canyon Road off Hwy 491/Hwy 160 for 17.9 miles and turn around at Johnson Canyon Road. Look for Chimney Rock on your right as you start down Mancos Canyon Road.

The Mancos Valley is surrounded by the La Plata Mountains on one side, and the spectacular cliffs of Mesa Verde on the other. You’ll follow the Mancos River for much of the ride.

A few miles north is Jackson Gulch Reservoir (fishing), Mancos State Park (mountain biking), and Chicken Creek Cross-country Ski Area (also good for snowshoeing).

(57.61 km)

 

Skill Level

Beginner

Elevation gain

Travel Tips

  • Park at the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park Visitor Center at the intersection of Hwy 491 and 160 in Towaoc on the west end.
  • The Visitor Center has restrooms and is generally open April through September.
  • Access the ride from the east end off Johnson Canyon Road, which connects to Hwy 160 near the cherry creek area.
  • Plan ahead if you want to explore the Visitor Center and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park as a guide is required.
  • The Ute Mountain reservation is a sovereign nation, they ask that visitors please respectfully accept their ways of life and cultural beliefs.

Key local business services

Hotels

Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch
Sand Canyon National 9 Inn
Kelly Place Bed and Breakfast

Restaurants

The Farm Bistro
Main Street Brewery
Stonefish Sushi and More

Bike shops/rentals

Kokopelli Bike and Board

Off-day things to do

Head to the Four Corners
Visit Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
Head to Yucca House National Monument
Schedule a guided tour of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park Visitor Center (April – September).

A cliff and a vertical rock formation in the daytime.
A cliff and a vertical rock formation at dusk.
A hillside with mostly dead pine trees and ending at the top with snowy peaks.
A sign in a field reading "Welcome to the Beautiful Mancos Valley. Between Mesa Verde and the mountains." In the background are mountains.

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